The Weekly Sentinel

Five-O Shore Road Goes Pink For The Day

2012-01-27T12:06:00.001-05:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist

OGUNQUIT—

This Sunday, January 29, brunch-goers have an opportunity to aid breast cancer research while enjoying their meal at a local restaurant.

For the third straight year, Five-O Shore Road, in conjunction with the Doneto Tramuto Foundation, will benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation for breast cancer.

Jeff Porter, who has owned Five-O with his partner, Tramuto, since 2004, said for each meal served between 10a.m. and 2p.m. on Sunday, the foundation will donate $10 to the Susan G. Komen organization. The benefit has raised just under $2,000 each year since its inception.

In addition, Porter said, 100 percent of the cost of each Bloody Mary served will be given to the Komen group.

Komen’s sister, thereby launching a global breast cancer movement, formed Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation in 1982.

According to the group’s web site “Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”

Three years ago, Porter said, the management team was looking for “things to do for the community in the off season.” There are people in the community “who would like to get out and do something for the community”. So the decision was made to do the annual benefit.

The funds raised by the benefit will go to the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation, Porter said.

“We do a lot of things for the community,” Porter said. “We try to do something to give back to the community.”

The regular brunch menu is available and is listed on the restaurant’s web site, five-oshoreroad.com. There you’ll find brunch favorites—everything from classic Eggs Benedict to Buttermilk Pancakes—as well as Five-O specialties, such as a Veggie Pesto Benedict and Strawberry Crunch pancakes.

Since it’s formation in 1982, Susan G. Komen foundation has been able to raise and invest more than $1.9 billion—through the support and fundraisers throughout the nation—toward fulfilling their promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Since 2001, the Tramuto Foundation has helped many organizations and many people through direct mentoring, scholarships and grants. Join them Sunday, as the Tramuto Foundation and Five-O work to help to make more of a difference in Komen’s search for “the Cure.”

14th Annual “Cheers From The Heart”

2012-01-27T12:05:00.001-05:00

WELLS—

In 1999, the Wells High School Cheerleaders established “Cheers From The Heart,” a charity benefit cheerleading competition. Since 1999, “Cheers From The Heart” has donated over $112,000 to local charities and children in need. Charities include: Seeds of Peace, Camp Sunshine, March of Dimes, Camp Meridian, Maine Children’s Cancer Program and Kids Free to Grow. This year, competitions will be held at three locations: Marshwood High School, Oxford Hills High School and Lawrence High School. These events will take place on Saturday, February 4, at 11am.

Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per student/child. New to this year’s event is a reduced admission fee (by $1) with the donation of a non-perishable food item—teams who bring 10 non-perishable food items will receive $10 off their registration fee. All food collected will be donated to local food pantries. All locations will also accept pet food donations for the local humane society. Save a dollar and help keep food on the table for others in the community, as well as their pets.

For more information contact Jack Molloy, Wells High School Director of Student Activities at 207-646-7011, or Sybil Coombs at 207-604-2907.

“Red Tails” Heavy on Action, Heart

2012-01-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Columnist, Movie Reviewer

“Red Tails” opens with a quote from the United States Army, stating intellectual inferiority and lack of courage as their reason for not employing African Americans for officer assignments.

Following this quote is the first real shot of the film. The camera follows a fleet of German and American bombers flying over Europe. The fighter planes, piloted by Caucasian men, are attempting to protect bombers but quickly abandon them to chase after the glory of shooting down a Nazi plane. In the aftermath of their desertion, the film witnesses the cockpits and cargo areas of the bombers being shot up. Men fall, bleeding, and bombers plummet in pieces, unable to finish their mission.

Following this scene is a rather dull mission, carried out by the African American Airmen of World War II—now known as the Tuskegee Airmen. One of the aforementioned pilots even explains, “They say war is hell, I’d say this is boring as hell.” Shortly into running a routine fly though, they encounter a Nazi with full infantry—this proves an introduction for the audience to the unused talent of the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.

The cast of the film includes a Terence Howard-portrayed Colonel. Beneath his pipe smoking Colonel, are WWII airmen “Easy,” “Winky,” “Junior,” “Neon” and “Joker.” As the first part of the film focuses primarily upon dogfights and air-to-ground combat, it takes a decent portion of the film to understand which character is which. Understandably, though, the cinematic depiction of an entire military division, as well as a story of several different heroes is a tall order in which to fully develop both characters and plot.

Beyond the difficulties of cramming so much into one film—an effort that even it’s direct—a somewhat well-known man named George Lucas—the film showcases action sequences that are at the cutting edge of action cinematography. Films like “Top Gun” and “Iron Eagle” have successfully conveyed the pulse-pounding suspense and speed of a full on midair dogfight, but “Red Tails,” with the help of digital technology, shows the great depths of fighting in midair—weaving between dozens of various competing bombers. When a plane loses altitude, you can see it from angles never before captured onscreen.

The acting is solidly done for the part. However, the passion Terence Howard needs to convey to his officers doesn’t quite ring true. He isn’t quite as believable a Colonel as he should be. For that matter, many of the commanding officers seem to be softer spoken rather than driven, and elements such as the captain’s drinking problem aren’t as well developed as they should have been. He is just seen with liquor in just one or two scenes, but the film is almost devoid of any real conflict regarding his alcoholism. Which further helps to propagate the question of whether or not Lucas spent more time on visuals than on plot-content.

All criticism aside, though, these characters remain with you long after the film ends. The story is a terrific history lesson of what our nation has overcome when it comes to racial barriers. It does a lot to highlight the bravery and prejudice that highlighted the work of these men during World War II.

Bottom line: “Red Tails” is a solid movie and, save for a little language, it is a rare opportunity for a father and son movie outing. The acting is a bit soft in spots but the imagery is breathtaking. The characters are people that the audience will care and root for, even though it takes over half of the movie to get to know them. There are no real standout performances, but there are many quotable lines throughout the film. Most importantly, each character gets a scene or two to make his definitive mark.

In the end, viewers will walk away wanting at least another half an hour with such a quietly charismatic cast. 3 out of 5 stars.

Scott Stevens Steps Down As Executive Director of Museums of Old York

2012-01-20T15:47:00.003-05:00

YORK—
After fifteen years as Executive Director of the Museums of Old York, Scott Stevens has informed the board that he will be stepping down. A search process is underway, with the goal of filling the position by June 1.
Stevens says it is a good time for a transition. “Old York has a strong board and a really good team at the staff level. The Parsons Center, opened in 2008, has helped us develop new ways to serve our audience. We are grappling with the challenges historical museums face today in a strategic planning process well underway. A new leader with fresh perspective will have the chance to play a pivotal role in the museum’s future.”
“Old York has been a dream job in many ways,” according to Stevens. “The buildings and collections are endlessly fascinating. The legacy of their preservation and care for 112 years is truly inspiring. It has been a huge honor to be a temporary steward. Most rewarding of all has been [my] working with the many people who make the organization thrive, from [the] great staff to [our] dedicated trustees and committee members, volunteers, members, donors, Junior Docents; the list goes on and on. Many people have made possible every step we have taken.”
Stevens has directed four museums in four states over the course of a 27-year career. “I have loved the diverse challenges of directing community-based museums, especially this one,” says Stevens, “but at this point in my life, I’m ready to reduce the breadth of my responsibilities and focus on areas of strongest interest to me.” He will pursue work as an independent consultant. Stevens plans to remain in York, where he and his wife, a teacher at York High School, are deeply involved in the community. Old York will post the position opening in the next two weeks and will begin accepting applications January 23. Stevens has agreed to stay until a successor is in place.
Photo caption: Scott Stevens of the Museums of Old York. (Courtesy Photo)

Shootin’ For a Cure Raises Over $25,000

2012-01-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

WELLS—

Wells’ Lady Warriors fundraising event, “Shootin’ For A Cure,” took place this past Saturday, January 14. Top fundraiser was Jenna Ingalls, and the top foul-shooter was Abby Moody with 47/50.
The Girls’ team was able to help the event raise $26,600. Additionally, the girls were able to meet with a breast cancer survivor who is currently receiving treatments. She made each girl a bracelet and spoke with them individually, this helped the girls realize what this whole day was truly about—our community and our families and the importance of cancer awareness.
Photo caption: Pictured are the Lady Warriors in their “Shootin’ For A Cure” uniforms. (Courtesy Photo)

Kittery Officials Finding Source of Bacterial Contamination to Spruce Creek

2012-01-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

KITTERY—
After two years of investigation, Kittery is making significant progress in finding the sources of the bacterial contamination of Spruce Creek—which has kept shellfish beds closed for several years—according to studies presented at the Kittery Town Council meeting Monday evening.
The studies are a part of the Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project, which is a four-year effort to determine the causes of poor quality in the creek and find ways to reduce or eliminate the pollutants that cause the problems.
“Spruce Creek is an impaired water body, and the primary impairment is bacteria, which is why we’re here,” said Forrest Bell, owner of FB Environmental (FBE), which has conducted the studies. “The Town and the Spruce Creek Association have been very successful in getting Maine DEP grant funds from the Federal Section 319 program over the last four years.”
“We’re now in the fourth year of grant-funded projects that are making a lot of changes on the ground to address some of these bacteria and storm water issues,” he said. “Spruce Creek is actually a model in Maine and New England as far as water quality protection [goes].”
The most recent studies have focused upon measuring the water quality coming from outfall pipes that discharge into Spruce Creek. They found the presence of harmful bacteria in levels that are 10, 20 or 30 times above the legal limits as measured by e-coli bacteria, said Bell.
Bell notes that shellfish beds have been closed for many years and the goal of the work is to clean up the bacterial contamination and re-open the beds. “It’s quite a goal to obtain, but little by little we’re taking steps.”
Results from an initial 2009 investigation showed outfalls had exceedingly high levels of bacteria in wet weather and even during dry weather—a bad sign, according to FBE project manager, Emily DiFranco.
This was especially true at outfalls in Admiralty Village, she said. After discovering these high levels, the FBE was hired by the Town to conduct additional sampling to try and get a better handle on where the bacteria was coming from in this area, [a] former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard housing.
DiFranco was helped by the Kittery Department of Public Works, which provided mobile cameras that traveled up drainage pipes in Admiralty Village to find the sources of bacteria-laden drainage.
“When we found one nonfunctional catch basin—the Sewer Department Works was out there the next day to fill it in,” she said. “I’ve never seen a town act so quickly.”
In the course of the investigation, researchers found catch basins on private property in Admiralty Village that drained, even during dry weather, with high concentrations of bacteria. Other significant sites with high bacteria counts included culverts at Picot Road, Haley Road at Trafton Road and Cole Avenue.
“There are still a lot of potential places and things that we haven’t found,” she added.
Bell said they would seek additional funding from the town to pinpoint the problem areas so that steps may be taken to remediate them.
Kittery’s new town manager, Robert Markel, formerly town manager of Ipswich, Massachusetts, knows the value of removing sources of bacterial contamination to shellfish beds.
“It was an eye-opening presentation, how they had done that great detective work and found that one pipe that was red-lined,” he said. “That’s clearly the kind of work that needs to be done.”
“Going forward, if water quality in Spruce Creek is going to be improved—and everyone seems to want that—this is the kind of work that is essential,” he said.
“All the shellfish areas are open [in Ipswich], whereas if you go back 15 years, there were portions of the town that were permanently closed—so it does work,” he said.
“I see the possibility of bringing back a very important resource for the town,” he said.
This article provided by David Ramsay, Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project Manager. FMI: dramsay24@myfairpoint.net.

More Than $2 Million Awarded to Maine Nature Conservation

2012-01-13T11:44:00.000-05:00

BRUNSWICK—
More than $2 million will help public and non-profit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine.
The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program—which is administered by The Nature Conservancy, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—announced awards totaling $2.4 million to help restore, enhance and preserve wetlands and other important habitats at 17 project sites.
The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called ‘In Lieu Fees’ are collected by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy.
“This third round of grants is another step forward for the conservation of aquatic resources in Maine,” said Alex Mas, who manages the program for The Nature Conservancy in Maine. “Traditional mitigation projects can often be scattered, small or poorly located; this program allows us to focus wetland mitigation funds in high priority areas to help ensure they continue to provide important benefits like habitat, clean drinking water and flood control for people and wildlife into the future.”
At a time of limited resources, this program has awarded crucial funding that will allow us to add wetland, waterfowl and wading bird habitat to a popular Wildlife Management Area,” said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW). “The funding also enables our Department to begin restoration work designed to enhance water quality and wetland health.”
“This collaboration between Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps is facilitating a systematic and strategic process for comprehensive compensation projects that are saving and strengthening our state’s highest value wetland habitats,” said Commissioner Patricia Aho of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. “In just a few years, this program has become one of Maine’s most meaningful tools, used in partnership by conservationists and developers to ensure important environmental protections. It’s a win-win for Maine’s natural environment, and its economic one.”
“After all efforts have been made to avoid or minimize wetland impacts, this program provides permit applicants an efficient and workable alternative to traditional mitigation, while providing a better outcome for our wetland habitats,” said Ruth Ladd, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District. “The fees are used to restore, enhance, preserve or create aquatic resources and their associated uplands.”
This is the third round of awards from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to advance important land and water conservation around the state. More than 2,300 acres of land will be conserved or restored statewide.
In rural Penobscot County, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will protect more than 2,000 acres of habitat, expanding the Mattawamkeag River System Wildlife Management Area. The majority of the property is wetland associated with the river and with Eagle Pond. Nesting bald eagles and rare Clayton’s copper butterflies—verified at just eleven sites worldwide—have been seen in the area.
In the mid-coast, a DIFW restoration project on Maquoit Stream in Brunswick will restore a wetland that will serve as habitat for migratory fish as well salt marsh sparrow (a Maine Species of Special Concern) and other birds—with the removal of a small earthen dam and reestablishment of a natural stream channel and more than 10-acres of wetlands.
In southern Maine, the York Land Trust will protect just over 22-acres within the watershed of Boulter Pond, which supplies drinking water for thousands of residents in Kittery, York and Eliot. The area is also an important habitat for woodpeckers and great blue herons.
The Great Works Regional Land Trust will protect 83 additional acres in South Berwick as part of the ongoing “Mount Agamenticus to the Sea” conservation effort. These wetland areas provide some of Maine’s best habitat for Blandings and spotted turtles.
In Franklin County, the Androscoggin Land Trust will protect 42-acres of forestland in the town of Jay as part of their “Expanding the Androscoggin Greenway Project.” The property will be managed for wildlife habitat, water quality protection and low-impact recreation.
Other award recipients include: Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Council; Blue Hill Heritage Trust; Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust; Georges River Land Trust; Greater Lovell Land Trust; Kennebec Land Trust; Sebasticook Regional Land Trust; Trout Unlimited; Western Foothills Land Trust; and the towns of Wells and Falmouth.

Supper Fundraiser to Support Traip Academy’s Robotics Team

2012-01-13T11:43:00.001-05:00

KITTERY—

On Friday, January 20, Circle Subs in Kittery will be serving a Ham and Bean Supper to help raise funds for Traip Academy’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Team.
“We are so grateful that Circle Subs is helping us with this fundraiser,” said Nathan Dacy, the Robotics’ team captain. “Our biggest challenge has always been raising enough money to accomplish all of our goals. Donations can help us to cover our expenses, including registration costs for events, materials and supplies, and will help defray the cost of travel and accommodations for the competitions.”
The team, called the Robo-Rangers, is made up of high school students whose purpose is to work together to build a robot that can complete a specific set of tasks and compete against other high school teams in regional and national events. Teams are given a set of parts and the competition details at the beginning of January and have six weeks to construct a robot. FIRST was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
This is the second year for the FIRST Robotics Team at Traip. Last year they competed at Boston University. This year they will be competing at The Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, March 1-3.
Along with the homemade ham and baked beans, the dinners will also include corn bread, dessert and a drink—all for just $7. Dinners can be picked up on Friday, January 20 between 5 and 7p.m. at Circle Subs on 167 State Road, Kittery. It is recommended that dinners be pre-ordered. To order a dinner call Circle Subs at 207-439-7655. Circle Subs will be donating the proceeds raised from the dinners to the Traip FIRST Robotics Team.
Photo caption: Pictured are members of Traip Academy’s FIRST Robotics Team. (Courtesy Photo)

YCCC Receives $5,000 in Scholarship Support

2012-01-13T11:43:00.000-05:00

WELLS—
York County Community College and its Foundation recently received a $5,000 grant from the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament (SITT) Charitable Foundation—the first phase of establishing an endowed scholarship at the college.
SITT hosts an annual fishing tournament in South Portland that has generated over $300,000 to support programs and scholarships at Maine’s community colleges. It is SITT’s goal to eventually endow each of Maine’s seven community colleges with $100,000 for scholarships. The donation this year to YCCC was the first the school has received from SITT.
Last year, the group of Maine business leaders and fishing enthusiasts, led by Phil Grondin of R.H. Grondin & Sons, received national attention and recognition in honor of their outstanding support for Maine community colleges. SITT was one of ten community college donors in the country to receive the Benefactor Award from the National Council for Resource Development (CRD).
“This is a very generous contribution, and will allow us to offer scholarships to more students in financial need,” said John Rainone, YCCC’s Dean of Institutional Advancement and CRD’s 2012 President. “It will allow us to begin to offer additional scholarships in the 2013 academic year.”
York County Community College, established in 1994, is one of seven community colleges in the Maine Community College System. The college enrolls over 1,600 students in associate degree and transfer programs and over 2,500 individuals in non-credit continuing education and professional development areas.

“The Immortal Marilyn” Authors to Speak in Portsmouth

2012-01-13T10:31:00.000-05:00

PORTSMOUTH—

Fifty years after Marilyn Monroe’s death, the screen legend’s influence on theater, television, film and other performing arts will be the subject of discussion at the Portsmouth Public Library on Wednesday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m.
John De Vito and Frank Tropea, co-authors of “The Immortal Marilyn: The Depiction of an Icon,” have studied more than 100 examples, ranging from documentaries to works that reference the star in more ambiguous ways. Masters of trivia on Monroe, the authors will answer questions from the audience following their talk.
Additionally, one of the plays studied by the authors, “Body” by David Mauriello, will be presented at the Players’ Ring Theatre in Portsmouth from January 27 through February 12. In “Body,” De Vito and Tropea write, “Marilyn's role is analogous to the poor young woman of so many fairy tales who is transformed by some magical, otherworldly means into a beautiful princess or golden goddess.”
This special presentation comes with much anticipation, as Monroe has been quite the topic of popular culture in the past few months. Specifically of note is Michelle Williams portrayal of the titular character in “My Week With Marilyn,” a film that has been followed by Oscar-buzz since it’s opening. The Simon Curtis-directed film was produced by The Weinstein Company.
De Vito is a film technician at the Boston Public Library and holds a BA in visual studies from Harvard University. Tropea holds a BA in English Literature and psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a MA in literature and psychology from Harvard University.
Their January 18 talk, “Marilyn Monroe: An Icon for All Seasons,” is free and open to the public in the Levenson Community Room of the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the discussion is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Courtesy Photo)

Secretary of State Charlie Summers Announces “Conversations With The Communities”

2012-01-06T17:16:00.000-05:00

AUGUSTA—
In an effort to address the safety concerns surrounding young drivers, Secretary of State Charlie Summers announces “Conversations With the Communities”—a public discussion regarding ways to improve the safety of Maine’s young drivers. “Too many tragedies occur on Maine roadways involving young drivers every year. This past year alone, there were around 50 fatal crashes where a young driver—someone between the ages of 16 and 24—was involved. That’s almost one crash a week,” Summers said. “It is my responsibility as the Secretary of State to look at ways to improve the safety of young drivers and all of us traveling Maine’s roadways. I want to ensure that when a young person gets behind the wheel, they have been provided with the best tools available and the experience they need to be a safe, responsible driver. And I feel the best way to begin this process is to engage parents, students, educators and other concerned members of the community in an effort to make Maine’s young drivers the best in America.”
Secretary Summers has established a Technical Review Panel (TRP) as required by Maine law, M.R.S.A. Title 29-A, that will conduct a comprehensive review of young driver requirements, such as laws, rules, and the driver education curriculum in Maine. The Panel is made up of representatives from the Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Education, the Insurance Industry, the Motor Carrier industry, and the driver’s education community. Summers has also asked Sarah Beth Campisi, a sophomore from Thorton Academy who recently completed driver’s education, to be a member of the TRP as well. Summers said, “Although I wasn’t required to have a student on the Technical Review Panel, I feel Sarah Beth will offer a unique perspective that will benefit the Panel as we discuss areas for improvement. She has recent, first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to be hitting our roadways as a new driver.”
“Conversations With the Communities” will be held on the following dates at the local Bureau of Motor Vehicle Offices: Thursday, January 5 in Lewiston at 6 p.m.; Monday, January 9 in Kennebunk at 6 p.m.; Thursday, January 12 in Portland at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, January 17 in Bangor at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, January 18 in Caribou at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, January 19 in Calais at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For a complete schedule of “Conversations With the Community,” including addresses to the motor vehicle locations or for information and instructions on joining the discussion via Webinar, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.maine.gov/sos/.

CPS Announces Annual “Clinical Site of The Year” and “Best Practice” Award

2012-01-06T17:15:00.000-05:00

SANFORD—

The 2011 Clinical Site of the Year award and the Best Practice award for the Northeast Region were presented to Goodall Hospital in Sanford, Maine by Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS). The awards were presented to the Director of Pharmacy, Fred Anselmo. In order to receive the Clinical Site of the Year award, Goodall needed an Operations Audit score of at least 85 percent, outstanding financial performance by meeting or exceeding budget, superior scores on The Joint Commission Survey as well as clinical success and maintaining good relationships with hospital administration. For the Best Practice award, the hospital had to score at least a 95% on the annual operations audit, which includes regulatory, quality, clinical and operational categories.
Marcus Baker, Regional Vice President for CPS shares that the pharmacy team at Goodall Hospital makes a difference every day in their provision of care to the patients and staff of Goodall Hospital. “There is a strength in numbers in this top notch staff who support the patient centered care expected by hospital leadership and Comprehensive Pharmacy Services. They exemplify the CPS vision statement, “Advancing pharmacy practice, one patient at a time.”
Isabel Schmedemann, Chief Operating and Nursing Officer for Goodall hospital adds, “We couldn’t be happier with the performance of our pharmacy department. They excel everyday and are always at the forefront of patient care.”
CPS is the nation’s largest pharmacy services provider, partnering with greater than 300 hospitals and health care facilities in 46 states (including D.C., Puerto Rico and the USVI) and employing over 1,600 pharmacy professionals. For more information, visit www.cpspharm.com.
Photo caption: Goodall Hospital’s pharmacy staff pose with their Clinical Site of the Year & Best Practice award presented to them by Comprehensive Pharmacy Services. (Courtesy Photo)

Well, I’ll Be...: A Review of “Damned”

2012-01-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Reviewer
Chuck Palahniuk’s latest novel, “Damned,” combines themes of several of his previous works: the grotesque depiction of American celebrity he mastered in “Tell All,” the taboo of basic human drives from within “Choke,” and the supernatural elements that made his masterpiece “Lullaby” such a page turner. Having several of his books adapted to film, including his breakthrough novel “Fight Club,” Palahniuk is a staple on must-read lists worldwide. A note on local facts, he has stopped in Portsmouth during two of his recent book tours.
The titular “Damned” refers to the main character, Madison, the thirteen-year-old daughter of “Brangelina”-esque celebrities who is said to have died from an accidental overdose. Beyond dying early, Madison has somehow fallen from ‘grace’ and been sentenced to spend eternity in the “lake of fire.”
From the opening chapter, this concept treads upon the hokey side because of its lack of proper imagery of Hades and its depiction of a teenage rivalry between two condemned souls. As the story progress, Madison meets a group of friends that prompts a reference the “Breakfast Club.” There is the jock, the geek, the prom queen, the punk and Madison herself, the undesirable girl or recluse—she compares herself to the Ally Sheedy-played recluse of the famous John Hughes film.
Further on in the story, we learn that the reasons the characters have ended up in hell range from an offside penalty to stealing bread for a hungry family. Much like Dante, Palahniuk masterfully inserts dozens of other reasons for condemnation: saying the ultimate swear word more than 700 times in a lifetime, practicing Buddhism at any point and honking a horn too many times—which condemns cab drivers on the spot.
Humorous anecdotes like the aforementioned make an otherwise slim early narrative both fun and engaging.
Further into the book Madison endeavors to take over Hell. Her nerdy friend knows the origin and taxonomy of each demon, and the readers are treated to history lessons in world religion, as demons are merely gods of dead religion. Through this trek through the underworld, they travel through a river of clipped fingernails and various other unbecoming collections of human waste in order for Madison to reach her goal.
“Damned” slowly evolves into an adventure-story that makes up for a slow beginning. A story dependent upon character set-up, layered themes flesh out the narrative as Madison’s story unfolds. The scenarios are hilarious and outlandish—though sometimes become so explicit that readers may envision the adult-oriented cartoons of R. Crumb. Especially during at least one scenario that remains too graphic to depict in this publication.
As readers laugh their way through this book, much of the satire and jabbing seems both indulgent and unnecessary. As the book winds down to its last pages, though, Palahniuk proves his skill as a master satirist as he crosses every “T,” dots every “i,” and proves each pun intentional.
“Damned” is a fun and unique romp from a modern disciple. Kurt Vonnegut’s latest—though a tad more adult-oriented than some may think—is ultimately a solid read. (Courtesy image)

New Perkinstown Commons Preserve in Wells

2011-12-30T17:14:00.000-05:00

WELLS—

Residents of Wells, North Berwick and the greater region will be enjoying a new nature preserve in the New Year. After more than a decade of community efforts, the town of Wells purchased the former Granite State lands from Unitil Corporation on Thursday, December 22. Great Works Regional Land Trust will hold a conservation easement on the 288-acre property, which was renamed Perkinstown Commons.
“It was a team effort between the Land Trust, the Town of Wells Conservation Commission, Unitil, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and other dedicated partners,” said Tin Smith, who is Stewardship Coordinator for the Wells Reserve and a Great Works’ Board Member. “More than 112 donors from 19 different communities, along with granting agencies, made this success possible.”
According to Unitil’s Media Relations Manager, Alec O’Meara, the company had inherited this tract of land as part of its purchase of Northern Utilities in 2008.
“Protecting open space, where possible, can have such value to a community and the quality of life of its residents,” said O’Meara. “We are thrilled to see the property end up in the hands of the Town of Wells and Great Works, where it will remain open and available for recreational use.”
Perkinstown Commons, named after one of the area’s historical families, is located off the Perry Oliver and Quarry roads in western Wells with a few acres in North Berwick. It is crossed on its southern boundary by a leg of the Eastern Trail, a scenic pathway being developed from Kittery to South Portland. The preserve features woodlands, wetlands, vernal pool and significant wildlife.
“The conservation easement with Great Works will help the town manage Perkinstown Commons for open space, recreation, education and ecotourism. I envision people of all ages enjoying its natural rural quality and abundant wildlife,” said Jon Carter, Wells’ Town Manager.
Wells Conservation Committee and a fundraising committee worked with Great Works Regional Land Trust and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve to fund the $425,000 project. Town voters approved $200,000 from the town’s Open Space Fund.
Perkinstown Commons contains a mile of shoreline on West and Perkins brooks, both headwater streams for the Great Works River Watershed. A grant of $100,000 was awarded from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) through a voluntary mitigation program managed by The Nature Conservancy on behalf of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. “This program allows us to focus wetland mitigation funds in high priority areas like Perkinstown Commons,” said Alex Mas, Director of Strategic Partnerships at The Nature Conservancy, who manages the MNRCP program.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant for creating a New England cottontail (NEC) rabbit habitat on 75 acres. The non-profit Wildlife Management Institute submitted the grant. According to Kate O’Brien, Wildlife Biologist at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, other endangered or diminishing species, such as the Blue-winged Warbler, Eastern Towhee, and American Woodcock, will also benefit.
Another $2,500 grant was awarded by the John Sage Foundation. The remaining funds were raised in a grass-roots campaign by individuals, businesses and organizations with a $20,000 challenge grant from a local real estate developer, Howard Hall.
“So many people devoted countless hours over the years, and they are all to be congratulated on this significant contribution to the town,” said Karl Ekstedt, chairman of the Board of Selectmen for Wells.
Community collaboration on Perkinstown Commons stems back to the late 1990s, when the so-called Granite State land was permitted, against local opposition, for the largest liquefied natural gas tank in the US. It was never built. Great Works, inspired by local support, secured the purchase and sale agreement from Unitil in 2010.
Perkinstown Commons will be improved with public trails and remain accessible for multiple educational outings and recreation, including skiing, hunting, and fishing. A public hike has already been scheduled for the early new year.
For more information, visit the Great Works Regional Land Trust site at www.gwrlt.org. To become a member, contact Patti Mitchem or Anne Gamble at info@gwrlt.org.
Photo caption: Left to right — Richard Clark, selectman; Larry Walden, town attorney; Jack Kareckas, board president of Great Works; Jon Carter, town manager; Patty Quinn, Unitil; Mike Livingston, town engineer; David Clark, neighbor who granted trail easement; Tin Smith, Wells Reserve’s stewardship coordinator and Great Works’ board member; Owen Grumbling, chair of Wells Conservation Commission. (Photo courtesy Great Works)

Benefit Being Held for Local Father Fighting Brain Cancer

2011-12-30T17:13:00.000-05:00

Local Businesses, Artists, and Friends Band Together

SOUTH BERWICK—
Living Every Moment, a benefit concert for Paul Agakian, will be held at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center off Rte 236 in Eliot, ME on Sunday, January 8, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Paul Agakian, a 34-year-old Durham native and South Berwick resident was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare and malignant form of brain cancer. The benefit is to help offset extensive medical expenses and assist in covering critical day-to-day costs for Paul’s two young children and wife Bailey, currently teaching social studies at Rochester Middle School.
The following musicians have donated their time to perform: Dan Blakeslee, TJ Wheeler, Dave Gerard, The New England Bluegrass Band Trio, Carri Coltrane, Full Chord Press, Bob Halperin and Mike Rogers, The Shaw Brothers with Taylor Whiteside, Billy Butler, Tim Theriault, Josh Jones, Dylan Schwartz-Wallach, and Paul’s brother, Roger Martin.
In addition to live music, Living Every Moment will feature a silent auction and raffles. Donated items include an exciting selection of artwork, crafts from local artisans, concert/game tickets, and gift certificates from seacoast establishments such as Cava, The Black Trumpet, Brazo, The Flower Kiosk, Pepperland Café, Indoor Ascent and many more.
This event is generously sponsored by The Regatta Banquet and Conference Center and Paul’s employer, NAPA Auto Parts, with poster art donated by Dan Blakeslee.
Tickets for the benefit are limited, and can be purchased in advance only for a suggested $25 donation, from Ganesh Imports in Portsmouth, NH, and Newburyport, MA, Seacoast Sewing on Route 1 in Portsmouth (Bowl-a-Rama Plaza), Flatbread Company (Sunday -Thursday) in downtown Portsmouth, NAPA Auto Parts in York, ME, or directly through Erin Tuveson, one of the event coordinators.
Donation cans have also been placed inside various businesses around the Seacoast. Please help us support this incredible family. Direct contributions are also welcome. For more information, please visit www.supportingpaul.com or contact erin@supportingpaul.com. (Courtesy photo of Paul and Bailey Agakian)

Jessica Lindgren Named Rider of the Year at Carlisle Academy

2011-12-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

LYMAN/KENNEBUNK—

Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports recently celebrated the end of its 2011 inaugural season with a holiday party for its students, families, apprentices and friends. Year-end awards were celebrated amidst the cheerily decorated riding ring.
Jessica Lindgren, daughter of Leslie and Carl Lindgren of Kennebunk, was named 2011 Rider of the Year. A framed award honored Jessica’s commitment to riding, noting her perseverance, hard work and growth. Jess has been riding in the program since 1998, participating in both hippotherapy and adaptive riding.
“It is so important to acknowledge the incredible gains our students make,” said Sarah Armentrout, co-founder of the riding academy. “Overcoming multiple challenges, Jess arrives at the farm week after week. The moment she begins grooming her horse Onyx, a bright smile spreads across her face and all is right with the world. She has gone from needing the assistance of two sidewalkers in the early years to now working on riding independently.”
Awards were also given to Diane Zaitlin, of Saco, who received the Apprentice of the Year award, and two equine awards: Horse of the Year “Mabel” owned by Jessi Standish of Wells, and Rookie Horse of the Year “Zoe” who was recently donated to the program by Mary Giftos of Cape Elizabeth and Florida.
Carlisle Academy (formerly Equest) is a comprehensive riding school offering hippotherapy and adaptive programs, Para-Equestrian sports, as well as traditional equestrian training opportunities for educators, practitioners and riders alike. Carlisle Academy’s mission is to transform lives through horses through its distinctive services – rehabilitative through recreational – within an inclusive environment that fosters learning, growth and overall well-being. FMI visit www.carlisleacademymaine.com.
Photo caption: Jessica Lindgren of Kennebunk with her horse, Onyx. (Courtesy photo)

Frozen Fenway Matchup to Feature UNH vs. Maine

2011-12-23T15:54:00.000-05:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
BOSTON, MA—
The ice hockey arch rivalry between the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine will take to a new venue early in 2012, as they travel to Massachusetts to renew their storied rivalry.
The Frozen Fenway offering this time around will feature the Wildcats and the Black Bears on Jan. 7, according to school officials, Hockey East and Fenway Sports Management.
The historic doubleheader at the summer home of the Boston Red Sox will see the UNH-Maine game begin at 7:30 p.m., following a 4 p.m. contest between the University of Vermont Catamounts and the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.
“Few experiences in my four decades in college hockey were as special as the first Frozen Fenway in 2010,” Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna said in announcing the twin bill. “It was a once in a lifetime experience for our four schools the first time around and I expect the same in 2012. Given that we will help launch Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary season, we are doubly grateful for this opportunity.”
“We look forward to kicking off Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary celebrations with Frozen Fenway 2012, which is a great way for thousands of families to come and enjoy favorite winter pastimes as we begin celebrating its milestone year,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President Sam Kennedy. “We want to thank Mayor Menino for his continued support, and welcome back Joe Bertagna and Hockey East to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled for UNH men’s hockey to be part of the Frozen Fenway doubleheader,” said UNH 22nd-year head coach Dick Umile, a native of Melrose, Mass., when the doubleheader was announced. “I believe the UNH/Maine rivalry is as good as any in college hockey and bringing this game to a venue like Fenway Park is huge.”
The 111th meeting in the series between the neighboring states’ schools will be broadcast live in high definition on New England Sports Network (NESN).
“Being from Boston, it doesn’t get any better than playing at Fenway Park,” Umile said. “We are honored to be a part of this experience and we are looking forward to the opportunity, as I’m sure Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine are.”
New Hampshire owns the nation’s second-longest active streak of National Collegiate Athletic Association post-season appearances at 10, and had advanced to post-season play in 17 of the last 21 seasons. UNH has been to the Frozen Four seven times during Umile’s tenure as coach.
The Black Bears have appeared in 11 Frozen Fours, have a 28–18 record in NCAA Tournament games, and have won two national championships—in 1993 and 1999.
Photo caption: (Photo courtesy www.bostonsportsu18.com.)

Wells Family Awarded for Community Spirit

2011-12-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

PORTLAND/WELLS—

Norton Lights of Wells, Maine, is at it again. The Norton family house is aglow with perfectly timed Christmas lights that accompany their own holiday mix of music on the radio.
Stan Norton and his wife, Melissa, are better known this holiday season as “Stanta” and “Mrs. Claus” as they dress the part while running their light show and handing out candy canes.
For the third year, the Nortons decorated their home with custom-made lights that are programmed to change with holiday music broadcast through a FM transmitter station in their living room. By listening to the radio, people are able to enjoy the 9-minute show as they drive by the house at 213 Canterbury Road in Wells.
“The light show is spectacular and what’s even more impressive is the constant effort put forward by this generous family to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine,” said Kate Vickery, Make-A-Wish Program Director, who was at the show on recently to help hand out candy canes and present the family with the 2011 Community Spirit Award. This award is given in recognition of organizations or individuals outside of Make-A-Wish that make significant contributions to our cause over a period of time.
In total, the Nortons have raised $17,000 for the wish granting organization – enough to grant nearly three wishes. They are hoping to raise enough this year to grant another wish - $6,000.
The Norton family initially became familiar with Make-A-Wish through Stan’s job at Pease Air National Guard Base, where he sees many Make-A-Wish recipients. Witnessing children’s wishes at the base inspired Stan to make a difference using his talent of programming lights to music.
“We are touched beyond words. It truly is amazing what Make-A-Wish and its staff does,” said Stan. “Thank you so much! It means a lot to us to be associated with this great organization.”
The whole family works hard to help raise money. Ryan, age 11, manages the spreadsheets and Reed, age 14, helps with programming.
“The boys have learned a great deal about electrical engineering as well as how to give back to the community at large,” said Melissa Norton.
Norton Lights will be up and running every night through December 25, with a donation box to accept donations.
“All of us at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine thank the Norton family from the bottom of our hearts!” said Vickery.
Photo caption: Staff and volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine present the Norton family of Wells with a 2011 Community Spirit Award for their past and current efforts of raising money through their holiday light and music display. From left to right: Kate Vickery of Make-A-Wish, Volunteer Shay Lattari, Reed Norton, Ryan Norton, Melissa Norton, Stan Norton and Volunteer Tracey Hansen. (Courtesy photo)

Fire Department to Receive More Than $118K in Grant Funding

2011-12-23T15:51:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, recently announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $118,750 in grant funding to the Berwick Fire Department. The funding is provided through the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” or FIRE Act.
“Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an extremely critical source of funds for our fire and rescue personnel,” said Senator Collins. “Since the creation of this program, Maine fire departments have been awarded more than $54 million to help purchase new, used, or refurbished vehicles, and to obtain equipment for firefighting, interoperable communications, chemical detection, and other purposes that are essential to first responders.”
Funding for the Berwick Fire Department will be distributed through the Vehicle Acquisition Program, which helps local departments purchase equipment such as pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, aerials, foam units and fire boats.
These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, Fire Prevention and Safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment. So far, in calendar year 2011, fire departments across Maine have received more than $1 million in AFG funding.

Opening Scenes: ‘Young Adult’

2011-12-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic
“Young Adult” begins with an aerial shot of Minneapolis followed by a shot of a multilevel tenement building scaling up. Inside lays a woman face down on her bed with the television still on. She rolls out of bed to drink diet soda out of the bottle. When she sits down to her computer, a Word document is up with only “Chapter 1” written. Meanwhile, her agent left a message asking for the first draft of her book. She writes one sentence then opens an email that announces the birth of a baby. This baby’s picture will haunt her for the next several scenes.
The woman faced down is “Mavis Gary” played by Charlize Theron in another role where she forgoes her off screen glamour for the role of an aging woman who made it big. Making it big in Mercury, Minnesota, her hometown, is ghostwriting novels for a popular series. When she returns home from “the Mini-Apple,” Mavis’ intentions for a married ex, who recently became a father, begin to unravel in an unsavory plot.
The scene stealing Matt Freehauf is played by King of Queens alum Patton Oswalt. Throughout the film, Freehauf, a disabled former classmate of Mavis’, portrays the voice of a conscience that she seems so deeply lacking. Physically mangled from a high school bullying incident that earned him the nickname “hate crime guy,” he holds an inner morality that equals Mavis external beauty as her inner flaws prove beyond damaged and more toward grotesque.
The biting chemistry between these two actors provides most of the comic relief from the otherwise morally destitute theme of her journey. Diablo Cody, the award-winning “Juno” screenwriter, creates another successful and memorable story for indie filmgoers with this pseudo-indie release. Cody’s use of dialog in “Young Adult” has matured from frequent word plays and zingers to more realistic and meaningful exchanges between characters with the occasional one liner to spice it up.
While there are plenty of opportunities for dramatic highs and lows, there is a great deal of restraint in the acting and the writing. It is debatable whether this increases the quality of the film, or is detrimental to the development of the film and its characters. The deepest flaw in the writing might stem from the point that, although most movies have heroes and villains, this film seems like an act of revenge Cody has plotted against an old foe. Thus, Cody breaks the writer’s rule of never judging the characters, but rules are meant to be broken in art.
Bottom line: Director Jason Reitman masterfully shoots this subdued character based drama with fast paced cross shots, like close-ups of a cassette tape playing cut by Mavis driving across the state. These fast-paced sequences are followed by hypnotic and gritty documentary style shots to give the film the feel of classic Scorsese updated with a hip, shabby chic aesthetic. The acting all the way from extras to leads is spot on, but “Young Adult” is more cutting, serious and subdued than the ads would have viewers believe, which is a disservice to its achievements and target audience expectations. 4 out of 5. (Courtesy movie poster image)

3rd Annual Drive-Through Nativity Again to Highlight Christmas in York

2011-12-16T10:01:00.000-05:00

YORK—

York-area residents and holiday visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a special Christmas celebration again this year as members of First Parish Church present the Third Annual Drive-Through Nativity, “The Journey to Bethlehem.”

Staged as a living tableau with live, authentically costumed actors portraying all the characters of the original Christmas story, the program will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday evening, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., in the loop around Town Hall and the church in York Village. Admission will be free, and all are invited.

Dozens of volunteers have worked for several months preparing for the event, according to Janet and Larry Cassidy, its co-chairs, and many more will perform as actors on the evening of the performance. “Besides the actors,” he said, “the committees range from set design, props and costumes to carpentry, lighting and even live animals.”

“There will be seven distinct scenes,” Janet explained. “The first is the annunciation of Mary by the angel Gabriel, which will be right behind Town Hall. Then, there will follow a series of scenes including Caesar’s Palace, travelers on the road to Bethlehem, the wise men, the overcrowded inn, shepherds and angels in the field and, of course, the manger.”

Church members, children and adults, will be portraying the more than 70 characters in the nativity story, according to the Cassidys.

The audience will be able to view each scene from the comfort – and warmth – of their vehicles, entering from York Street next to Town Hall and slowly traversing the loop around to the exit between the church and the Parish House. For safety reasons, no walk-through pedestrians will be allowed during the event.

The annual event draws hundreds of vehicles, the occupants of which find the experience especially moving, according to the Cassidys.

“We’re hoping to again make Christmas in York even more special than it already is,” said Janet. “And, of course, we’re hoping that this event will serve to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.”

“We’re not doing this for ourselves,” Larry added, “although the participants are certainly enthusiastic about the project. We’re doing it for the people of York. It’s our gift to our community.”

Photo Caption: The angel Gabriel's annunciation of Mary (scene 1 of 7). (Courtesy photo)

Local Communities Celebrate the Season

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

OGUNQUIT—

Many towns in York County have been celebrating the holiday season in style with a variety of events over the past few weeks. In particular, the last two weekends featured Ogunquit’s 25^th annual Christmas by the Sea and Kennebunkport’s 30^th annual Christmas Prelude™. Both visitors and local residents enjoyed festivities, including Santa’s Village at Ogunquit Village School (pictured). The weather provided an excellent occasion for multiple parades, and put everyone in the spirit for the upcoming holidays. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Marshwood Education Foundation Awards Fall Grants

2011-12-16T09:59:00.000-05:00

SOUTH BERWICK/ELIOT—

The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its fall grants at the December 7 MSAD 35 Board meeting. The grants, totaling $8,742.80, were awarded to three recipients whose proposals will benefit elementary and middle school-aged Marshwood students.

“With each grant cycle, we are excited to see so many new ideas proposed by our educators, along with ideas that will enhance current programs,” said Rachel Martin, MEF President. “One school is trying out a brand new concept, while a previous grant project is being expanded upon as the children share what they learned through the outdoor classroom at Central Elementary School,” added Martin. “Another grant is helping to further develop a long-standing community event that students and their families will enjoy for generations to come.”

The Marshwood Education Foundation was established in 2009 and raises funds solely through community events and private donations. MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside of the responsibility of the school budget. Grants are awarded twice annually, in the spring and fall.

MEF grants awarded December 7, 2011:

From The Ground Up – proposed by Kate Smith, Music teacher at Central School. Students will work with Ruth Baker, Jane Cowen-Fletcher and other community volunteers to develop a cookbook and guide for successfully creating an outdoor classroom and hoop house garden project. Students will create their own recipes to be included in the book as well as develop creative ways to document the creation of the outdoor classroom. $1500.00

Standing and Swinging – proposed by Beth Werker, Math teacher at Marshwood Middle School. $2242.80 will be awarded to purchase seven Stand and Swing desks. These innovative desks allow students to either stand or sit and swing their legs while learning. By offering students an outlet for their excess energy, these desks help students stay focused on learning. Each student in Mrs. Werker's classes will get an opportunity to try the desk and give their feedback.

Revitalizing Local History Education – proposed by Nina Maurer, Consulting Curator of the Old Berwick Historical Society and Vicki Stewart, Principal at Central Elementary School. Through this grant and funds being sought from other sources, the current Hike through History program will be greatly enhanced. MEF will grant $5,000.00 to purchase new tour artifacts and pay for the services of a curriculum planner. This grant will provide new local history resources to teachers, develop a program for teaching middle school students who help present the hike material, and create an online Hike through History resource.

The MEF is now accepting applications for the spring 2012 grants. For more information on how to submit a grant application, contact Janice Hastings, MEF Grants Committee Chairperson at hastings.janice@gmail.com.

The Marshwood Education Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation, wholly dedicated to enriching and supplementing the educational programs of the Maine School Administrative District 35, representing the communities of South Berwick and Eliot. The MEF has granted more than $40,000 to the district, funding creative and innovative ideas brought forth by school administrators, teachers and staff. To learn more about the MEF or to donate online, visit www.marshwood-education-foundation.org.

Lebanon Rescue Department Announces Operation Red Light

2011-12-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

LEBANON—

The Lebanon Rescue Department encourages residents to invite Santa to their house on Friday, December 23. Santa and his elves will be driving around in the ambulances delivering one gift to every child age 1-16 that would like to get one. Santa will drop off a wrapped gift to each child, thanks to Santa’s helpers. Lebanon Girl Scouts will help wrap the gifts for Santa to hand out.

“This is our first year chauffeuring Santa around town to deliver a gift to the children in town,” said Chief Samantha Cole. “We have been very fortunate to have such great community support and this is another way for the rescue volunteers to thank the community for their support of our department over the past thirty years. We are really excited to get out into the community with Santa and see the children.”

This is part of the rescue department’s holiday programs being offered. Rescue volunteers collected and donated several large thanksgiving baskets to Lebanon families. The Department is also once again collecting Coats for Kids, a program where residents can donate new or used coats, snow pants, hats and mittens to help children have a warmer winter. Last year, 857 coats were collected and donated. Lebanon Rescue is also collecting new toys for Operation Santa. The toys are donated to children in Lebanon who have suffered a traumatic event, like a loss of a parent or families with financial hardships.

Any family that would like Santa to drop off a present for their child is encouraged to contact the rescue department by calling (207) 608-5615. You can also email us at operationsanta@lebanonrescue.com. Each family that requests a toy will receive an age appropriate toy for their child. There are no eligibility requirements for Operation Red Light; it is open to any Lebanon child.

“We cannot thank the community enough for their support to allow us to do programs like this. It is the best feeling seeing the kids so happy to receive a toy, or a new coat. We are very fortunate to live in such a great community,” Chief Samantha Cole added.

The rescue department continues to collect new, unwrapped toys for Operation Santa through December 24 and new or used coats, snow pants, snow suits, hats and gloves through December 31 for the Coats for Kids campaign. There are three drop-off locations, including Kenney Automotive located at the corner of Little River Road and Carl Broggi Highway, at Train’s Quick Stop located at 245 Carl Broggi Highway and a large blue donation box at the rescue station located at 1524 Carl Broggi Highway. Additionally, monetary donations are needed to buy gifts and coats. You can make a secure online donation by clicking on the picture of Santa at www.lebanonrescue.com or by sending a donation to Lebanon Rescue, 323 Depot Road, Lebanon, Maine 04027.

Anyone with questions can contact Chief Samantha Cole at (207) 608-5615.

Wreaths Across America Visits York County

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-05:00

Convoy stops in Kittery for special ceremony before continuing to Arlington National Cemetery.

By Molly McCoy
Staff Reporter

KITTERY—

On Monday morning, December 5, the Wreaths Across America (WAA) convoy traveled through York County, making stops at Kennebunk Town Hall, Wells Middle School and Kittery Trading Post (KTP) before continuing the journey to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The large group of trucks, busses, cars, motorcycles and police escorts began on Sunday, December 4 in Harrington, Maine, and will reach the Cemetery on Saturday, December 10.

According to its website, Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded “to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992.” The organization’s mission, “Remember, Honor, Teach,” is carried out with the help of thousands of volunteers who aid at local, regional and national levels. This year’s convoy included the annual participants (wreath trucks, local and state police, Patriot Guard Riders and retired and active military personnel), in addition to the American Gold Star Mothers, Wives, Fathers, Husbands and Children, and Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage, all of whom joined the trip for the first time this year.

At 10 a.m. on December 5, the entire “parade” came to a halt outside of Kittery Trading Post on Route 1 before passing the Maine border into New Hampshire. Once the trucks had turned off their engines, the sirens had ceased, and the many Patriot Guard Riders had dismounted their rumbling motorcycles, the group proceeded inside KTP for a special ceremony and wreath dedication.

John and Bunny O’Leary of the Patriot Guard Riders started the program and thanked both the participants and visitors for their support. Founder and coordinator of Run for the Fallen Maine (RFTFM) John Mixon presented Karen and Morrill Worcester of WAA with sweatshirts, tee-shirts, 2011 ornaments and a commemorate DVD of this summer’s event. Mixon also presented Ann LePage with a 2011 ornament on behalf of RFTFM. The ceremony continued with wreath dedications, words from the Worcesters, Ann LePage, and other participants, and music by Don Campbell and his wife Tonya. Don and Tonya performed their original song, “The Snow at Arlington,” which was inspired by WAA and is available on their latest Christmas Album, “A Don Campbell Christmas, Volume 2.”

Maine First Lady Ann LePage, who joined the convoy for the first time this year, is traveling with WAA the entire length of the trip. “This is so incredible,” she said. “I have never done anything of which I have been more proud or honored to be even a small part. I’ve never been to Arlington, and this is such a meaningful way to make the trip.” Governor LePage will join the group in Virginia on Saturday, December 10 for the wreath laying ceremony.

For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Photo Caption: Among the wreaths dedicated at the Monday morning ceremony was a special wreath for Kittery Trading Post (KTP), accepted by Vice President, Specialty Sports Division, Jon Morrill. Wreaths Across America thanked KTP for hosting the ceremony and for their ongoing support of veterans’ causes. Pictured (left to right): Executive Director of WAA Karen Worcester, WAA Founder Morrill Worcester, Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage, and Jon Morrill. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Local Para-Equestrian Travels to Australia to Compete

2011-12-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

WELLS/THOUSAND OAKS, CA—

With a Team Gold under their belt earned at the 2011 CPEDI3*in Mexico City, the United States Para-Equestrian Team have taken to the air headed to beautiful Melbourne, Australia. The 2011 CPEDI3* in Werribee, Victoria, Australia began Thursday, December 8 with a horse inspection, followed by the Team Test on Friday, Individual Test on Saturday, and finally the Freestyle competition on Sunday, December 11, 2011. This international competition is held in conjunction with the Saddle World Dressage Festival held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Center located southwest of Melbourne, Australia. The United States Para-Equestrian Team consists of Donna Ponessa from New Windsor, NY for Grade Ia, Rebecca Hart of Unionville, PA for Grade II, Erin Alberda of Woodinville, WA for Grade III, and Mary Jordan from Wells, ME representing Grade IV. Each rider will compete throughout the weekend against Para-Equestrian team members from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. This competition is one more stride on the road to the 2012 Paralympics held in London, England.
The United States Para-Equestrian Team members selected for Australia have been padding their resumes for months for this competition. At the CPEDI3* Saugerties held in September 2011 team members Jonathan Wentz, Dale Dedrick, Rebecca Hart, and Mary Jordan led their team to win Gold for U.S.A. Two months later, team members Jonathan Wentz, Dale Dedrick, and Donna Ponessa secured another Team Gold at the CPEDI3* Mexico City. This week, Team USA is hoping to achieve additional success in front of international judges Mr. Kjell Myhre (NOR), Dr. Ulf Wilken (SWE), Ms. Jan Geary (AUS), Ms. Sue Cunningham (AUS), and Ms. Wendy Barker (AUS).
Team member Mary Jordan noted, "Riding in Australia is an incredible opportunity to once again ride in front of top international judges and build competitive mileage on the heels of our excellent recent experience of competing at the CPEDI3* in Saugerties, NY."
Traveling abroad is not a new concept to top-level equestrian athletes. Mary and her teammates’ past competitions have included four star European Championships in Norway, three stars in Canada, New York, California, Mexico, and Chicago, and teammate Rebecca Hart went to the 2008 Hong Kong Paralympics where she placed fourth individually. Most recently, in 2010 Rebecca Hart, Erin Alberda, and Mary Jordan competed at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, KY where the Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline made their first World Equestrian Games debut. For the United States competing abroad gives riders an opportunity to be judged on foreign soil. Mary explained, "I find competing overseas in challenging pressure situations and unusual circumstances an invaluable tool as it builds competitive experience, seasoning, and confidence. I know our team has embraced this opportunity to gain competitive international mileage and in the long run that type of commitment by the riders will benefit future United States Para-Equestrian teams."
The F.E.I. team selections for the 2012 London Paralympics will be on the mind of each Para-Equestrian during the Australia competition. With only months left to build team slots for the 2012 London Paralympics the riders will have to give their best performances. Due to the financial responsibility and logistics of flying horses to Australia the United States Para-Equestrian Team has been generously given horses to use during the CPEDI3*. "The Australian horse owners have been truly kind and generous in this process of allowing us to use their very talented horses," smiled Mary. "Our team looks forward to competing in Australia."
For more information about the 2011 Melbourne CPEDI3* or the Saddle World Dressage Festival or please visit www.vic.equestrian.org.au.

Photo Caption: Mary Jordan and Sebastian. (Photo by Lindsay McCall, courtesy USPEA)

Local Students Nominated to United States Service Academies

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office’s nominees to the United States Service Academies—the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes members of Congress.

“This strong group of students represent some of Maine’s best and brightest,” said Pingree. “We are very lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country and it’s an honor to nominate them.”

The nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country.

Nominees from York County include Eric Arnold of Saco (nominated to U.S. Naval & Air Force Academies), Colin Bartlett of North Berwick (nominated to U.S. Naval Academy), Matthew Beatrice of Lebanon (nominated to U.S. Military & Merchant Marine Academies), Briana Eaton of York (nominated to U.S. Naval Academy), Zachariah Jacques of Saco (nominated to U.S. Air Force & Military Academies), and Adam Neubert of Lebanon (nominated to U.S. Military Academy).

The Weekly Sentinel Remembers Pearl Harbor Day

2011-12-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

On December 7, 1941 – “A day that will live in infamy.” – the United States was brutally attacked by the Empire of Japan at the American naval base in Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II. On August 23, 1994, United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The Weekly Sentinel remembers those who were lost and affected by this attack and the entirety of WWII.

Photo Caption: Archival newspaper courtesy of Carol Brennan. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Holly Roberts Named New Chamber Director

2011-12-02T08:04:00.000-05:00

YORK—

Jeffrey Pelkey, Chairman of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, recently announced that the Board of Directors has promoted Holly Roberts to the position of Director.

Holly has most recently served the chamber members as the interim manager since the departure of Cathy Goodwin eight months ago. During her time as interim manager, Holly continued to perform her duties as business manager, a position she has held with the chamber for three years. Holly was originally hired in 2004 as the Kittery Welcome Center manager.

When the Board of Directors weighed the prospect of bringing in a new person, Holly’s wealth of experience at the chamber made the decision an easy one; the last several months have allowed the board to look at the position and the chamber as a whole, and it made good sense to promote from within.

“We have had wonderful success with the new venue for Harvestfest, our Icebreakers are a great opportunity for our members, our web presence (along with our Chamber App) has been wildly successful and our product remains a wonderful value for our members; much of this is due to the good work by Holly and the staff behind the scenes,” wrote Pelkey.

He continued, “We look forward to the changes coming in the future, and supporting Holly as she continues to work hard for our members and the Greater York Region as a whole.”

Photo Caption: Holly Roberts has been appointed as the new director of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy photo)

Berwick Holiday Parade Honors Three Local Leaders as Grand Marshalls

2011-12-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

Local firefighters also accepting Toys for Tots donations.

BERWICK—

Berwick’s holiday parade, “Winter Toyland,” will take place on Saturday, December 3, starting at 2 p.m. The parade route will start from Wilson St., continuing straight across to Allen St. (Rte. 236), proceed right onto Sawmill Hill Rd. down by the bridge crossing onto Sullivan St. by the Town Hall (with the regular flow of traffic) and turn right onto Wilson St., disbanding in the parking lot. The parade organizers expect to have a number of floats including Berwick Village Preschool & Daycare, Noble High School Student Council, Tri-City Christian Academy, and more. Other groups that will be in the parade include Berwick Boy, Cub and Girl Scouts, and some from neighboring towns including Lebanon. Southern Maine Tractor Club, WTSN/WBYY van, Noble Middle School Marching Band, Marshwood High School Marching Band, Noble High Jazz Band, Farwell's Auto Service, Berwick Public Library, Berwick Youth Wrestling, and Noble Travel Soccer are some of the groups also participating again this year. Of course, there will be many Fire and Rescue apparatus from neighboring communities joining the parade, and escoring a special visitor from the North Pole.

Leading the Winter Toyland parade as Grand Marshalls this year will be Sandy Guptill, and Judy and Don Burgess.

Sandy Guptill has worked for the Town of Berwick since 1996 starting part-time in the Customer Service Department. She became full time the following year and in 2003 moved on to the Deputy Town Clerk. She is retiring in December this year and plans to enjoy her retirement caring for her new granddaughter. She will also find time to enjoy her many hobbies including quilting and photography. One of her quilts is on display at the Town Hall where raffle tickets can be purchase until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Proceeds are going to help families in need. Sandy will be missed by her fellow employees and residents that she greeted with her friendly smile.

Judy Burgess retired in 2010 after 25 years of service to the Town of Berwick with most of those years as the Planning Coordinator but she also took on many other duties as needed. She now volunteers her time and experience as a member of the Planning Board. She and her husband, Don, volunteered their time and skills to renovate and finish the new meeting room (the old Police Station) of the Town Hall. Countless hours were spent on renovating, hanging wallboard, painting and finishing the room. Thanks to others who contributed also. Don shared his carpentry skills to build the table and podium that will be there for years to come. Thank you for this lasting contribution to the Town, The Town Boards and the residents of Berwick.

Berwick Volunteer Firefighters Association is now accepting new unwrapped toys for all ages for out Toys for Tots program. Items can be dropped off at the following locations: Berwick Fire Dept, Town Hall, Transfer Station, Stone Agency, Halls Auto Center, Farwells Auto Service, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Coffee House, and Berwick Public Library. This program provides toys for children and gift cards are provided to teens, as well. Applications for Toys for Tots can be picked up at the Berwick Town Hall. If you have any questions you can call Sandy Guptill at 698-1101 # 116. Financial donations can be mailed to BVFA Toys for Tots P.O. Box 1214, Berwick, Me 03901 or dropped off of at the Town Hall.

Opening Scenes: ‘The Muppets’

2011-12-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic

“The Muppets” opens with the clicking sound of an old super 8 projector and a clip from a home movie with brothers Walter and Gary playing with squirt guns. Walter, the narrator, is a puppet and his brother is human. As Walter insists, they were like twins, and you couldn’t tell them apart. The opening sequence cuts to where Walter discovers the Muppets as he finds himself not growing like his brother. For the first time, his life makes sense after he became a lifelong Muppet fan.

Writer and star Jason Segal plays the gentle and sweet Gary who always looks out for his brother who either never noticed or never let on his brother is a puppet. Segal’s quirky portrayal of Gary brings movie fans back to James Stewart’s portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey.” His genuine love for the Muppet legacy shines through to his performance and his song and dance scenes are riotous and spirited, not unlike Dick Van Dyke.

The very busy Amy Adams plays Mary, the saccharine sweet love interest of Gary. Perhaps raised reading too many fairytales, she is a perfect match for Gary, although she finds herself cast aside with the tight bind between brothers Gary and Walter. Adams’ wide-eyed portrayal and heavenly singing makes her the perfect fit, as she will no doubt charm audiences.

Just before a very funny opening musical number, Gary invites his brother to join him and Mary for their anniversary trip to Hollywood to see the Muppet Theater. When they get there, they are unpleasantly surprised and must reunite the Muppets in order to save the theater from an evil oil tycoon who found a reservoir under the property.

The best part is the writing. Segal doesn’t forget the original Muppet Show fans for a single scene. From 80s references where Kermit’s Robot offers a Tab soda and “New Coke” to references of classic Muppet-isms like “Mahna Mahna,” they provide a great deal of humor, back story and clean fun that adult audiences can enjoy with or without kids in tow. Plus, the movie is packed with fun action, silly gags, and a fun story that ends with a telethon where cameo star Jack Black is fit to be tied, literally.

Bottom line: with the opening sequence of home movies and a musical number just after makes the film start like a blitzkrieg. It quickly settles down into a story of passing greatness, true love, being accepted and coming of age. While it seems there are many themes coalescing, the transitions are smooth and the movie is written in a manner where they don’t clutter the story. The cameos are too numerous to mention, the new songs are clever and funny, and this is the first Muppet Movie in years that does not abandon adult audiences with shoddy or childish plotting. It will leave audiences with only one thing to say: Mahna Mahna! 4 out of 5.

Photo Caption: (Courtesy movie poster)

Congrats Wells Warriors!

2011-11-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

Seacoast Communities Ready for Two Weekends of Holiday Revelry

2011-11-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

OGUNQUIT/KENNEBUNKPORT—

This December marks important anniversaries for two of the biggest holiday festivities on the southern Maine seacoast. In their 25th and 30th years, respectively, the Ogunquit and Kennebunkport communities are hauling out the holly and lighting the lights, readying for the Christmas season with fun and flair. During the first two weekends of December, the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce will present their silver anniversary “Christmas by the Sea,” while the Kennebunkport Business Association’s diamond anniversary “Christmas Prelude™” will likewise provide a full schedule of seasonal splendor. Both communities have grown their festivities over the years, adding multiple craft fairs, community luncheons, children’s activities, parades and lively entertainment, set to please both visitors and locals alike. With both events kicking off in just one short week, it is clear that the holiday season is finally upon us! For more information on Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea, visit www.visitogunquit.org. For more information on Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude™, visit www.christmasprelude.com. And to all a good night!

Photo Caption: Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude™ features the iconic lobster trap Christmas tree as a centerpiece of the annual festivities. (Photo by Sheila Matthews-Bull)

Photo Caption: Santa makes an appearance at the 2010 Christmas by the Sea in Ogunquit. You can be sure to see the big guy celebrating at the 25^th anniversary events. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Spirit of Giving Helps Bring Holiday Joy to 500 Maine Children

2011-11-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

OGUNQUIT—

As of Monday, November 21, the Ogunquit Spirit of Giving Committee had successfully matched 500 worthy Maine children to generous sponsors throughout the country. The Committee's campaign, which was set into motion for the 2011 season in early July, seeks to bring holiday cheer to Maine children associated with either the Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc. (AFFM), or The Frannie Peabody Center (FPC). Since 2005, the Spirit of Giving Committee has worked to connect these children with sponsors, and has to date helped make almost 2,500 Christmas dreams come true.

Despite this great success, the need is real and grows every year. In addition to the 500 children already matched through Ogunquit Spirit of Giving, both AFFM and FPC have long lists of children and families who are still in need this holiday season. With Christmas right around the corner, many would-be sponsors think it is too late to make a difference. In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth.

If you want to help bring Christmas to a deserving household in Maine, bring a gift card to the Spirit of Giving Gift Collection Party on Sunday, December 4 at 4 p.m. This annual holiday gathering at MaineStreet on Route 1 in Ogunquit gives sponsors the opportunity to drop off their pre-wrapped donations. In addition, the Committee ensures that any gift card donations made at the door will help an unsponsored child. These gift cards also help provide for any children whose sponsors are unable to deliver their gifts and who would otherwise be left behind. If you would like to sponsor a child but cannot attend the Party, please email info@ogunquitgiving.com to learn how you can help. The event may be held in Ogunquit, but the impact of this campaign is felt statewide.

For more information on Ogunquit Spirit of Giving, AFFM and FPC, visit www.ogunquitgiving.com.

EES and Project Share

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

ELIOT—

On Monday, October 31, students at Eliot Elementary School began collecting canned and boxed non-perishable goods for Project Share, which works in conjunction with the local Lions Club to distribute these items to help feed hungry families within the community. A truck from the highway department picked up the donations on Thursday morning, November 17. Once all the goods are collected and sorted, a task that takes hours, the Lions Club volunteers assemble the baskets and prepare them for the delivery to local families in need.

For every non-perishable good a student brought in, they glued a feather to our big turkey that remains on display, so that students and families were able to see our generous donations growth. This year, the students of Eliot Elementary School raised a generous amount of food for local families.

Photo Caption: (Courtesy photo)

So. Berwick Festival Offers A Bounty of New Events

2011-11-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

SOUTH BERWICK—

Ice sculptures, a wandering minstrel, miniature horse-and-carriage rides, and a hand bell choir are among the new attractions at the annual Home for the Holidays downtown celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec 2.

This year nearly 30 merchants will host activities for the whole family, stretching around the corner for the first time to include festivities on Lower Main Street.

“We decided the event had reached critical mass along the main drag, and it was time to broaden our scope,” said Jayne Morrell, one of the key volunteer organizers.

In addition to the traditional appearance of Santa Claus, Rock my Soul carolers, Phil the Karaoke master and cookie decorating, there will be concerts by the High School Select Choir and Quint-Essential Winds; free mini checkups at Great Works Chiropractic and Wellness; and local Boy Scouts selling wreaths. The newest restaurant on the square, Isidore on the Rocks, will offer a custom local beverage, the SoBotini.

Fogarty’s Restaurant and the Academy Street Inn are sponsoring a minstrel, Dave Peloquin, an internationally known folk musician who will serenade strollers on Lower Main in his trademark top hat. Founder of the group Christmas in New England and lead singer for New England Christmastide Musicians, Peloquin has appeared on “Good Morning America.”

SoBo Central, the non-profit group that provides an umbrella for Home for the Holidays and six other local programs, will run a scavenger hunt beginning at Bob’s Trophies. The hunt will challenge families to find hidden objects at retail outlets around town, and those who succeed will win a prize at the new SoBotique second-hand shop on Lower Main.

The Women’s Holiday Art Sale, the original cornerstone of the annual celebration, this year will have three locations: Film Barn Studio, Lassel Architects and the Jewett House. Thirteen juried artists will be offering fine jewelry, handcrafted cards, felted animals, fused glass, metalwork, art quilts, children’s books and more.

The Art Sale also will be open Saturday, Dec. 3, as will a new artisan show at Curves, craft sales at the First Parish Federated Church and First Baptist Church, and the holiday bazaar at Marshwood High School. The weekend will conclude with a Community Chorus at South Berwick concert, “Laud to the Nativity,” at 3 p.m. Sunday at Marshwood High School.

In the last seven years, Home for the Holidays has become a centerpiece of community life in the holiday season as downtown business owners keep their doors open into the evening on Friday and hundreds of residents fill the streets with cheer.

In addition to Santa Claus welcoming children for a photo op at P. Gagnon & Son, Mrs. Claus will read stories at the Public Library, People’s United Bank will help children write letters to Santa, and York Hospital is inviting children for face painting and snacks.

For a complete listing of activities, the Home for the Holidays brochure is online at www.southberwickmaine.org.

Photo Caption: This horse-drawn carriage, owned by Central School teacher Leigh Robinson, is one of many new attractions at this year’s Home for the Holidays downtown celebration Dec. 2 in South Berwick. Here, children drive the carriage at Eliot Farm Camp. (Courtesy photo)

Warriors Prepare for Battle

2011-11-18T11:25:00.001-05:00

The undefeated Wells football team heads to Portland on Saturday with hopes of a championship title.

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist

WELLS—

Two undefeated football teams will battle Saturday in Portland for the 2011 Class B state championship.

Unbeaten Wells and Leavitt will square off at 6 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium for the state crown.

“We’re excited to be playing in the game,” Wells Coach Tom Roche said in a telephone interview early this week.

The Warriors (11-0), the Western Maine Class B champion, are seeking their first state football title since 1997 when they beat Belfast 32-30 for the crown.

Leavitt (11-0), the Eastern Maine champion, last won the state title in 2009 when it beat Cape Elizabeth 35-21.

Roche’s team defeated neighboring rival York 32-7, Westbrook 22-6, and defending champion Mountain Valley 10-0 to reach the state championship game.

In the East, Coach Mike Hathaway’s Hornets were beating Morse High of Bath, 61-12; Hamden Academy, 47-22; and Mt. Blue 22-21 in double overtime.

Playing in the state championship game “was the goal” from the start of pre-season, Roche said in a telephone interview. The Warriors were in the regional championship game in 2010.

He said it was the sixth game of the season where Wells began to understand it was a good football team. In that game Wells defeated Mountain Valley 28-12. Mountain Valley has been in the regional title game in 13 of the last 19 years.

The Warriors feature 17 seniors on this year’s team, backed up by a good crop of underclassmen. Roche said it’s “hard for me to single out key players. We have a lot of good players.”

Looking forward to the game, Roche had praise for Leavitt.

“I think they do a great job up there,” he said. “They’re a tough football team.”

“I think we match up well,” he continued. “We’ll see what happens. I think we can move the ball. If we can just shut them down we’ll be fine.”

Leavitt has shown a powerful offense, scoring more than 50 points five times during the season and more than 60 twice.

On the other side of the ball, Wells shut out four opponents, including the defending state champion Mountain Valley.

This is Roche’s 13th year as head coach of the Warriors, his 19th on the football staff.

Opening Scenes: ‘J. Edgar’

2011-11-18T11:22:00.000-05:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic

“J. Edgar” begins with an exterior shot of the FBI headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. A man’s voice laments the “disease” of communism that plagues this country. After the shot of the building pans up showing its looming presence, the scene changes to a shot of Dillinger’s death mask and a confiscated machine gun. The voice continues to rant about radicals and their danger to society in an almost Nixon-esque manner. We finally see J. Edgar Hoover pacing in his office while narrating his life story just beyond the machine gun and death mask on display.

At first, it is difficult to match Leonardo DiCaprio’s nearly child-like voice with the elderly Hoover he is made up to portray. For the first scene or two, he isn’t believable. Once the film settles into Hoover’s recollections, and DiCaprio plays the younger Hoover, the seeds of believability are planted and begin to flourish. Scenes after this, DiCaprio fits the elderly Hoover as well as he does the young one.

Eventually, we are introduced to a young Helen Gandy, played by Naomi Watts, whom Hoover unsuccessfully courts as a mate, but successfully finds her to be a lifelong secretary and confidant. Watts transforms herself in this role to the point she is unrecognizable, but the most interesting, and possibly most important introduction in Hoover’s life was when he met Clyde Tolson. Skillfully portrayed by Armie Hammer, the depth of Tolson’s connection to Hoover was subtly portrayed, and as they grow together, there is a tenderness between these men that has never been seen before in cinema.

“J. Edgar” is among many of director Clint Eastwood’s fine films: “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” “Mystic River,” “Unforgiven” and “Bird” to name a few. The cinematography is haunting and hypnotic, two qualities that have been Clint Eastwood’s signature.

Drawing from a bright gray color scheme and heavy use of shadows, “J. Edgar” might have an evenly paced story line, but the intensity of the imagery is where some of the greatest drama is created. Hoover’s career spans Al Capone’s St. Valentine’s Massacre, the kidnapping of the Lindberg baby, and takes America through the turbulent Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administrations.

With “J. Edgar” being one of the earlier Oscar contenders, it is hard to speculate how it will be recognized. The acting is excellent, particularly with the performance of Armie Hammer. The screenplay and cinematography deserve a nod, as does the direction. Watts and DiCaprio turn out excellent performances, but Watts’ performance represents a fuller transformation. The film’s slow pace and lack of edginess may cause it to be overlooked.

Bottom line, “J. Edgar” is a rock solid film by a director whose career is as distinguished as a director as Eastwood is an actor. Like with many biopics, the action is slow but the intrigue and unraveling of world history outside of the walls is gripping. While the quietness of the film might come off boring to casual filmgoers, those who love classic film noir and American history need to see this movie. It is finely crafted and deserves savoring. 4 out of 5.

Photo Caption: (Courtesy movie poster image)

Scenic Landscaping Project to Begin on Mount A

2011-11-11T11:19:00.006-05:00

YORK—

A scenic landscaping project at the summit of Mount Agamenticus is on target to begin this month.

The project will restore and enhance views of the eastern seacoast, inland ponds and distant mountain ranges for the over 30,000 people that visit the area each year.

The cutting is scheduled to begin November 14 and is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. Mount A’s summit, road, and trails will be closed to public use Monday through Friday during this time. The area will be re-opened for public access on weekends throughout the operational period with the exception of temporary trail closures in sections as needed.

The Town of York and the York Water District have partnered with five other landowners in the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region to protect the scenic and natural resources of the area including wildlife habitat and water quality while continuing to provide for safe and enjoyable access and sustainable recreation. These partners make up the Mount Agamenticus Steering Committee and include the Towns of York and South Berwick, the York Water District, the Nature Conservancy, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the York Land Trust, and the Great Works Regional Land Trust.

In 2009, the “Mt. Agamenticus Summit Guidelines for Usage” was developed by the Mt. Agamenticus Steering Committee with assistance from the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission and the Piscataqua Garden Club to create a vision and help guide the management of the summit area. The summit views were a major focus of this plan and approved recommendations included seeking the assistance of certified foresters for developing and/or maintaining the viewshed.

Wadsworth Woodlots, Inc., a consulting forestry firm and Murdough Logging N’ Excavation have been hired to conduct the work and will ensure good forest practices while improving the aesthetic scenic values at the summit of Mount Agamenticus.

Funding for this project comes in part from the Nathaniel Wheeler Trust.

Sprite® and Wells Community Break Ground on New Basketball Courts

2011-11-11T11:19:00.005-05:00

WELLS—

Sprite and Coca-Cola representatives, Wells residents, local leaders and players from the Wells Recreation basketball programs came out Friday to break ground on the construction of the renovated courts at the Walter Marsh Recreation Area. Local youth will soon have a safer, cleaner place to play thanks to the $20,000 grant it earned through the support it got from Wells in the national Sprite Spark Parks Project.

“The renovations will make a huge difference in the court’s safety and appearance, but it was the excitement and happiness the youth expressed that made me most thankful for Sprite’s donation,” said Tina LeBlanc, Recreation Director, town of Wells. “It is so important for our community’s youth to have a place where they can have fun and get active with their friends.”

Joining Tina LeBlanc was Senator Ron Collins, Chairman of Selectmen Karl Ekstedt, and Wells Town Manager Jonathan Carter. The group accepted the $20,000 check on behalf of the Wells Parks & Recreation Department. They were joined by eager residents who had voted for the court to receive the improvement grant through the Sprite Spark Parks Project. The funding is going towards a complete overhaul of the courts, including a new playing surface, basketball backboards and nets, and a hand-painted mural by artist Steve Lavigne.

“Thanks to the effort by Tina LeBlanc and the residents of Wells, this recreation area will become a better, safer place for our youth to enjoy,” said Sen Collins.

Coca-Cola’s Maine State Manager David Dumont echoed the praise. “This community deserves this improvement and we at Southern Maine Coca-Cola are proud to play such a vital role in the communities that we are a part of.”

The Walter Marsh courts are just one of 21 basketball courts across the country that will receive a makeover through the Sprite Spark Parks Project, a multi-year commitment to build and restore play environments where community members can get outside and be active. Sprite will invest approximately $2 million into building or revamping more than 150 basketball courts, community spaces, playgrounds and athletic fields in cities across America throughout 2011. As a result, an estimated one million young people will have greater access to clean, safe and fun places to play for years to come.

Photo Caption: Karl Ekstedt (Chairman of Selectmen), David Dumont (Coca-Cola), Christine Boettcher (Coca-Cola), Tina LeBlanc (Wells Recreation Director), Al Haart (Coca-Cola) and Jonathan Carter (Wells Town Manager), breaking ground. (Courtesy photo)

Chip’s Picks for Kids: Three Picture Books for the Family

2011-11-11T11:13:00.004-05:00

By Chip Schrader
Staff Book Critic

“Mirror”

The first book is “Mirror,” by Jeannie Baker. “Mirror” begins with a paragraph about two boys, one from a city in Australia, and the other who lives in Morocco. The book is actually constructed like a mirror as the pages to the Australian boy’s story are bound on the left, and the Moroccan boy’s life is depicted on the pages bound on the right.

As the reader flips through these pages simultaneously, they can compare each story. There are no words, but illustrations show how each boy’s life has the same situations, and they have different ways to fulfill similar needs. In Australia, the family works in the day, driving through the heavy traffic and the young boy goes through the bedtime ritual of being tucked in by his mother. On those same pages on the right side, the Moroccan child kneels upon his prayer rug and rides a camel through dirt pathways that weave between mountains that might resemble Australian skyscrapers. The agricultural and bartering culture of Morocco intersects with the Australian family as they go to a store to find “Magic Carpets.”

“Mirror” shows that what we might consider primitive culture runs parallel to Western civilization, and there is room for adult observers to even pick up on the inequities of modern commerce. Meanwhile, the point would not be lost on children. Being wordless, it invites conversation rather than straight ahead teaching, and opens up the age range of readers.

The illustrations are imaginative and innovative, constructed mostly of cloth and woodcarvings. The last page explains this process. “Mirror” is a deep, conscientious story presented in an amazing book that collectors will want to buy.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up. Hardcover: 48 pages. Publisher: Candlewick; Bilingual edition. (Courtesy book cover image)

“Blue Chameleon”

On the lighter side, “Blue Chameleon” by Emily Gravett will entice young readers with its simple illustrations and single word per page structure to encourage beginning readers. Words like “yellow,” “swirl” and “gray” correspond with creatures that wear these colors or shapes. The simple setup builds not only reading skills, but helps develop the logical skills children will need for comprehension.

As children learn to read the word on the page, there is an interactive step left for children to point out the yellow color on the banana, or the swirl on the snail’s shell. Patterns and snippets of dialog in balloons are also scattered throughout to add a little fun and friendliness to readers.

“Blue Chameleon” is beautifully sparse in illustration, at least until the end. But, its deceptive simplicity invites and engages readers into the puzzle of pattern recognition and builds cognitive skills for children in a playful, non-instructive way.

Hardcover: 32 pages. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. (Courtesy book cover image)

“Interrupting Chicken”

Finally, on the silly side is David Ezra Stein’s “Interrupting Chicken.” This story depicts the timeless ritual of bedtime stories, but this time it is a father and daughter chicken. Promising not to interrupt, the father goes through three fairytales, and as we can expect, Little Chicken does not keep her promise. Just as each fairy tale is about to take a dangerous turn, Little Chicken interrupts and warns the characters of the impending danger.

When it comes to these fairy tales – Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little – every reader, big and small, was a little chicken at one time or another, and thus is the brilliance of this book. Being a perfect bedtime story, the littlest readers will learn about the fairy tales, but get a shortened version that will bring a laugh instead of a fright. For the bigger readers, the humor and layers of cleverness are engaging, and will not make them lose sleep either.

The illustrations are a lush pastel like old oil paintings, the characters are cute, at least as cute as chickens can be, and Stein’s use of framing for the images to fit the story are well thought. “Interrupting Chicken” is a classic read-aloud story ideal for bedtime, and doesn’t require any interactive participation from the little chickens.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up. Hardcover: 40 pages. Publisher: Candlewick. (Courtesy book cover image)

Winter Gateway Farmers’ Market Opening Saturday, Nov. 5

2011-11-04T11:09:00.002-04:00

YORK—

The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our 2011 - 2012 Winter Farmers’ Market season beginning on November 5th at the American Legion!

Steph Oeser, the market manager, says, “We’re looking forward to kicking off this winter season! Last year was a great first year. It usually takes a few years to really establish and develop an event, but the market took off in a way we didn’t fully expect. It was a fantastic learning experience and I’m so excited to see how this season takes shape. Based on vendor surveys and customer feedback from last winter, we changed the hours to 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The new location at the American Legion also provides easy access from Route One and tons of parking (including designated handicap spaces).”

The market is again sponsored by The Bank of Maine.

The 2011 - 2012 Winter Gateway Farmers’ Market will take place on 11 Saturdays between November and March indoors at The American Legion (next to Hannaford), in York, Maine. The dates are as follows: Nov. 5 and 26, Dec. 10 and 17, Jan. 7 and 21, Feb. 4 and 18 and March 3, 17 and 31. The market will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and there will be 25-30 vendors each Saturday. Many of our vendors are back from last winter’s market and several of our regular summer food and craft vendors are also attending. Just like our summer market, this event is always free to attend.

The goal of this market is to support local farmers, food-producers, artists and artisans, while offering a one-stop shopping experience for customers looking to buy all of their produce, breads, sweets, meats and specialty foods for the week. The select crafters at this market offer locally made, unique gifts for you or someone special (especially during the holiday season)!

Check out www.gatewayfarmersmarket.com for a complete list of participants and when they’ll be attending the market. Vendors interested in participating should download an application at www.gatewayfarmersmarket.com or contact Steph Oeser at the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce at 207.363.4422 or stephanie@yorkme.org. Space is limited and filling up quickly.

Photo Caption: Greens from Riverside Farm at last year's winter market. (Courtesy photo)

Updates from the Bridge

2011-11-04T11:07:00.001-04:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist

KITTERY—

The replacement of the Memorial Bridge that connects Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery continues to move forward on several fronts.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has named a Chicago firm as the apparent team for the design/build contract for the bridge and the Maine Legislative Council has unanimously approved the submission of a bill by State Sen. Dawn Hill, (D-York) to allow signage on Interstate 95 to aid downtown Kittery businesses by directing travelers to them.

Other legislation submitted by Sen. Hill to provide immunity from tort claim lawsuits for a New Hampshire based transportation company looking to expand its one Maine route through Berwick to include Kittery and Eliot since the closing of the Memorial Bridge failed to receive support from the Legislative Council. It was voted down in a 5-5 vote.

Sen. Hill said Monday she will appeal that decision.

A team headed by Archer Western Contractors had been selected for replacement of the bridge that carries Route 1 across the Piscataqua River.

Archer Western submitted a bid price of $81,420,000 to replace the 88-year old lift bridge that is closed to motor vehicle traffic. The projected date for opening the new span is July 2013.

The bid opening is “another important milestone in our aggressive approach in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation towards building a new Memorial Bridge," Christopher Clement, NHDOT commissioner, said.

"We will get the successful bidder on the job to restore this vital transportation link between New Hampshire and Maine as soon as possible."

Design-build is a process in which the design and construction phases of a project are combined into one contract, with the goal of expediting project completion.

On the legislative front Sen. Hill said she appreciates “the support of legislative leaders to recognize the importance of signage on Interstate 95 “to the people and businesses of this area. I look forward to discussing this issue in the upcoming session.”

“The bridge may be closed, but the community is still open for business,” she continued. “This bill will help the people and businesses of Kittery during this period.”

Sen. Hill said the signage will not be billboard-type that is prohibited by State Law but will help direct traffic to popular local destinations, similar to detour signage.

As to the tort immunity proposal, Sen. Hill said she would like to reinforce the importance of it with help from the business community. She is seeking individuals and businesses to write in support of this legislation.

“I think once I am given the chance to explain the situation, there will be a clear understanding that this bill is of emergency status,” she said. “Input from local businesses and residents will be very helpful in garnering the support needed to move forward.”

At present the New Hampshire company does not fall under Maine’s immunity from tort claim lawsuits because it is located in New Hampshire.

Sen. Hill noted that without protection in Maine Law, the transit business faces insurance issues and is thus reluctant to expand its services. Maine transit organizations are protected from tort claim lawsuits.

A date for appeals has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Maine legislators filed over 290 bills for the upcoming session but none is allowed to be processed before the full Legislature unless approved by the council.

The State Constitution limits legislative business during the Second Regular Session to budgetary matters and legislation of an emergency nature.

The legislative session is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012.

Young, Loud and Snotty: A Review of Steve Jobs’ Biography

2011-11-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Critic

Biographer Walter Isaacson has covered the lives of innovative thinkers Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Kissinger. Being his latest subject, Steve Jobs approached Isaacson about being his biographer while still working on the Einstein biography nearly ten years ago. This was shortly after Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The book was released only weeks after Jobs’ death, but was not necessarily intended for a posthumous release.

The first chapters focus on Jobs’ childhood. His adoption, his biological parents’ more privileged background, and his adoptive parents’ blue collar background lead all the way up to the day his adoptive parents realize this emotional and manipulative child was more intelligent than they were.

The next several chapters borrow and quote heavily from Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak’s autobiography “iWoz.” In fact, the chapters in this section mimic “Woz’s” autobiography by naming and organizing chapters after the Apple products that were being introduced at this stage in their lives: “Apple I, Apple II, Lisa, Macintosh,” etc.

Those who had read “iWoz” can almost skip a good portion of the first one hundred pages without missing too much vital information, but this fact also reinforces that Isaacson’s research seldom, if ever, conflicts in perspective. This consistency of facts about the relationship between Wozniak, Jobs, and the foundation of Apple validates Isaacson’s research. Moreover, Isaacson freely elaborates on many of Jobs’ associates’ backgrounds throughout the book, providing a small biography of each important personality that comes into his life.

Isaacson has interviewed ex-girlfriends, friends, foes, current and former colleagues. There are no pulled punches, and the cheap shots are free game, as they were in Jobs’ life. In later chapters, Isaacson reminds us of how Jobs had worked with the likes of Ross Perot, founded Pixar, and played a major role in Disney picking up a contract with Pixar to supply the 3-D animation technology. We even are given a glimpse at his part in the creation of the “Toy Story” Franchise.

Isaacson’s detailed account of these business endeavors and friendships brings the reader back to the eighties when Atari video games were king, and his description of American culture’s continual evolution. The cast of characters surrounding Jobs’ life paint a vivid reminiscence of a bygone era. Moreover, the biography shows how long and how short the span of thirty years really is, and how quickly the world changed.

Thoroughly researched, and written with a balanced perspective and detail, the book reads like an intelligent conversation. It never lags or gets dull, even the explanation of the technology and business negotiations keep the reader engaged. Isaacson keeps the details pertinent without driving the descriptions over reader’s heads, a tall order when trying to aptly explain such a rapid technological evolution.

With all of the headlines coming out showing how unpleasant Jobs’ disposition, hygiene, and ethics are, the story provides something deeper than just headline gossip. In fact, the last chapter consists mostly of Jobs’ own words and statements on his own life. This biography is a time machine that brings every reader back to recent eras we can easily access. It is epic in scope as it covers a revolutionary personality who forged a revolution.

Hardcover: 656 pages. Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 24, 2011).

Photo Caption: (Courtesy book cover image)

New-Look Pirates: Not Looking Too Good

2011-10-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

By Scott Andrews

Staff Columnist
PORTLAND—
The Portland Pirates sport a new look for the 2011-2012 season. There’s been a near-total turnover in players plus a new NHL parent club and a new head coach.
But the new-look Pirates aren’t looking too good on the ice, at least so far. At press time (on Tuesday) the Pirates sported a 2-3-0-1 record over the first three weeks of their 80-game season, good for a .417 percentage. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance to be sure, but the overall picture is dominated by a sputtering offense and a porous defense.
That’s a far cry from the recent past. Last year’s Pirates had excellent results, posting a 47-24-7-2 record for a .644 percentage, one of the best showings in Portland history.
What’s the story? As in all minor league sports, changing parent club affiliations is a constant factor. Following the 2010-2011 season, the Buffalo Sabres transferred all of their American Hockey League players from Portland to Rochester, N.Y., to become the newest incarnation of the Rochester Americans.
(The American Hockey League is the game’s second tier, a single step below the big time. AHL players are under contract to their NHL parent clubs, and they can be called up at any time.)
Soon after Buffalo’s move, Pirates principal owner Brian Petrovek inked a new affiliation pact with the Phoenix Coyotes to move their AHL players to Maine. As a result, the Portland Pirates are now the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate. Or another way of putting it, they’re last year’s San Antonio Rampage.
But Phoenix is a franchise with a troubled financial history. The team is currently owned by the NHL in a caretaker role. The NHL is trying to unload the club, and a change of home city will likely accompany any transfer. On a positive note, the Coyotes have enjoyed two consecutive winning seasons.
From the fans’ point of view, the principal consequence of the above moves is an almost-total turnover of players. The lone holdover is Igor Gongalsky, a Ukrainian-born forward who made a minor impact over 54 games with the Pirates in 2010-2011.
In an unrelated move, Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen, who was popular with both the players and the fans, seized his well-deserved – and long overdue – opportunity to step up to an NHL head coaching position. Dineen, who owns the best coaching record in Pirates history, now helms the Florida Panthers.
Ray Edwards, in his second year as an AHL head coach, will stand behind the Pirates’ bench this season. With San Antonio last season he posted a 40-33-0-7 record for a .544 percentage.
This year’s Pirates? A big question mark.
Unquestionably the Coyotes’ top prospect is Andy Miele, a Michigan native who won last year’s Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey. Miele is a sparkplug whose stature on the ice far exceeds his 5-foot-8 height and his 180 pounds. He enjoyed a stellar game on Oct. 19, tallying two goals and three assists as the Pirates beat Manchester. At press time, Miele had been called up to Phoenix.
Like Miele, the Pirates are young and relatively inexperienced. Edwards will be relying on a few veterans to help guide his up-and-coming players. In particular, look for center Ryan Hollweg, defenseman Dean Arsene and goalie Curtis McElhinney to provide a crucial center of gravity.
Edward summarized the situation. “There are a lot of new people in the organization,” he said. “Every day we’re learning who we are.”
Photo caption: Forward Andy Miele promises to be one of the top players for the Portland Pirates this season. He’s shown here in the Phoenix Coyotes September training camp. (Jeff Gross photo)

Berwick Student Wins World Equestrian Championship

2011-10-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—

Gabrielle Blackman (Kittery Point, ME), a junior at Berwick Academy, recently participated in the Grand National Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City and won the world championship for Classic Pleasure Saddle, Jr. Exhibitors ages 14-17. Gabrielle has been riding since she was six years old and trains year round at Taylor River Farm in Hampton Falls, NH under the direction of Sarah Gove and Richard Boule. She competes March through October in A level regional shows and, after winning the national championship, qualified to move onto compete in the world championship this year. Gabrielle took home the top prize over 23 other competitors.
Gabrielle participates in the high school equestrian athlete program sponsored by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and has received her varsity pin for riding for her freshman and sophomore years.
At Berwick Academy, Gabrielle plays on the basketball team, works on the Upper School literary magazine, “The Vernacular,” and is a member of the Gay Straight Alliance. Gabrielle also plays the guitar and sings at BA. She has performed in Winterfest, an audition-based show that features the School’s most talented musicians, dancers, and artists, for the past two years.
Photo caption: Gabrielle Blackman ’13 was recently crowned Classic Pleasure Saddle, Jr. Champion. (Courtesy photo)

Marshwood Middle School Celebrates Veterans Day

2011-10-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

ELIOT—

On November 10, 2011, Marshwood Middle School will commemorate its eleventh annual Veterans Day Celebration. The school-wide assembly, which starts at 9:00 a.m., features various tributes from students and faculty to local veterans. Last year, over 230 guests attended the school’s gathering. Several veterans are invited by Marshwood students because they have grandparents, parents, aunts, uncle, neighbors or community members who have served our country.
Local police and fire department members and various dignitaries including town officials, school board members, and state representatives attend the celebration to honor our veterans. All guests form a reception line at 8:30 a.m. and the students greet guests with small talk and a handshake. The reception line emphasizes a personal touch for every student to come in contact with the guests. This small act assists in setting the tone of the celebration.
As everyone gathers in the gymnasium, patriotic music is played and within the next hour, various tributes are presented in form of song, readings and power point presentations. After the Celebration, there is a reception in the library for guests and faculty.
It is extremely important for students to understand the sacrifices our veterans have made and continue to make for us. The veterans are touched by the sincerity and respect from the students and enjoy the assembly. We all at times can take our freedoms for granted, but this celebration encourages us all to remember the sacrifices made for us as Americans and to once again recognize that freedom is never really free.
Photo caption: Marshwood Middle School will host its 11th annual community Veterans Day celebration on November 10. (Courtesy photo)

Portsmouth Shipyard Earns Energy Award

2011-10-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KITTERY—
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has earned the Secretary of the Navy’s Energy and Water Management Award for fiscal 2011.
The award, of which there were only seven throughout the Department of the Navy, notes significant reductions in energy and water use.
The shipyard has cut its energy use by nearly 55 percent since 2004, and its water usage by just short of 20 percent since 2007.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulated those winning the award, terming their efforts “critical to the accomplishment of the Navy’s mission.”
“Your excellence in energy and water efficiency efforts are an example for all other commands to follow,” he said. “We must all continue to be good stewards of our resources.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Sheehan, D-N.H., also praised the shipyard for winning the award.
“Congratulations on this significant achievement,” Sen. Collins said. “I look forward to seeing the Secretary of the Navy Energy Flag flown at Portsmouth during the next year.”
“This prestigious award recognizes the significant accomplishments of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s comprehensive energy efficiency program, aggressive awareness campaign.”
“Your accomplishments and dedication is reflected in your success, and I look forward to seeing your energy improvements continue as the Navy intends to make nearly $100 million in facility and restoration investments during Fiscal Year 2012,” she said.
Collins also praised the Navy Support Activity Portsmouth for its gold level achievement for outstanding energy programs.
“These notable achievements have set new standards and created a model of performance not just for the Navy, but for the Department of Defense and private industry,” she said.
Shaheen, who with Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work, presented the award to the shipyard, said the Navy “has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce the federal government’s energy use, and the Portsmouth Shipyard is a great example of the progress it has made.”
“I commend the Navy and the shipyard for their leadership on energy efficiency, for their dedication to improving our nation’s energy security, and for their commitment to ensuring the shipyard is operating at its best.”
“It is an honor to be recognized for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s energy and water management efforts,” Capt. Bryant Fuller, the shipyard commander, said. “Our goal is always to improve our conservation programs, as the result is a true cost and energy savings for the nation. This award is truly a testament to the entire Shipyard, led by our Energy Task Force, pulling in the same direction to take great strides in reducing our water and energy consumption.”
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established in June 1800, is the oldest continually operated shipyard in the U.S. Navy.
During World War II over 70 submarines were built at the yard that then employed more than 20,000 workers. One noteworthy achievement during that time was the launching of four submarines in one day.
The shipyard built nuclear powered submarines in the ’50s, launching its first, the USS Swordfish, in 1957, and its last, the Sandlance, in 1969.
Since then it has overhauled and upgraded Los Angeles class submarines and is now doing similar work on the Virginia class.

Town Readies for Eighth Annual OgunquitFest

2011-10-21T09:57:00.001-04:00

OGUNQUIT—

For the eighth year in a row, Ogunquit has prepped the cornstalks and decorated the scarecrows in anticipation of the town’s annual harvest celebration, OgunquitFest. From Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23, the town is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza, offering activities, events and entertainment for visitors and locals alike.
On Friday and Saturday, muster your courage and visit the Catacombs and Maze at Ogunquit Village School on School Street from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. The Haunted Catacombs are not appropriate for children under 10, but the maze welcomes all ages. Be sure to pick up a $1 coupon in the Ogunquit Fall Festivals brochure, presented by The Weekly Sentinel and found throughout the town.
On Saturday, enjoy a Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Beach parking lot. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. While you’re down there, take a stroll through the Autumn Bazaar and hop on the Roaming Railroad for a scenic break, both of which will also be available on Sunday. Horse-drawn wagon rides are fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park. Kids can enjoy the Great Pumpkin Patch Presentation and Cookie Monster Decorating from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Dunaway Center on School Street, plus Fall Storytelling from 4 to 5 p.m. in the same place.
Also on Saturday, get out your stilettos for the “highly” anticipated High Heel Dash and Walk-Off at 3 p.m. in Perkins Cove. Brave souls race around the Cove in high heels with trophies awarded for Best Time, Highest Heel and Most Outrageous Costume. Proceeds from registration support the Frannie Peabody Center. And don’t forget your flashlight on the Ghostly Tours, presented by the Ogunquit Heritage Museum on Obeds Lane from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There might be more to Ogunquit’s nightlife than meets the eye!
On Sunday, everyone joins together for a Costume Parade from Ogunquit Square to Main Beach, with adults, children and canines welcome! Parade starts at 11 a.m. And be sure to find a viewing spot for one of the biggest events of the season: the Bridge to Beach Bed Race. It’s utter bedlam as teams zoom down Beach Street with decorated beds and king-sized enthusiasm. Vote on your favorite as teams raise money for nonprofits and vie for the People’s Choice Award. Most Beautiful Bed and Broken Spring winners will also be selected.
All outdoor events are weather permitting, but Ogunquit is hoping for sunny skies as volunteers put the finishing touches on the weekend’s decorations and events. As you walk around town, don’t forget to vote for your favorite scarecrow display! Ballot boxes will be located throughout town through Saturday, October 22. The Ogunquit Catacombs and Maze will also reprise their fright on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, just in time for Halloween.
For more information on any of the OgunquitFest events, contact the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce at (207) 646-2939, visit the Ogunquit Welcome Center at 36 Main Street, Ogunquit, visit www.visitogunquit.org, or pick up one of the Ogunquit Fall Festivals brochures presented by The Weekly Sentinel, available online or throughout Ogunquit.
Photo caption: Ogunquit will celebrate its 8th annual OgunquitFest this weekend with children’s activities, haunted happenings and family fun. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Kennebunk Celebrates Bridge Completion with Festivities and Fun

2011-10-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—
The Kennebunk Festival Committee announces the Second Annual Harvest Fest on Main Street to promote local business and provide downtown entertainment for families in Kennebunk. The event will be held on Saturday, October 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year’s Festival will also include a celebration of the completion of the Mousam River Bridge as well as an Apples and Arts Day, sponsored by the Kennebunk Farmer’s Market. Events include a Pancake Breakfast at Duffy’s Restaurant, a Costume Parade, Hay Rides, Pumpkin Decorating, Concerts on the Bridge, Fireman’s Muster and more.
Duffy’s 5K Run/Walk and Pancake Breakfast each start at 8:00 a.m. Proceeds from these events will be donated to the Festival Committee to help offset costs for Old Home Week in July 2012. All ages are invited to join the Costume Parade originating at Dane Street and marching down Main Street concluding at Water Street. The Parade begins at 11 a.m.
Other Harvest Fest events can be found throughout downtown Kennebunk including Pumpkin and Treat Bag Decorating, a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, Apples and Arts, Hay Rides, Farmer’s Market and Local Vendors in the former Mobil Station lot and a Ribbon Cutting, Live Bands, Duffy’s BBQ and a Fireman’s Muster on the newly completed Mousam River Bridge. Pen and ink prints by artist Steve Hrehovcik of the new bridge and downtown Kennebunk will also be available for sale.
For a full schedule of events, please visit their website at http://kennebunkfestivals.com.

Keep South Berwick Warm to Host Annual Community Supper

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—

The 4th annual Keep South Berwick Warm “old school” community supper will be held Wednesday, November 2, 5-7 p.m. at Spring Hill Restaurant, Pond Rd., South Berwick. The yearly community fundraiser is being held by townspeople working with Social Services in an effort to help local families deal with heating costs this winter. Just like days gone by, there’s no set donation or entry fee – there will be a soup pot by the door where people can give whatever they can to help their neighbors get through these challenging economic times.
As reported in the October 13th edition of the Boston Globe, The US Energy Information Administration said the nation’s heating oil customers – most of whom live in the Northeast – will probably pay more than in any previous winter as heating oil costs rise to an average $3.71 per gallon. The average household is estimated to spend nearly $2,500 between now and March. That is about $200.00 more per household, making this year’s fundraiser even more essential to those in need.
Soups and breads at the fundraiser are made by local restaurants and bakers, and cookies are made by local individuals. There will be raffles donated by local individuals, a $10.00 table with locally donated items, and a bake sale by the South Berwick Seniors. Local restaurants and bakers generously providing food at the supper include Nature’s Way Market, Pepperland Cafe, Fogarty’s Restaurant, The Catered Event, The Redbarn at Outlook Farm, The Black Bean Cafe, The Brixham General Store, Spring Hill Restaurant, King Tuts Cider, and When Pigs Fly Bread. River City Jazz will entertain with acoustic jazz music.
“The money we raise from the supper, the raffle, and any subsequent donations that are made, will give a family a few hours of heat, or help with weatherization of their home,” says Pat Robinson, one of the key organizers. “The support we’ve gotten from the local restaurants and individuals has been very enthusiastic — if we see the community responds the same way this year, the event should really make a difference in local families’ lives this winter. If people can’t come to the supper, we hope they’ll mail in a donation. We really hope to make sure that all of the families of South Berwick stay warm this winter.”
When residents make their donations to the South Berwick Fuel Fund, the checks will be written to SoBo Central, an umbrella non-profit organization that includes the Food Pantry, Keep South Berwick Warm, Hot Summer Nights Concerts, Friends of Powderhouse Hill, Smart Growth, and GreenUp. Its mission is, “to nurture the Town’s unique sense of place by connecting and engaging citizens in community life.”
Donations to the Fuel Fund can be made directly to SoBo Central, c/o Fuel Fund, 46 Witchtrot Rd, South Berwick, ME 03908. Please write “Fuel Fund” on the memo line.
All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Photo caption: Keep South Berwick Warm will host its 4th annual community supper on November 2. (Courtesy photo)

Funny Girl: A Review of Tina Fey’s Memoir ‘Bossypants’

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader

Book Reviewer
Tina Fey started off as an actress on television ads. She eventually landed a spot on Saturday Night Live’s writing staff, a move that evolved into Fey taking the seat of greats Chevy Chase, Kevin Nealon, and Dennis Miller as the anchor of the SNL news. Now, she has her own show, 30 Rock – a parody of the behind the scenes antics of Saturday Night Live – a movie career, and a hilarious memoir “Bossypants.”
“Bossypants” begins with Tina’s childhood, a surprise pregnancy, puberty, her father’s mild racism, and Summer Showtime. Summer Showtime highlights Fey’s coming of age in this teenage theater group where she catches the actor’s bug, and her friend comes out of the closet at a grand party that ends the summer. From these experiences she learns, “Gay people were made that way by God, but not solely for my entertainment.” A perfect example of Fey’s no holds barred documentation of her life.
As her star rose, Fey became an unwitting glamour icon. She unravels the sense of irony she feels with the light in which the public sees her. Chock full of blemishes, imperfections, and earthly human habits, Fey charms women readers proving she is just one of them, and male readers that there is a Tina Fey in very man’s wife.
Her recollections of the magazine photo shoots, adoring and snarky fan letters, awkward adolescence and motherhood dispels any myth of beauty one might hold of her. However, perhaps intentionally, Fey’s assessments of her self-image reinforce the deeper beauty of modesty and humanity with which she is truly gifted.
The only sure bet out there rests in the fact that nobody can get through “Bossypants” without emitting at least one hearty belly laugh between every five or so pages. She covers the challenges and pitfalls of working with men – particularly comedians with fixations on bodily functions – she has a memorable chapter of fashion advice for her daughter, and lets us in on the showbiz secrets and the Sarah Palin spoofs that made her a household name.
“Bossypants” is sharply written, and as the author, Fey is well aware of the phrase “too much information,” and relishes her disregard of the social mores that inspired the phrase. The anecdotes all seem to have a punch line, which to less gifted people can grow wearisome, but Fey is the funniest woman on earth.
Some chapters are straight ahead anecdotes and retellings of her life’s events, and others are checklists, script snippets, and outlines of witty observations and lessons she has learned in an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. The honesty that anchors her humor is what makes her a winner. She is not afraid to admit to who she is, and she is a bold role model for any “Sarah plain and tall” who aspires to something greater. The candor, wit, humility, and finely crafted and inventive narrative make “Bossypants” a winner.
288 Pages, Reagan Arthur Books; 1st Edition (April 5, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image)

South Berwick Residents Show How Passion Can Build Buildings

2011-10-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—
You don’t have to be Rockefeller to give a generous donation to a cause that means a lot to you. Just ask Marilyn Ladner, a retired woman who lives on a fixed income and has pledged more than $10,000 to building a new library in her hometown.
“I really believe in libraries,” said Ladner, who pledged the money over a three-year period and is putting a modest monthly charge on her credit card. “When I was four years old my mother began taking me to the library in Gardiner, Maine, every Saturday morning. That was the highlight of the week.”
Ladner is one of several South Berwick donors who have given significant infusions to the Capital Campaign for the new South Berwick Public Library, just as the Town got set to welcome residents to a celebration of the new library’s progress on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Dave and Mary Stansfield, who have been involved in local efforts to build a new library since the late 1990s, made an even larger donation.
“When it looked like it was starting to become a reality, we were in a position to make a significant gift,” said Dave Stansfield, a member of the Town Building Committee that helped guide the initial stages of the project. “I remember when the town library was at Berwick Academy before it turned private. Then it moved downtown to the Jewett-Eastman House. People always said that was supposed to be a temporary location, but it’s been there over 40 years.”
Stansfield became involved, in part, because of his commitment to the physical space. “I’m a person who wants to be able to reuse an old building if at all possible, and I was very, very excited when the verdict came back: it’s feasible,” he said of the former church. “It’ll be less expensive than tearing down and building new.”
He noted a lot of people in town already have a connection to that building. “It was a well-established Catholic Church, and a lot of people grew up there and had their kids baptized there,” he said.
Another couple making a major gift to the new Library are Sandy Agrafiotis and Carl Pehrsson, who both grew up in families of readers. They recently discovered something they hadn’t realized about each other: as 10-year-olds, the first place they ever went alone on a city bus was to their local library, she in Manchester, NH and he in Westbury, NY.
“The library was important to me when I was young. I loved to go up the big marble staircase to the art room where I’d sit on the floor and pull out oversize books on painting and sculpture. I remember loving Cezanne, Van Gogh and Brancusi,” said Agrafiotis, an art history major and professional photographer.
“A library is a safe and welcoming place in the public world where children and adults can feel comfortable,” she said. “It really is a safe zone for children, and a place that doesn’t involve spending money. I agree with the concept of the public library as the community living room.”
Each of these families – plus several others who have given between $5,000 and $25,000 – has played a part in advancing the vision of a new, expanded and modern library at the former St. Michael’s Church on Young Street.
In August 2010, the Friends of South Berwick Library started its Capital Campaign to raise $1 million toward the $2.25 million cost of the new Library. South Berwick voters approved a $1.5 million bond, which is funding the bulk of renovation and construction costs.
According to Patti Mitchem, president of the Friends, the funds raised by the Capital Campaign will complete construction and cover all costs of turning the completed building into a library, including furnishings and computers. Funds raised in excess of expenses will be used to help pay down the bond, she said.
Photo caption: South Berwick residents Mary and Dave Stansfield, and Marilyn Ladner are major donors to the Capital Campaign for the new Public Library at the former church on Young Street. (Courtesy photos)

Art Teacher & Program Spotlighted by ‘Worlds Largest Kids’ Art Museum’

2011-10-14T17:05:00.000-04:00

WELLS —

Wells Elementary School Art teacher Sandy Brennan has been notified that she is the recipient of a “Leadership Award” from Artsonia, an online school children’s arts museum. According to a press release from Artsonia, Brennan received this recognition “for outstanding leadership in the area of Arts Education at Wells Elementary School.”
As a result of Brennan’s leadership, Artsonia rates the gallery devoted to WES artwork on Artsonia.com second in Maine. Currently, Artsonia displays over 12.5 million student images from around the world.
The release also states: “The Leadership Award presented to Sandy Brennan honors teachers who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community involvement in arts education. The award also recognizes significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school arts program.”
“I am so pleased that Wells Elementary School students can be recognized for their hard work in Art classes by Artsonia,” commented Brennan. “I thank Maryanne Foley and parents Marcia Ciorra, Ashley Breton, Betsy Stevens, Christine Brickett, Nicole Iannillo, and Alicia Goodwin for their help in photographing the student works. I couldn’t do the Artsonia program without them.”
During the 2010-2011 school year, Brennan posted 1,455 pieces of student work in the art gallery reserved for WES. Recently, this gallery has been viewed over 5,700 times yielding more than 115 comments. The WES gallery address is: www.artsonia.com/schools/Wells12.
“While teachers in more than 100 countries showcase their student artwork on Artsonia, Sandy Brennan has created a school community deserving of recognition,” stated the release.
Artsonia was founded in 2000 and is based in Gurnee, Illinois. Their site, www.artsonia.com, also serves as a resource for educators and students. In addition, Artsonia sells mugs, t-shirts and other keepsakes with individual artwork imprinted. Fifteen percent of the money received for this service is donated back to the student art program.
Photo caption: Sandy Brennan with showcased student art. These colorful figures are Pueblo Native American “Kachinas.” (Photo by Reg Bennett)

Opening Scenes: ‘50/50’

2011-10-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
“50/50” begins with a shot of moving pavement; a hand holding an iPod moves into the frame. As the camera pans back, we see a man in a sweat suit running along a waterfront with the Seattle skyline on the other side. The man stops at the “Do Not Walk” light, while another jogger runs by him to cross the street, regardless of the sign. The light changes and he proceeds.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays as Adam, the cautious jogger who doesn’t drive because it is the fifth leading cause of death. In spite of his prudence, he is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer where mutated genes formed into a tumor along his spinal cord. When telling his 50/50 chance of survival to his best friend Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, Kyle tries to maintain his composure, stating Adam would have better chances than anyone in Vegas with those chances.
The cast is stellar with Anjelica Huston, Anna Kendrick, and Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) supporting the painful and complicated journey of a 27-year-old cancer patient. Anjelica Huston is Adam’s mother, a worrier whose husband is marooned in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease. For her own survival, she seeks her son to allow her to care for him, but his girlfriend, played by Howard, leaves viewers scratching their heads with her care-giving methods.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s por-trayal seethes with pain, despair and loneliness until the adversity knots into the viewers’ guts. Just in time, Kyle comes into the scene, insists that his best friend exploit this illness as a means to live his life fully, and uses his vulgar humor to steer the audience and his best friend’s demeanor into lighter territory.
“50/50” will likely introduce Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen to Oscar-conscious audiences and filmmakers. Rogen’s character, in particular, displays that the comedic actor has the chops to be funny in a serious film with this subtly nuanced character. The scenes in the treatment center, Adam’s scenes of private pain, and his anger are very real to those who have witnessed the nature of the disease. Huston shines in the doctor’s office after Adam finally lets her into his private battle; this is the first of many scenes that bring goosebumps in the last third of the movie as Adam’s road to wellness narrows.
Bottom line: “50/50” should not be missed. Viewers will get chills from the deep humanity of the male friendship that inspired this story, and the struggles of a patient who always had to play protector. Scenes with an icy physician and a young psychologist needing a case study for her doctorate subtly indicate the commonplace shortcomings of healthcare. But, the sweeping political commentary is kept at bay as the heart of the story is the most inspiring. This film will make audiences hurt, hate, love, and laugh many times over. “50/50” is based on a true story and makes us revel that friendships like this really exist. 4.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster image)

Tramuto Foundation Observes 10th Anniversary

2011-10-07T09:28:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist

OGUNQUIT—
The Tramuto Foundation observed its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 1 at the Beachmere Inn, to raise funds for its far-flung work.
More than 200 people showed up at the celebration that included a silent auction, and over $150,000 was raised.
“I’m just numbed,” Donato Tramuto, chairman of the Ogunquit Select Board and creator of the foundation, said in a telephone interview this week. “I knew we were going into it with a lot of momentum and lot of success, but this just beat my expectations.”
The foundation was established in 2001, following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks that brought down the World Trade Center towers in New York. Tramuto had planned to be on Flight 175, the second plane to hit the World Trade Center, but made a last-minute decision to get on an earlier flight.
His close friends, Dan Brandhorst and his partner, Ron Gamboa, and their three-year old son, lost their lives in that crash. The foundation was established three weeks later.
The foundation provides grants to help youths with special challenges overcome adversity and build the confidence necessary to achieve personal excellence.
“We’re still counting, checks are still pouring in,” Tramuto said. “This is just really amazing. It says a lot about Ogunquit. It says a lot about the community.”
Honored at this year’s celebration were the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights represented by Kerry Kennedy; The Ogunquit Playhouse, represented by creative director Brad Kenney; The President Mary Jane England Scholarship at Regis College represented by Dr. England; The Iris Network represented by James R. Phipps, and the foundation itself.
The funds raised will allow the foundation to continue its work.
“We’ll be able to do wonderful things in third world countries, but also make a real difference in the local communities,” Tramuto said. “We will continue our commitment to the Regis College nursing program, where we give scholarships to needy students.
“We started the Ogunquit Playhouse hearing device program, which will now be extended and expanded and allow for sign language at each show.”
The successful fund-raiser will also allow continued support of the Iris Network, he said, a nonprofit group that helps visually impaired or blind people attain independence.
“The remaining dollars will flow into my foundation,” he said, “helping children get scholarships to go to college.”
“We’re basically about doing small things to help people do big things,” he concluded. “A big congratulations to everyone involved.”
As a child, Tramuto, founder, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Physicians Interactive Holding LLC, struggled with severe hearing loss. He overcame the obstacles to become a leader in the healthcare industry, elected official in Ogunquit, and board member serving on several prestigious boards.
He is passionate about inspiring others to realize their own dreams through dedication and hard work.
Other causes and organizations the foundation has helped in addition to those honored this year include Maine Special Olympics, Cambodia - The Sharing Foundation, Leukemia Society, Katrina, 3 Family’s, Walden Street School Foundation, Windbrush Farm, state of Maine Foster Children Program, AIDS Seacoast Foundation, American Diabetes Association, The Friends Project, Frannie Peabody Center, Seacoast Hospice, Camp Sunshine, Gastro-Intestinal Research, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, and more.
(Molly McCoy contributed to this report)
Photo caption: Donato J. Tramuto, creator of the Tramuto Foundation, led a recent community fundraiser event, which has raised more than $150,000 to help a variety of charitable organizations. (Courtesy photo)

Key Link in Eastern Trail Opened, Dedicated

2011-10-07T09:27:00.000-04:00

By Scott Andrews

Staff Columnist
KENNEBUNK—
It’s easier to get from Maine to Florida. At least if you’re walking or riding a bicycle.
A key link in that long and winding route, which stretches between Calais and Key West, was opened late last summer and officially dedicated last week.
On September 28, representatives of the Eastern Trail Alliance, the East Coast Greenway, Maine Turnpike Authority and the Maine Department of Transportation gathered with hundreds of guests — many of them students at the Kennebunk Elementary School — to dedicate the new bridge over the Maine Turnpike at Mile 26.3, just north of Exit 25 and the Kennebunk service plaza.
The bridge, which spans six lanes of traffic, was built at a cost of approximately $1.2 million. It links two sections of the Eastern Trail in Kennebunk. When completed, the Eastern Trail will provide a 65-mile off-road route for pedestrians and bicyclists between Kittery and South Portland, passing through 10 towns.
The 28-mile distance from Kennebunk to South Portland is now 75 percent complete, with another section in Scarborough due to open later this fall. The South Portland Green Belt will complete the distance to Portland.
Most of the projected route follows the abandoned right-of-way of the Eastern Railroad, which was last used in 1944. Although the tracks were ripped out and the railroad was abandoned, the property was never fragmented, thanks to the Unitil natural gas pipeline, which uses the former railroad. Unitil grants the Eastern Trail Alliance the right to use the property.
The Eastern Trail is part of an even grander scheme, the East Coast Greenway. The general concept behind the East Coast Greenway is to create a pedestrian pathway and off-road bicycle route roughly parallel to the famed Appalachian Trail. Whereas the AT connects high mountain peaks, the East Coast Greenway will connect — and run through — major cities.
The East Coast Greenway was first proposed in 1991. As currently envisioned, total mileage will be approximately 3,000, running between Calais, Maine, and Key West, Florida. Twenty-three percent of the total projected route in nine states plus the District of Columbia has been completed.
The Eastern Trail was first proposed in 1997 by John Andrews, a retired engineer from Saco, who remains the driving force behind the effort. Prior to last week, the largest project on the trail was a bridge over the Scarborough Marsh, which was opened in 2004.
Two more large bridges are needed between Kennebunk and Portland, one to cross the Saco River between Biddeford and Saco and the other to cross Route 1 in Scarborough. The latter is currently under construction.
At the dedication ceremony, Maine Turnpike executive director Peter Mills, a longtime jogger, spoke of the need for recreational opportunities such as the Eastern Trail.
“We need places in our cities and towns where we can get outdoors and feel safe from traffic,” he said. “The Eastern Trail is just such a place.”
Photo caption: On September 28, Kennebunk celeberated the newly dedicated Eastern Trail bridge, which spans the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk. (Photo by Scott Andrews)

Third Annual Fall Eco-Fest at Clay Hill Farm

2011-10-07T09:24:00.000-04:00

CAPE NEDDICK—

On Monday of Columbus Day weekend, October 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Clay Hill Farm will host its third annual Fall Eco-Fest; a free community event of green family fun. Kids activities include pumpkin painting, farm-wide scavenger hunt, fairy-house building, Earth crafts and family yoga. Artisans, local farms, green businesses, wellness advisors and community organizations will gather on the lawn and under the Big Top event tent courtesy of Sperry Tents Seacoast, to celebrate the season and share information to raise environmental awareness at this annual celebration.
WXGR will be spinning the tunes and broadcasting live, while Clay Hill Farm fires up the grill for all-natural burgers, locally made hot dogs and tasty treats. Sundaes at the Beach will be serving-up their homemade ice cream for the kids, and winners of Clay Hill Farm’s annual Green Wedding Giveaway will be at the festival to share their journeys and launch the 2012 challenge. Event sponsors of the Fall Eco-Fest include; Simply Green Biofuels, Shaklee, Acorn Organic Salon, Childlight Yoga, Green Maids, Gendron Construction and Nikoe Natural Therapies. Eco-Movement Hauling and Consulting will be on-hand to help make this festival a zero-waste event.
To watch the Eco-Fest video, view past event pictures and gather more information about this community event, visit Clay Hill Farm online, www.clayhillfarm.com.
Photo caption: Clay Hill Farm will host its 3rd annual Fall Eco-Fest on Monday, October 10. (Photo by Jeremy Heflin)

York Land Trust Members Host Highland Farm Grand Opening Ceremony

2011-09-30T17:29:00.001-04:00

YORK—
The York Land Trust Annual Members’ Meeting and Highland Farm Grand Opening Ceremony were rescheduled from September’s Hurricane Irene weekend to this Sunday, October 2, 2011, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday’s activities will take place under a tent at the Highland Farm Preserve at 321 Cider Hill Road (Rte. 91) in York. A one-hour Members’ Meeting will begin at 3 p.m. and will be followed at 4 p.m. by a Grand Opening and Trails Dedication Ceremony. The public is welcome.
The program will include remarks by long time York Land Trust Executive Director Doreen MacGillis. In addition to highlighting the scope of the effort, MacGillis will thank key project leaders, supporters and the community of York for unanimously approving a $500,000 bond appropriation that was critical to acquiring the 151-acre property in 2009. With assistance from David Mallard, Stewardship Director, a new information Kiosk will be unveiled near the entrance to the property’s ADA (handicapped-access) trail, a first in this region. To enhance the visitor’s experience, the 24 sq. ft. sign features a large map of the Preserve’s trail system, use guidelines and ecology facts. In addition, as a tribute to four years of hard work, millions of dollars, and thousands of volunteer hours, a comprehensive list of contributors is included on the Kiosk to acknowledge that the Preserve is forever protected and open for public access thanks to the generosity of many individuals, foundations, partner organizations and the Town of York.
At the conclusion of the Grand Opening Ceremony, attendees will enjoy a guided interpretive walk to explore the property’s rich history and biodiversity.
Led by the York Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land, in partnership with the Kittery Water District, the Highland Farm Preserve was purchased in 2009 as part of the Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative. Conservation of the property is considered significant for water quality based on its proximity to the York River and Boulter Pond, which serves as a drinking water source for the Town of Kittery and parts of York and Eliot. In addition, through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 30 acres of the property are being managed as early successional habitat (thickets) to support the return of the state-endangered New England Cottontail (NEC) to the property. With as few as 300 individual NEC rabbits thought to be left in the state, restoration efforts at the Highland Farm Preserve may prove to be critical to the species survival in Maine.
Photo caption: Highland Farm Preserve view overlooking the York River. (Photo by Karen Arsenault)

Blue Star Service Banner Presented to Mother of Three Servicemen

2011-09-30T17:28:00.000-04:00

CAPE NEDDICK—
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the American Legion reestablished a tradition dating back to World War I, when banners were given to parents as an unofficial symbol that they had a child in active military service. The blue star on the flag represents one family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and a banner can have up to five stars.
While many one and two star service banners have been given out over the years, it is very rare for a parent to have three or more children serving simultaneously in the service.
The members of Charles S. Hatch Post #79 recently presented a “3” Star Service Banner to Ms. Tracy Steeves of Cape Neddick, Maine. Tracy has three sons serving on active duty in the Air National Guard, the Army and the Marine Corps, respectively. They are: Staff Sgt Jeffrey Greenlaw, currently stationed at Pease International Trade Port in Portsmouth, NH; SPEC4 Jake Greenlaw, currently serving at Ft. Drum, NY and Pvt Jared Greenlaw, stationed at Camp LaJune, NC.
The members of Charles S. Hatch Post #79 salute Jeffrey, Jake and Jared for their patriotism and service and thank Tracy for instilling in these young men the courage and character to serve our country.
Photo caption: Recently, members of Charles S. Hatch Post #79, The American Legion, presented a three Star Service Banner to Ms. Tracy Steeves. Shown from left to right: Post Commander Ronald Vigue, Tracy’s mother Ginny, Tracy and her father, Mr. Warren Steeves. (Photo by Robert Place)

USS Pasadena Arrives in Portsmouth

2011-09-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD/ELIOT—
Attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and her crew of 18 officers and 126 enlisted personnel arrived recently at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
While at the Shipyard, Pasadena will complete various maintenance work and several system upgrades. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the Fleet by ensuring every ship is ready to respond to the Navy’s missions.
Pasadena is the U.S. Navy’s second “Improved” Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine. Originally assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Pasadena conducted an inter-fleet transfer in October 1990 to San Diego, Calif. and became an integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force. In April 1996, Pasadena changed homeports to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where she was assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron Seven.
Throughout the submarine’s proud and illustrious 20-year history, Pasadena has conducted operations in virtually every part of the Pacific Ocean, from the west coasts of North and South America to Australia. Pasadena’s participation in exercises with various foreign navies from around the Pacific Rim has produced numerous firsts for U.S. nuclear-powered submarines and solidified the United States’ important role in international maritime operations.
Pasadena’s Commanding Officer, Commander Luis Molina, earned a bachelor’s of science in Electrical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Commissioned in May 1993, Cmdr. Molina reported to USS Grayling (SSN 646). During this tour, he completed two Eastern Pacific deployments, a Mediterranean deployment, and a ship inactivation. Cmdr. Molina then served as an instructor at Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit, Charleston, S.C., where he was assigned as a Shift Engineer and Staff Training Officer.
Cmdr. Molina then reported to USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) as the Combat Systems Officer in November 2000. During this tour, he completed a Western Pacific deployment.
In January 2003, he reported as the initial manning Engineer Officer, PCU Hawaii (SSN 776), and was reassigned in November 2003 as Engineer Officer on board USS Virginia (SSN 774). In August of 2005 Cmdr. Molina attended the Naval War College, Newport, RI where he graduated with distinction and earned a master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies and certification as a Joint Planner.
In March 2007, Cmdr. Molina reported to USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (BLUE) as Executive Officer, completing two strategic deterrent patrols. Following this tour, in December 2008, Cmdr. Molina reported to Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, where he served as a future Operations Joint Planner.
On July 22, 2011, Cmdr. Molina assumed command of USS Pasadena (SSN 752).
Pasadena’s host community is the town of Eliot, Maine.

Mills and Valente Named Semifinalists in National Merit Scholarship Program

2011-09-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

WELLS—
Wells High School seniors Jesse Mills and Michael Valente have learned that they are Semifinalists in the 57th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) formally made the list of Semifinalists public September 14th.
Last year, 1.5 million high school juniors throughout the United States took the 2010 PSAT/NMSQT. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation then selected 16,000 Semifinalists based on the PSAT/NMSQT results.
As Semifinalists, Mills and Valente have the opportunity to compete to become Finalists and qualify for over 8,300 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $34 million. These scholarships will be available in the spring of 2012. To become a Finalist, students must meet high academic standards and all other requirements. According to the NMSC, “…more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.”
“I am pretty excited,” said Valente in an interview about becoming a Semifinalist. Mills shared Valente’s excitement and added that he found it hard to take a test at school after learning the news.
Mills is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Team and plays club tennis, a non-varsity sport at WHS, in the spring. He indicated that he would like to attend Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania next fall. As of now he is undecided about a college major. Mills is the son of Wesley J. Mills and Cheryl Dearman Mills of Wells.
Valente is the Treasurer for the Class of 2012 and for the National Honor Society chapter at WHS. He says he would like to attend Boston University or Tufts University to major in pre-med. Valente is the son of Dawn Valente of Wells.
Photo caption: Michael Valente and Jesse Mills. (Photo by Reg Bennett)

Emmy Award Winner Richard Kahn Presents ‘An Arctic Wilderness Journey’

2011-09-23T11:50:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—
Emmy award-winner and documentary filmmaker Richard Kahn will offer “Travels by Canoe in Alaska’s Western Arctic,” a wilderness journey of words and pictures, at the Kennebunk UU Church at 7 p.m., Friday, September 30. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, the event is free and open to the public. Dessert will be served at 6:30.
An independent filmmaker, Kahn has had his work presented on The Discovery Channel, CBS, WGBH-TV and WBZ-TV in Boston, as well as Vermont Public Television.
Kahn has spent the last twelve summers paddling wilderness rivers in the Brooks Range and North Slope in Northwestern Alaska. He has traveled extensively in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, spending more than 300 days on the Colville River and its tributaries.
His talk will focus on spending time traveling wilderness rivers, in an area with which few people are familiar. A question-and-answer period will follow his presentation.
The inappropriately named National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) is 23.5 million acres of wilderness. It is home to the Western and Central Caribou herds, wolves, bears, wolverines and a rich assortment of raptors, songbirds and waterfowl. Kahn’s photographs and journals record intense light, an ocean of unnamed mountains, crystal clear rivers, delicate wild flowers and glimpses of the animals whose lives are woven into the fabric of the place.
Kahn’s credits also include MSNBC, NOVA, Frontline, and Bill Moyers Journal. The filmmaker received an Emmy in 1983 for “7 North,” a documentary on nurses in a neurological unit and in 1973 for “A New Beginning,” about four teenage patients in a spinal cord injury unit. While he has made films on a great variety of topics, Kahn has spent the most time and feels the strongest connection to films concerning health care and ethical decision-making as well as end-of-life issues.
The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 14 Main Street (Route One) in Kennebunk.
Photo caption: A lone caribou grazes on the Brooks Range in Northwestern Alaska. Filmmaker and ardent canoeist Richard Kahn will share his photographs and observations in “Travels by Canoe in Alaska’s Western Arctic,” a Sierra Club presentation, at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 30, at the Kennebunk Unitarian Universalist Church at 114 Main Street. (Photo by Richard Kahn)

What the…? A Review of Stephen King’s ‘Mile 81’

2011-09-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader

Book Reviewer
Stephen King continues his experiment with publishing with “Mile 81,” a story that is published strictly as an eBook to be downloaded to a Nook, iPad, Kindle or any of the other e-readers edging their way into the market. King is known to play with publishing formats: electronic, serial (“The Green Mile”), and comic and graphic novel re-releases (“The Dark Tower”), to name a few. With this eBook, it is evident that King is still having fun writing and publishing his stories, and he is taking his fans with him for the joyride.
As any Maine resident knows, Exit 81, under the new exit naming system, stands at 81 miles north of the Maine border on I-95. The whole story takes place at the abandoned rest area on this exit.
Long-time readers will be taken back a few years with this story. King’s main character is a ten-year-old boy, Pete Simmons, who wants to prove he is rough enough to hang out with his brother’s gang. With a half-full bottle of vodka and his favorite magnifying glass packed in his bag, he decides to hide out in the abandoned shack at this exit. For a ten-year-old, Pete has a precocious knowledge of the female anatomy, and a sense of mischief that is almost impossible to believe.
The chapters of this novella, clocking in at the equivalent of 80 print pages, are divided into the characters that will meet their untimely demise at this exit, and the make of their car. For example, Chapter 3 is named “Julianne Vernon (’05 Dodge Ram).” Known as the horse lady, Julianne stops at the exit curious about a Prius parked with a mucky station wagon. As time moves along, she gets eaten by that muddy wagon. Yes, she is eaten by a car.
The story is strange, not unlike “Christine,” which he references in this story, but it works. “Mile 81” is gruesome, bizarre, and silly, but also inventive and fun. King has an imagination that makes most of his contemporaries scoff in envy, perhaps the reason for the literary snobbery that he has been the target of in the past. Sometimes King goes out to the edge – a car eating people isn’t exactly in our realm of believability – but he weaves the campiest concepts into the kind of fun storytelling that hearkens back to old Americana.
Moreover, as he did in “Under the Dome,” he doesn’t just mercilessly slaughter character after character without a care. The characters in each segment are believable, and the reader pities their demise. In each character’s backstory, King reminds us these are loved ones with real souls who have reached out to others in their lifetimes. There is a sense of tragedy in their passing, this is where King’s genius as a horror writer shines through. He never forgets these people are human. The grisly horrific occurrences are actually episodes of high drama that ends these everyday lives.
The narration is quirky, preadolescent, filthy and very funny. At times the pop culture references and youthful tone seem a little forced, but still attention grabbing. To figure out why in the world (and how) this car is eating people is the driving force to finish reading the story, the answer is pure campy delight, and possibly predictable to select King fans. The style of storytelling and bizarre plot are classic Stephen King that references to the early short stories, novellas and novels that put him and the state of Maine on the modern literary map. Not his best work to date, but highly recommended!
File Size: 213 KB. Print Length: 80 pages. Publisher: Scribner (September 1, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy e-book cover image of Stephen King’s “Mile 81”)

Kennebunk Elementary School’s Harvest Fair to Bring the Community Together

2011-09-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—

Members of the public are invited to attend a Harvest Fair at Kennebunk Elementary School on Thursday, September 22, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The Fair, part of RSU 21’s celebration of Maine Harvest Lunch, will be held rain or shine in the garden area behind the school gym. The Harvest Fair is an opportunity for students, families, and community members to meet many of the farmers who have grown and raised food for the school cafeterias.
A Farmer’s Market, where fairgoers can purchase produce, will feature a number of farms including: Archer Angus (beef), Chick Farm (organic chicken and vegetables), Fenderson Farms (fresh produce), Groundwork Farm (organic and heirloom vegetables), Pullen Manor Farms (with goats and other live animals), Santoro’s Honey, and Tibbetts Family Farm (corn, tomatoes, winter squash & pumpkins).
The Fair will also include tours of the K.E.S. vegetable garden, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, and a craft project for kids. Admission to the Fair is free.
The Harvest Fair is part of a larger event RSU 21 students will participate in during the school day. This is the 10th year that the district has participated in Maine Harvest Lunch, an event promoted by the Maine School Nutrition Association. RSU 21’s Food Services Director Ellen Demmons and her staff are busy preparing recipes for this year’s celebration. Demmons has created a full week of school lunch menus around the Maine Harvest theme—although the original goal was to develop only a single lunch menu.
Throughout the week of September 19th, school staff will be demonstrating that healthful eating can be done with locally available foods. “It is a lot of extra work,” says Demmons, “but well worth the effort.” On Monday, students will be served Sloppy Joes with Archer Angus Farm’s beef, Maine broccoli, and blueberries and cream. Menu options later in the week include Maine fish tacos with Harris Farms corn on the cob on Tuesday; and baked ziti with summer vegetables and a tossed salad made from Maine Romaine lettuce on Friday.
Although this is a special occasion, Demmons works with local Maine suppliers whenever she can. Giles Farm Apples, potato products from Penobscot McCrum, and Hood dairy products, for example, are staples in the cafeterias. In addition, Tibbetts Family Farm in Lyman collects food waste from the District’s cafeterias to help create compost for use in gardens such as those at the Nonantum Hotel in Kennebunkport.
Mary Gaucher, whose two children attend K.E.S., is working with teachers and parents to plan additional events for the Harvest Week. First graders will be harvesting vegetables from the KES garden to make their own vegetable soup, tying in with the book they are reading, “Stone Soup.”
Gaucher says, “We are excited to invite Tom Reagan, a chef from the community, to give a cooking lesson to the entire grade.”
Additional in-school activities will include a discussion with a local farmer and a “taste-test contest” of different recipes for zucchini and tomatoes to be held during lunches. Nutritious, kid-friendly recipes for the contest were researched by Kennebunk High School student Laura Broderick.
For more information, contact Jennifer Niese, 985-1656 H or 294-2961 cell, turnstone@gwi.net.
Photo caption: John Tibbetts of Tibbetts Family Farm will be among the farmers at the Kennebunk Elementary School Harvest Fair on Thursday, September 22, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tibbetts provides pork for pulled pork sandwiches in the school cafeterias and collects leftover food waste to create compost. (Courtesy photo)

South Berwick Girl Donates 125-Year-Old Clay Pipe to Museum

2011-09-16T16:59:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—

Sarah Arenberg, 10, was swimming off the Rollinsford boat ramp in the Salmon Falls River this summer, when she saw something white glint on the muddy bottom.
“I thought at first that it was a shark’s tooth,” said the Marshwood Great Works School fifth grader, who lives in South Berwick.
To local historians, Sarah’s find was no less interesting: a clay pipe that someone may have smoked near that spot over 125 years ago.
Sarah and her mother, Debbie Arenberg, researched the pipe on the Internet. The name of the maker, W. White, was stamped on the pipe bowl. The Arenbergs learned that the Whites’ factory building in Glasgow, Scotland, was built in 1877 and still stands. It produced pipes through the 1890s.
Sarah recently donated the pipe to the Counting House Museum, owned by the Old Berwick Historical Society.
“We are delighted to have such an interesting object,” said Pat Laska, the society’s president. “Clay pipes were in common use in South Berwick and Rollinsford before the 20th century.”
The pipe, in good condition except that the stem appears shortened, is now on display on the second floor of South Berwick Town Hall, where the society maintains a display case of historical objects.
Photo caption: Sarah Arenberg, age 10, holds an old clay pipe she found this summer while swimming in the Salmon Falls River. Made in Scotland, the pipe is likely more than 125 years old, and is now on display in the Old Berwick Historical Society’s display case on the second floor of South Berwick Town Hall. (Courtesy photo)

DAR Promotes Constitution Awareness

2011-09-16T16:56:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
September 17, 2011, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American.
The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution. Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world.
“We must remember and teach that those who wrote the Constitution believed that no government can create freedom, but that government must guard freedom rather than encroach upon the freedoms of its people,” stated Merry Ann T. Wright, President General of the DAR. “The Constitution by itself cannot guarantee liberty. A nation’s people can remain free only by being responsible citizens who are willing to learn about the rights of each arm of government and require that each is accountable for its own function. Therefore, Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document, which is the safeguard of our American liberties. We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to guard that which is committed to us by our forefathers... our freedom.”
DAR has served America for 121 years as its foremost cheerleader. In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs visit www.dar.org or call (202) 628-1776.

To Our Readers

2011-09-09T19:12:00.001-04:00

This week, we at The Weekly Sentinel bring you a very special edition.

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we have compiled an 8-page editorial feature commemorating this anniversary. Staff reporters have covered stories that are both close to home, as well as national in scale, paying tribute to America’s loss ten years ago and its rebirth in the wake of those tragedies.
The memorial section also includes photos, information regarding educational resources, and a special events section to keep you informed of local, regional, national and televised programs that are taking place during this solemn anniversary.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this special issue. We are proud to bring it to your community, and we appreciate your taking the time to remember with us.
Sincerely,
The Staff at The Weekly Sentinel
Note: This section can be downloaded as a PDF on our web site. Additionally, photos taken by Molly McCoy during her trip to the 9-11 Memorial in NYC, can be viewed at this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/116758352106429291735/MollySTripToNYC?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Photo caption: The National September 11 Memorial in New York City is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the Center bombing in February 1993. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, which sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers, are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in the North America. (Artist’s rendering courtesy of www.911memorial.org)

Center for Wildlife to Host Annual Open House

2011-09-09T19:11:00.000-04:00

CAPE NEDDICK—
Every year Center for Wildlife quietly treats 1,700 animals, presents 200 educational programs, partners with diagnostics labs and land trusts, fields over 10,000 wildlife phone calls, and hosts 20 college interns and 70 volunteers at the base of Mount Agamenticus. Our mission is to promote respect for wildlife and the environment through our medical, research, and educational programs. We are very excited to celebrate and share our work in the community with our annual “Wild About Our Community” open house event on Sunday, September 11 from 11 to 3 p.m. These open houses have been very popular in the past with hundreds of people in attendance, and we are hoping for another great turnout and event this year.
Take a scenic trolley ride up Mountain Road to Center for Wildlife and enjoy the beautiful habitat and sounds of summer along the way. Staff, volunteers, and live animal ambassadors will welcome participants with a map of the property and a schedule of events for the day. Learn and explore New England wildlife and habitats, how to support our work, and our hopes and dreams for the future; including a Welcome Center and Admissions Building, growth in wildlife diagnostics and research, and public education, workshops, and trainings. There is a $5 admission for adults, and kids are FREE! All proceeds from the event will go directly to our work medically treating and spreading awareness about local wildlife. The schedule of events for the day includes:
11:30-12:00 p.m. - “Migration Sensation”- focusing on migrating raptors and identifying those flying right over CFW this time of year!
12:30-1:00 p.m. - “Going Batty”- introduction to our native bats, and the wonderful work that is being done locally to help save them from White Nosed Syndrome.
2:00-2:30 p.m. - “Edna’s Edible Plant Walk”- Take a walk with Edna our albino porcupine ambassador and learn about what she forages on during different times of the year and why. We’ll also spotlight some local plants and benefits to people
In between programs visitors can enjoy ongoing baby bird room tours and feeding demonstrations, nature-based activities, songbird releases, ice cream from Lone Oak, pizza, and raffles (including gift certificates to Flatbread Pizza, When Pigs Fly Bakery, and The Wellington Room). There is a $5 admission, and kids are free! If you have any questions feel free to email info@yorkcenterforwildlife.org.
The Center for Wildlife receives no state or federal funding and treats injured or orphaned wild animals within approximately 100-mile radius of Cape Neddick, ME. Consider supporting CFW’s work along with local wildlife and habitats by making a monetary donation, hosting an intern, applying for a volunteer position, donating blueberries or other items from our wish-list, or in other creative ways! To find out more please visit our website at www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org.
Photo caption: Wood thrush being released back into the wild. (Courtesy photo)

Protection of Merriland River Parcel Gets Boost from Federal Grant

2011-09-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

WELLS—
The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve has received a $287,000 federal grant to assist with the permanent protection of a 130-acre parcel with high conservation value along the Merriland River in Wells. The Wells Reserve and the Wells Conservation Commission collaborated in requesting the grant, which was awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program.
“Protecting land along the rivers that flow into our estuaries is a conservation priority,” says Paul Dest, director of the Wells Reserve. “This grant will greatly assist the Town of Wells in acquiring an ecologically significant parcel that will protect water quality and provide public access for low-impact recreation.”
The Merriland River purchase will protect, through fee simple acquisition by the Town of Wells, 130 acres of uplands and forested wetlands including 5,250 feet of river frontage. The parcel will connect with 410 acres of adjacent Town-owned land to create a 540-acre conserved area.
In June 2010, Wells citizens approved a ballot measure to release funds from the Land Bank Account that will be used as the local match required to receive the federal grant.
“The voters of Wells once again acted responsibly in planning for the Town’s future,” says Owen Grumbling, chair of the Wells Conservation Commission. “Conserving the clean water in this beautiful river system is a fine investment.”
While the federal grant and matching funds have been secured, a survey, an appraisal, deed research, and other due diligence tasks must be completed before the sale is complete. Closing is anticipated by the end of the year.
The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program is a national competitive program meant to protect important coastal and estuarine areas with significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic values, or that are threatened by conversion from their natural or recreational state to other uses. States, municipalities, and national estuarine research reserves compete annually for the funds.
The Merriland River proposal, submitted by the Wells Reserve and the Wells Conservation Commission in 2010, was ranked 4th of the 42 proposals submitted from across the country. “The high ranking by a national review committee underscores the tremendous conservation value this property possesses,” says Dest.
This is the second such grant received by the Wells Reserve. The first helped protect over 400 acres of land in Kittery, York, and South Berwick in 2005.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a 2,250-acre National Estuarine Research Reserve with its headquarters listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wells Reserve’s goal is to protect and restore coastal ecosystems around the Gulf of Maine. Staff and volunteers expand knowledge about coasts and estuaries, engage people in environmental learning, and involve communities in conserving natural resources.
The work of the Wells Reserve and the care of its historic site are made possible by Laudholm Trust. Organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1982, member-supported Laudholm Trust provides vital monetary and in-kind support to the Wells Reserve. This local support enables the Wells Reserve to receive additional funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is located on Laudholm Farm Road, just off U.S. Route 1 near the Wells-Kennebunk line.

York Hospital Celebrates Groundbreaking in Kittery

2011-09-02T18:55:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KITTERY—
More than 150 people gathered in what has been a vacant lot at the intersection of State Road and Walker Street Tuesday to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new York Hospital medical facility.
On a site which has been a parking lot for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers and a long-gone car wash, the hospital will build a walk-in care center with diagnostic laboratory and imaging services, and will house Kittery Family Practice and also specialty physician offices including Family Ear, Nose and Throat, the practice of surgeons Brett Rankin and Christopher Sarno.
The project, estimated to cost $7,725,000 is expected to be up and operating in late fall of 2012. It will be a 22,000 square foot facility.
Some of the services now located on the Route 1 Bypass will be moved to the new location but others will remain where they are.
“This project has been a long time in the works,” Jud Knox, president of York Hospital said at the close of the brief ceremony. “We bought this property years ago with the intent of creating a new kind of presence in Kittery, but things just didn’t seem to come together.”
Kittery Family Practice, now located at 22 Shapleigh Road, began in half of the Kittery Water District Building on an opposite corner of the intersection, and has outgrown its current home. Dr. Fred Thaler, one of the physicians involved with that practice, said, “It’s going to be great to be back in the old neighborhood.”
“We know we must do a better job [in Kittery] and that’s why we’re here today,” said Lorraine Boston, chairwoman of the York Hospital Board of Trustees.
She said the trustees have committed the financial resources for the project but part of the financing will be a $500,000 fund drive within the local communities.
That drive, she said, will be headed by Jeff Pelkey of J. S. Pelkey Funeral Home, and current chairman of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce.
Knox said the new facility is York Hospital’s “commitment to the residents of Kittery. We are here, in fact, to serve you today and in the future. And why is York Hospital here? Because you are very important to us.”
Knox said this project is “part of our philosophy of trying to get medical care into communities and trying to get as close to neighborhoods and as close to patients and their families as possible.”
Judith Spiller, chairwoman of the Kittery Town Council, said the York Hospital facility on the site will create “more business” for local establishments and, hopefully, “more businesses” in the future.
The Kittery facility joins facilities in South Berwick, Wells, Berwick, North Berwick and York, as well as the 79-bed hospital in York Village.
The design team for the project includes Lassell Architects of South Berwick, and Attar Engineering of Eliot. The building contractor is Eckman Construction of Bedford, N.H.
Photo caption: From left to right: Lisle Rankin, Family Ear, Nose and Throat; Jeff Pelkey, Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Ed McAbee, Kittery Family Practice; Lorraine Boston, chairwoman, York Hospital Board of Trustees; Henry Warner, treasurer, York Hospital Board of Trustees; Judith Spiller, chairwoman, Kittery Town Council; and Jud Knox, president, York Hospital. (Photo by Larry Favinger)

Ogunquit Conservation Commission Cleans Up

2011-09-02T18:54:00.000-04:00

OGUNQUIT—
On Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., the Town of Ogunquit’s Conservation Commission will host its seventh annual Ogunquit Beach, Dune and River Clean-Up Day.
As in past years, volunteer citizens, tourists, Ogunquit Selectmen, Town Manager, and others will join Commission members to rally at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Beach Bathhouse to form sectional teams to spruce up the length of the dunes, beach and riverside from the Main Parking Lot to the Moody Car Park.
The Commission is pleased to have the assistance of the six-member work force from Laudholm Farm’s International Volunteers for Peace. Thanks to Judy Cohen, this year’s group will consist of helpers from France, Greece, Romania, Croatia and So. Korea.
Clean-up efforts will result in removal of amounts of litter and refuse: bottles, cans, broken glass, clothing, beach chairs, damaged lobster traps, rope, metal, driftwood, etc.
Refuse will be bagged, separated as to recyclables and deposited at the dune crossovers for pickup in the afternoon by the Ogunquit Public Works Department.
Further protection for the dunes will commence in the spring, when new fencing will be installed along the face of the dune. Fencing is vital to curtail pedestrian traffic plus reducing refuse on the dunes, actions, which are extremely detrimental to the health and development of the dune system. People walking and camping on the dunes destroy the beach grasses that are essential to dune stability, growth and movement.
Beyond adding a handsome back-up to the beach, coastal sand dunes are nature’s way of protecting significant river estuaries (such as the Ogunquit River Estuary), which provide essential habitat; breeding and nesting ground for aquatic species, shorebirds and animal wildlife, plus sanctuary for Endangered and Threatened species and plants.
The Conservation Commission is greatly appreciative of the assistance and cooperation provided by Town Manager, Tom Fortier; Public Works Department Director, Steve Shepard; Fire Chief Ed Smith; Ogunquit Lifeguards, and the many Ogunquit citizens who gave of their time and efforts planning this event.
Snacks and refreshments will be offered at the completion of the cleanup. Greening of Ogunquit Tote Bags will be available for donation.
An open invitation to assist in the clean up is extended to all who enjoy and appreciate Ogunquit’s immaculate beach and surroundings, recently voted (for the 2nd year) the Number One Beach in New England in a NECN poll! Come on down and give us a hand!

Fast, Fun and Frothy! ‘Legally Blonde’ to Open at Ogunquit Playhouse August 24

2011-08-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

OGUNQUIT—
OMG, like, you totally have to see “Legally Blonde the Musical,” on stage August 24 through September 17. Get your pink on and join the Ogunquit Playhouse for this all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy that is so much fun it shouldn’t be legal!
This award-winning Broadway musical sensation is based on the hit movie of the same name and follows college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, played by Broadway’s Becky Gulsvig, as she puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School in pursuit of her boyfriend Warner, who just dumped her for someone more serious. There she encounters Professor Callahan, played by the Tony Award winning actor Michael Rupert, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. “Legally Blonde the Musical” will take you from the social whirl of California campus life to Harvard’s halls of justice with our heroine Elle, her Chihuahua, Bruiser and the bull-dog-toting-hairdresser Paulette, played by none other than Emmy Award winning Playhouse favorite Sally Struthers. “Legally Blonde the Musical” was nominated for 7 Tony Awards in 2007 and won the Olivier Award for Best Musical this past June in London.
Becky Gulsvig is reprising the role of Elle Woods after 2 years in the 1st National Tour of “Legally Blonde,” for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination. Becky was also a member of the original Broadway cast of Legally Blonde as (Leilani/understudy Elle/Serena/Margot) and starred in “Hairspray” as Amber Von Tussle. The Tony Award winning actor Michael Rupert joins the cast as professor Callahan, the role he originated on Broadway (as well as the MTV Presentation). Mr. Rupert’s other Broadway credits include “Ragtime,” “Falsettos” (Tony nomination/LA Ovation Award), “City of Angels,” “Mail,” “Sweet Charity” (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award), “Shakespeare’s Cabaret,” “Pippin,” and “The Happy Time” (Tony nomination, Theater World Award).
Sally Struthers is best known for her comedic roles and is a highly acclaimed actress of stage, television and screen, winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for her performances in television’s groundbreaking series “All in the Family.” She starred in the Fox television series “9 to 5,” her own CBS series “Gloria” and had recurring roles in the CBS comedy “Still Standing” and the CW’s highly acclaimed “Gilmore Girls.” Sally appeared last year at the Ogunquit Playhouse as Mama Morton in the hit production “Chicago.”
Director for the Ogunquit production is Marc Bruni, whose relationship with “Legally Blonde” began as the Associate Director on Broadway, and then with the London and U.S. Tours and MTV’s “Search for Elle Woods.” In addition to his many directing credits in regional theatres across the county, he has been associated with Walter Bobbie, Kathleen Marshall, Jerry Mitchell and Jerry Zaks on fourteen Broadway shows including this year’s Tony winning revival of “Anything Goes.” Rusty Mowery joins the creative team as choreographer. Rusty has been part of “Legally Blonde” since its original workshop production in New York and is the Associate Choreographer for both the London and UK National Tour productions. In addition, Rusty has danced on Broadway in the casts of “Legally Blonde,” “Hairspray,” “Seussical,” “Ragtime” and “Cats.”
Featured in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of “Legally Blonde” are two of Bill Berloni’s dogs, Frankie the Chihuahua and Chloe the Bulldog. Bill Berloni is the top recognized trainer for theatrical animals in the U.S. and was the 2011 recipient of a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre, honoring his 30 years of rescuing shelter dogs and humanely training them for a career in the entertainment industry. Bill’s animals have appeared in hundreds of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions, tours, movies and television shows all starting with “Annie” in 1977. Frankie will reprise his role as Bruiser after touring with Becky Gulsvig in the original Broadway tour. Chloe will return to the role of Rufus, the role she originated on Broadway.
The fall ushers in one of the most stunning Broadway blockbusters of all time, “Miss Saigon,” an epic love story that will touch your heart and haunt your memory, on stage September 21 through October 23. This compelling tale, a modern variation of “Madame Butterfly” by the creators of “Les Misérables,” shares the emotional story of an American GI and his love affair with a Vietnamese girl in a world torn apart by war. From the first sound of a helicopter flying as the sun rises over Saigon during the Overture, to the show’s powerful ending, “Miss Saigon” will take you on a touching journey about unwavering love and self sacrifice. The emotionally powerful score features the show stopping “The Movie in My Mind,” “I Still Believe,” “Why God Why” and “The American Dream.”
Take advantage of Super Saver seats and new standard price rollbacks now available online or through the Box Office. Prices range from $49 to $76.50. The Ogunquit Playhouse is America’s Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday until October 23, 2011. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit our website www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Tickets on-line or by calling the local box office at 207-646-5511.
Photo caption: Becky Gulsvig as Elle Woods with Frankie the Chihuahua as Bruiser, starring in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of “Legally Blonde the Musical” on stage from Aug. 24 through Sept. 17. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Museums of Old York to Host Fourth Annual Antiques Show

2011-08-26T17:59:00.000-04:00

YORK—
The fourth annual antiques show at the Museums of Old York will take place September 9-11. This boutique show will feature distinguished antiques dealers, including Birchknoll Antiques, Running Battle Antiques, John Hunt Marshall, Hanes and Ruskin, Philadelphia Print Shop, Springers Jewelers, Nicoll Fine Art and Antiques, W.M. Schwind, Jr., Antiques & Fine Art, Nancy Prince, James H. LeFurgy, Sears and Tither, Patricia Anne Reed, The Leather Bucket, Donna Kmetz, White’s Nautical Antiques, Oriental Rugs Ltd, and Hermitage Antiques. The Antiques Show will highlight exceptional silver and brass, furniture, paintings, ceramics, clocks, jewelry, oriental rugs, textiles and folk and decorative art. A complete list of participating exhibitors is available online at www.oldyork.org. Proceeds from the show support the museum’s education, outreach and curatorial programs, which serve over 20,000 children and families each year.
The Old York Antiques Show is supported by the following sponsors: Kennebunk Savings, York Harbor Inn, Hap Moore Antiques-Auctions, The York Antiques Gallery, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, The Framing Alternative, Law Office of James B. Bartlett, Morgillo Financial Management, Period Design Restoration, York Hospital. The media sponsor for this year’s event is Maine Home+Design.
The Old York Antiques Show will begin with a preview party on Friday, September 9th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Museums of Old York’s Visitor Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York Village, Maine. Guests will have an exclusive preview of dealer booths and the first opportunity to purchase antiques while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music. Tickets are $75 and include a two-day pass to the Antiques Show. Patrons who donate $125 will receive a ticket to the Preview Party, be recognized at the event and invited to a Saturday evening reception to honor the exhibitors and sponsors. Tickets to the Preview Party can be purchased in advance by calling (207) 363-4974. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
The Preview Party will include a very popular Spending Spree Raffle. Raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50. The winner (or winners, depending on how many tickets are sold) will have an opportunity to spend $1,000 at the Preview Party, September 9 and/or at the Antiques Show, September 10-11. The drawing will take place Friday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. on the Remick Barn bluestone terrace. Raffle Tickets can be purchased by calling (207) 363-4974.
The Antiques Show runs Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museums of Old York’s Visitor Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York Village, Maine. Admission is $10 and includes a two-day ticket to the Museums of Old York.
For a full list of the Antiques Show Dealers, visit www.oldyork.org/visit/antiquesshow.html.
Photo caption: The 4th Annual Antiques Show at the Museums of Old York will be held Sept. 9-11. (Courtesy photo)

Hadlock Has Talent: Sea Dogs Looking for Local Acts to Perform at Game

2011-08-26T17:57:00.001-04:00

PORTLAND—
The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are looking for talented local individuals to perform at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs will host a “Hadlock Has Talent” contest; the winners will be able to perform at the Sea Dogs’ final game of the 2011 season on September 5th when the Sea Dogs take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 1:00 p.m.
Can you juggle? Are you a comedian? A daring gymnast or tumbler? Individuals or groups who feel as though they have what it takes to entertain the fans between innings, before the game or as fans enter the ballpark on the front plaza are asked to put together a video and send it to the Sea Dogs. Videos can be submitted to HadlockHasTalent@gmail.com. All acts must be family appropriate.
The Sea Dogs’ front office staff will review all entries and select the top acts to perform at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs’ staff will also be asking for your input, we’ll post several of the entries on our Facebook page and judge the act based upon how many fans like the act.
All videos must be received by Wednesday, August 31. Videos must be in electronic format, YouTube links are also acceptable and must be sent to HadlockHasTalent@gmail.com. Sorry no DVDs, VHS, etc. will be accepted.
Please contact Liz Riley at lriley@seadogs.com or 207-874-9300 with any questions regarding the contest.
Tickets for all remaining 2011 Sea Dogs’ home games are available and can be purchased by calling 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. (Courtesy image of Sea Dogs logo)

South Berwick Celebrates LanternFest

2011-08-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—
Molly Colman loves fire. The South Berwick artist is even more enamored with the idea of people strolling peacefully along a path lighting the summer night with their hand-made lanterns. So it is literally a dream come true that so many of her neighbors have been busy making lanterns in preparation for SoBo’s first annual LanternFest, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25 on the shores of Knights Pond and at the Spring Hill Restaurant.
“I saw the LanternFest as a celebration of the simple pleasures of community,” said Colman, who first came up with idea of a lantern walk after hearing of other events involving light, fire and community in Jamaica Plain, MA and Providence, RI. “Something about fire brings people together,” she said, “whether around a campfire, watching fireworks or dining over candlelight.”
So far, students and families in South Berwick have crafted more than 300 lanterns, which will be lit with fire, tea lights and glow sticks at the quarter mile stroll through Spring Hill’s field and woods.
In addition to the lanterns, children in town have made hundreds of luminary bags decorated with their ideas of why they like South Berwick. As one child, 8-year-old Kylie Stephens wrote, “I like our town because it is peaceful.” Or as others said, “I like my town because everyone is nice,” “I like the fact that my town cares about everyone and it keeps people safe,” and finally, “I love seeing the clear stars at night.”
Many of these qualities of this town of about 10,000 people will be evident at the late summer gathering, which has been scheduled as the last Thursday night concert in the Hot Summer Night’s concert series.
Although Colman initially envisioned simply a river of light, volunteers who joined in planning the LanternFest slowly added dreams of their own.
Nicole St Pierre, president of the board of SoBo Central, suggested music and a picnic to open then event. Thus, the soft rock cover band PB&J will play at 5:30 p.m. on the grounds outside the restaurant, while participants are invited to bring a picnic or buy food available on the grounds. Spring Hill, which donated the space for the event, will be selling burgers, hot dogs and other items. Beverages and bake sale items will be sold by community groups.
“I wanted this to be a community event where truly everyone felt welcome,” said St. Pierre, who founded the local Hot Summer Nights concert series. “Besides being a beautiful night of light, a great chance to hear local music and a showcase for creative art, the LanternFest should be a place where we as a town come together to enjoy each other and living in South Berwick.” SoBo Central, a two-year old non-profit group, also runs the Hot Summer Nights concert series.
Dozens of high school students volunteering for the event will staff lantern-making, face-painting, glow stick, lantern, and LanternFest t-shirt booths.
MSAD 35’s new superintendent, Mary Nash will be at the picnic to greet her new constituency and to help her hometown launch this new event.
The 7:30 p.m. parade of handmade lanterns will start just after sunset and end on the shores of Knights Pond, where water lanterns will be launched and dozens of sky lanterns will be set adrift into the night sky. As each water lantern floats away, it will carry the written wish of a participant.
Assistant Town Manager Roberta Orsini will lead a group on shore and out in canoes and kayaks to help launch the boat lanterns and collecting them after they burn out. The sky lanterns will be released by Harland Goodwin of Spring Hill restaurant, and Dave Stansfield, a SoBo Board member representing the South Berwick Food Pantry.
“I imagine the crowds will witness the peace and beauty of water lanterns bobbing on the waters and lanterns rising into the sky,” said Colman.
After all these pieces were set in place, a few of the Fest planners decided to add an AfterGlow Party to close out the evening inside.
While listening to Pub Lunch, a local band donating their talents, adults will be invited to have “lantinis” in the adult room and kids will be given a free movie, mats and babysitting in a neighboring children’s area.
“We came up with the idea of lantinis as a great way to close out the night,” said Mimi Abell, another volunteer planner. “After an evening of celebrating outside, we can all come into the restaurant and relax in the afterglow of a job well done.”
For more information contact Molly Colman at 4colmark@comcast.net or 603-969-1179.
Photo caption: Jayden, a 3-year-old of So. Berwick makes a lantern at a Hot Summer Nights concert in preparation for the Aug. 25 LanternFest at Spring Hill in South Berwick. (Courtesy photo)

Wells Reserve Marks 25 Years

2011-08-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

WELLS—
The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve marks its 25th anniversary with tours, talks, and special activities at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm on August 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, visit wellsreserve.org or call 207-646-1555.
Bring your lunch for a noontime talk, “Wells Reserve, Then and Now,” with Mort Mather and Paul Dest. Mather, founder and first president of Laudholm Trust, will return to the place he helped preserve to recall the against-the-odds community effort to protect a coastal oasis in Wells. Dest, 10-year director of the Wells Reserve, will carry the story through the years since the Wells Reserve’s creation, following the evolution of an organization increasingly involved with protecting coastal resources throughout southern Maine.
At 1 p.m., join the Wells Reserve staff for a 1-hour behind-the-scenes tour. The historic Laudholm Farm campus was restored and adapted to support a modern mission of research, education, and stewardship. Activities featured on the tour include observing plankton through a microscope, finding out how scientists use fyke nets to catch fish, seeing birds up close, exploring the specialty library, and learning why Laudholm was such a successful progressive farm a century ago.
At your own pace, trace the history of New England’s landscape from the last ice age to the recent conservation movement by viewing the Changing Landscapes exhibit in the Visitor Center, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As always, miles of walking trails will be open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Visit several habitats and enjoy glimpses of wildlife along the way. Trails feature a network of interpretive signs that cover a range of natural history topics and Discovery Backpacks are available to check out for a small fee.
The Wells Reserve was dedicated on August 31, 1986, after a grassroots drive to protect Laudholm Farm grew into a local, state, and federal collaboration to establish Maine’s only estuarine research reserve. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm has become a leader in salt marsh research, environmental education, water protection, and land conservation, all while maintaining one of the region’s most important historic farm sites.
The work of the Wells Reserve is made possible by Laudholm Trust, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized in 1982 to protect two estuaries and a historic saltwater farm. Over the years, members of Laudholm Trust have continued to provide vital monetary and in-kind support to the Wells Reserve. This local support enables the Wells Reserve to receive additional funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is located just off U.S. Route 1 near the Wells-Kennebunk line.

Ogunquit Museum to Host 7th Annual ‘Almost Labor Day Auction’

2011-08-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

OGUNQUIT—
The 7th annual Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) Almost Labor Day Auction takes place Saturday, September 3 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Held at the Museum, at 543 Shore Road in Ogunquit, the Auction is the Museum’s most significant fund-raiser of the season. Last year’s Auction brought in more than $50,000 in support of the OMAA’s continued operation and made it possible for the Museum to open its 2011 season on May 1st, also supporting several specific conservation and exhibition costs.
This year’s signature image is Will Barnet’s Between Life and Life (1978, lithograph 28” x 30”). The renowned artist Will Barnet is celebrating his 100th birthday in 2011 and is considered a dean of American art, working at the forefront for more than seven decades. The live Auction will include this piece and 40 other works of original art in various media by well-known local, Maine and national artists including Kate Doyle, DeWitt Hardy and Thomas Connelly.
The Museum welcomes a new auctioneer for the 2011 event: Stuart Slavid, vice president and senior auctioneer for Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers of Antiques and Fine Art, Boston. For the first time, the Almost Labor Day Auction artworks will be displayed on the Museum’s website, www.ogunquitmuseum.org for a month preceding the event. The Museum will also exhibit the works in its galleries for 10 days prior to the auction.
“As a direct result of the funds raised in last year’s action the Museum opened on May 1st this year, and thanks to the earlier opening welcomed more than 1,000 visitors including several school groups,” said Ron Crusan, Museum Director. “It is my hope that we will continue to be able to open May 1st to allow local residents to visit the Museum more freely, offer increased opportunity for visits by area school groups and entice more early season visitors to explore the treasures we offer. We encourage everyone to attend the Auction and support the event in any way they can.”
A Silent Auction and cocktail reception starts the evening. Tickets are $50 ($135 Patron)
For information about tickets, silent auction donations, Program advertising and other event details, contact the OMAA, 207-646-4909.
2011 OMAA exhibitions through October 31 include Tradition and Excellence: Building an American Modernist Collection, Highlights from the Permanent Collection, The Question of Drawing (through August 21), Jack Levine, Aronson to Aronson: The Lineage of Expressionism, Drawn to Modernism, and Henry Strater: The Drawing Tradition. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is located at 543 Shore Road in Ogunquit. Open daily, Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-5. For more information, visit www.ogunquitmuseum.org or call 207-646-4909.
Photo caption: “Between Life and Life” by Will Barnet (1978, lithograph, 28” x 30”), the signature image of the 7th annual Ogunquit Museum of American Art “Almost Labor Day Auction” on September 3, 2011. (Courtesy photo)

Reid Sacco Family Regatta Sets Sail This Sunday

2011-08-12T11:40:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—

Sailors and spectators alike are invited to the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association’s second annual Reid Sacco Family Regatta this Sunday, August 14.
The morning starts with a skipper meeting at 9:30 a.m. followed by sailing at 10. Interested participants should sign up in the KBIA office and bring their own boat to launch between 285 and 292 Beach Avenue. Due to the shallow nature of the cove, even at thigh tide, sailors should use an Opti, Laser, Taz or Chickadee watercraft.
A $10 donation per sailor will benefit the Reid Sacco Foundation. The regatta honors a longtime KBIA student and instructor who died of sarcoma at age 20 in 2005. In addition to a little friendly competition, we will serve up lunch ($6) and provide a festive afternoon for those on and off the water.
Sailors and spectators are asked to wear red, which was Reid’s favorite color, and help KBIA make this a “green” event by bringing their own water bottle.
For registration information, call 967-2180 or visit www.kbia.net. For information on the Reid Sacco Foundation, visit www.reidsaccofoundation.org.
Photo caption: Young sailors participating in the 2010 Reid Sacco Family Regatta. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, August 14. (Photo courtesy the Reid Sacco Memorial Foundation)

Run for the Fallen Maine Gears Up for Fourth Annual Event

2011-08-12T11:39:00.000-04:00

OGUNQUIT—
On August 21, 2011 the 4th annual Run for the Fallen Maine event will be held. The run consists of a 65-kilometer tribute from Ogunquit to Monument Square in Portland. Every kilometer along the route has a picture and biography of each of the 79 men and women with ties to Maine that have died in the service of our country since September 11, 2001. The celebration of their lives will begin in Ogunquit Center at 7:45 a.m. with a ceremony, including a Marine Corps 21 gun salute. The route will be lined with the families of fallen soldiers, American Legion Post members and individuals that would like to show their support. Trolleys will be following the runners, and will be available for rest and hydration along the course.
After the finish and a short closing ceremony in Monument Square, a private lobster bake will be held at historic Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. This year, the first Gold Star Family Plates for the State of Maine will be introduced and distributed. Please join us in honoring the soldiers by running, or cheering along the route to show your support for Maine’s fallen heroes.
For more information, visit www.runforthefallenmaine.org.
Photo caption: The 4th Annual Run for the Fallen Maine will take place Sunday, August 21. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:45 a.m. in Ogunquit Center. (Photo by Molly McCoy)

Memorial Bridge Subject of Recent Meeting in Kittery

2011-08-12T11:36:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KITTERY—
Officials from Maine and New Hampshire have been aware of the problems connected with the closing of the Memorial Bridge that spans the Piscataqua River connecting Portsmouth and Kittery, and those were underlined by local residents at a meeting last week at the Kittery Town Hall.
Nearly 75 people attended the meeting set up by the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce to hear Commissioner David Bernhardt of the Maine Department of Transportation and Keith A. Cota, chief project manager for the replacement of the Memorial Bridge from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
After a discussion of generalities, the speakers got down to specific concerns about dealing with the closure of the bridge, including how people who do not drive would get back and forth to work from the two municipalities, the possibility of a public transportation system being put in place for the duration of the closure and beyond, and even the possibility of establishing some kind of ferry service across the river.
Steps have already been taken for signage to help travelers get from one side of the river to the other and hence to the business communities. More than 30 signs were scheduled to be erected the beginning of this week to address that issue.
The bridge, which is now closed to vehicular traffic, is to be replaced under the guidance of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. If all goes well the replacement bridge is scheduled to be open in late 2013.
Cota said at present pedestrian and bicycle traffic will continue to use the bridge, but cautions there is “always the chance that it may not be available to any traffic” if the pace of deterioration continues. It will be inspected periodically to make sure it remains safe for that limited use.
He said approximately $1.3 million has already been spent to keep the bridge together.
As to transportation between Portsmouth and Kittery, he said the firm that finally lands the design/build contract would be charged with developing a transportation plan as well. “A lot of information is being developed,” he said.
The Sarah Mildred Long Bridge on the Route 1 Bypass and the Piscataqua River Bridge on Interstate 95 remain open, although there is a weight limit on the Long span.
A project addressing that renovation of the Long Bridge will be under the auspices of the Maine Department of Transportation once the Memorial bridge project is completed.
Work will be done to continue to help customers find their way to local businesses, Bernhardt said. “We don’t want anyone to be hurt or anyone to fail.”
As to the closing of the bridge at a much earlier date than originally planned, he noted, “It’s melting before your eyes” and there was no way to continue to allow vehicles to cross the bridge safely.
Jeff Pelkey, chairman of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, said he was “very pleased” with the meeting that provided “a lot of good feedback from both sides of the river.”
He said there was a tone of working together at the meeting as people from both Maine and New Hampshire listened, expressed their concerns and offered suggestions.
He said the Chamber stands ready to show businesses to “think out of the box” during the replacement of the bridge and with the help of state agencies will help businesses “rethink the way they do business to get them over the hump.”
The Chamber web site notes: “Our goal, as the Chamber of Commerce officially representing Kittery, is to minimize any possible negative impact of this closure on our Kittery businesses.”

Revolutionary War Encampment at Fort McClary

2011-08-05T14:42:00.001-04:00

KITTERY POINT—
A living history presentation of a Revolutionary War encampment will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14 at Fort McClary State Historic Site and Park, Pepperrell Road (RT. 103) in Kittery Point, ME. The Royal Irish Artillery will have a full British tent camp set up on the Upper Battery near the Block House and a second American campsite with other re-enactor groups will be located on the Lower Battery.
Re-enactors will be in period uniforms and dress and will demonstrate what camp life was like. There will be a camp kitchen and cooking over a fire pit, period craft demonstrations, Colonial children’s games and a trader’s, or “sutler’s” tent. Artillery demonstrations will be conducted and cannons will fire off on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. on both days.
A special event will take place on Saturday from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. with a Maritime Folk Concert performed by “The Dog Watch” and friends.
When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, all Kittery Point property of the Pepperrell’s, who had remained loyal to the British Crown, and the Fort were confiscated by local citizens. Because British war ships had destroyed or captured several towns along the Maine coast and were expected to attack Kittery and Portsmouth, there was intense excitement and great alarm and every effort was made to be ready for the coming enemy. The Fort was put in order and well garrisoned.
Along with Fort Constitution (formerly Fort William and Mary) directly across the mouth of the Piscataqua River, the defense of the river was so formidable that the British never attacked.
Sponsored by the Friends of Fort McClary, Park gates for this event will be open at 9:00 a.m. on both days. Only regular State Park fees are charged. Adults age 12 to 64: $2.00 and children age 5 to 11: $1:00. Senior citizens are free. Additional parking is available on the picnic side across from the Fort or you can park and walk from Mitchell School.
The Friends, a nonprofit group, supports historical preservation and educational and recreational activities at Fort McClary and welcome new membership and donations to cover the costs of our summer events. Donation buckets will be prominently placed around the old Fort site.
For more information, go to www.fortmcclary.org, email fofmcclary@msn.com or call 207-703-2069.
Photo caption: Fort McClary will host a living history presentation of a Revolutionary War encampment August 13-14. (Photo courtesy www.fortmcclary.org)

Thunderbirds Return to Pease

2011-08-05T14:38:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH—
It’s been 25 years since the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have performed in the Seacoast, but their long awaited return will be accomplished next weekend.
The F-16 Fighting Falcons with the easily recognized red, white and blue design will headline the Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show at the Pease International Trade Port Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.
A year ago, a crowd estimated at 70,000 attended the two-day event that featured the United States Navy’s Blue Angels and a crowd of similar size is anticipated this year, said Herb Gillen, spokesperson for the show. Those returning to this year’s event will find several changes to enhance their enjoyment of the festivities.
Gillen said one of the top concerns following last year’s show was the handling of traffic and soon after the event, meetings were held with safety officials to come up with “a better plan this year.”
He said the parking plan has been refined and “a more coordinated effort” is in place to move people on and off the trade port. He added, however, it would still be best to “get there early” as “there’s plenty to see.”
There will also be “heavy emphasis” on water and helping people “stay cool” during the show. Free water will be available from Monadnock Mountain Spring Water of New Hampshire and water will also be sold at a reduced rate.
In addition, a concerted effort has been made to secure large-scale static airplanes to help provide shade in the main spectator area.
Gillen said Portsmouth Regional Hospital is establishing water and misting stations and more concession areas have been increased from 18 to 37 to reduce the time spent in line a year ago.
A heat index flag system has been established and the show announcer will stress the need for people to keep hydrated during the show.
Military demonstrations by the United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the Navy F-18 Super Hornet and the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135 are scheduled. The Super Hornet will also be featured in the Navy’s Legacy Flight with an F4U Corsair.
Civilian aerobatic displays include the National Aviation Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker, New England native Michael Goulian, and Jason Newburg.
Teams performing include Team AeroShell with four AT-6 “Texans,” The Northeast Raiders flying Yakovlev 52’s and Nanchang CJ6’s, and Team Heavy Metal; a new jet demonstration team flying four L-39’s and one T-33.
The show will also have MIG-17 and P-51 Mustang demonstrations as well as a solo demo by the F4U Corsair.
There will also be a large number of on-ground aircraft displays and the popular Kidz’ Zone Play Area.
Tickets for the show are available at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com. The Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show is again being jointly produced by the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
At a recent press conference announcing the various aspects of the show, Steve Wade, CEO, of the Brain Injury Association said: “We are excited to once again bring a world-class lineup to our air show fans throughout New England. Pease will be rocking with the Thunderbirds and this phenomenal lineup.”
Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America detailed the show’s enhancements for 2011. “We are very excited for the show and know that these site enhancements will go a long way to improving the fan experience this year. We are thrilled to have such strong community and business support to the make the air show a success.”
Photo caption: The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a long-awaited return performance at Pease International Trade Port August 13-14. (Photo courtesy thunderbirds.airforce.com)

Roche Selected to Work in Washington, D.C. as Senate Page

2011-08-05T14:36:00.002-04:00

WELLS—
Wells High School student Sean Roche learned that he will begin his junior year of study in Washington, D.C., working at one of the most exciting ‘after school’ jobs any teenager could possibly hope for. From September to January, he will become a Senatorial Page in the United States Senate, living, working, and studying in the nation’s Capital.
“I was honored. I was really excited to hear,” said Roche in a brief interview. “I was really surprised actually because I really wanted it...” However, Roche was under no illusions of getting appointed when he applied, because only 30 students are selected at a time. Roche was appointed by Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Maine.
To qualify to be a Page, one must be an American citizen and a high school junior with a 3.0 or above grade point average. Pages work for members of either party and are supervised by the Senate’s Sergeant at Arms.
They live a short distance from the Capital complex at Daniel Webster Hall. A typical weekday for these students includes high school studies on the lower level of this facility from 6:45 a.m. till 9:45 a.m. Depending on the Senate’s schedule, their workday in the Senate begins about an hour after school.
According to the U.S. Senate’s web site, “Senate Page duties consist primarily of delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional Complex. Other duties include preparing the chamber for Senate sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.”
Roche indicated he will enjoy this rare proximity to history in the making as the subject of history is his favorite, along with math. He feels it is one thing to read about government in class and another to handle actual legislative documents.
The Senate Page program is over 100 years old. Former Pages include Hannah Pingree (current Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives), Amy Carter (daughter of former President Jimmy Carter), Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and former Vice-President Spiro T. Agnew.
Sean Roche is the son of Cindy and Tim Roche of Wells. After high school, Roche says he would like to attend either Stanford University or Pepperdine University.
Photo caption: Sean Roche of Wells was recently selected to participate in a Senate Page position, studying and working during his junior year of high school in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Reg Bennett)

Team Laffalot Hosts 2nd Annual Benefit Home-Run Derby

2011-07-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-29T10:06:00.001-04:00

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

2011-07-29T10:06:00.000-04:00

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.

Kennebunk Renovations Breathing New Life Into Downtown

2011-07-22T16:50:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader
Staff Columnist
KENNEBUNK—
Over the last year, the look, feel, and names associated with downtown Kennebunk have changed. Completed sidewalk construction, an increase in summer foot traffic and a number of new local businesses are bringing the town some deserved attention.
The Saturday Farmers Market has been a success, where shoppers can find locally-made cheeses, breads and vegetables, along with beef from grass-fed livestock raised in a Maine farm. When the market began, it was held in a rear lot between the Sunoco station and the Kennebunk Inn where a Mobil station was located. Over the last two years, this Mobil was demolished, and the empty lot has been filled with wood chips to provide a pedestrian-friendly ambiance. The farmers market organizer, Caroline Segalla, hopes to build upon this success with a Tuesday evening sidewalk fair that operates from 5 to 8 p.m., often with a musical guest.
Eateries that stretch along Route 1 include breakfast places, a café, comfortable taverns, pizza and burger hangouts, and upscale restaurants, including the brand new 50 Local. The décor of 50 Local has an ultra modernistic feel with a bohemian edge, while the menu features local farms and ingredients that are derived from local sources listed on a chalkboard in the restaurant. Mussels, steaks and burgers are all on the menu, but expect a twist in the preparation and presentation.
As restaurants have begun to populate Main Street, there is also an art scene developing. It began with the opening of Mainely Mysteries this spring, and is continuing with the recent opening of The Hive, an art and performance art studio that overlooks the corner of the Kennebunk Inn.
Topping off the emergence of performance art in Kennebunk is an ongoing Shakespeare in the Park series that runs through August 13 in Lafayette Park. Last Sunday, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was performed, with the spacious park adding to the scenery of the classic play. Among the performances The Hive is scheduled to feature are the musician Patrick Fitzsimmons on July 29, and in August, “The Living Room Series,” which features local rock musicians “unplugged.” The rest of the time, the gallery of paintings, pottery, and sculpture should draw a buzz to the town.
As markets and hometown festivals roll in to enhance Kennebunk’s small town appeal, the influx of new local businesses hopes to draw and keep public interest in the quaint downtown. The new layout and sidewalks have increased the town’s curb appeal, while a circular gathering spot at the center of it all advertises to passersby that this is a social downtown. With the Five and Dime officially closed, and paint being scraped from attached storefronts, locals and visitors can only guess what is next for Kennebunk.
Photo caption: This brick patio is one of many renovations that have taken place – and are still evolving – in downtown Kennebunk. (Photo by Chip Schrader)

Raitt Farm to Host 16th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show

2011-07-22T16:48:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
ELIOT—
Tractors and engines will take center stage at the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum next weekend for the 16th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show.
This year’s show will feature Case Tractors and the featured engine will be the Woodpecker.
Last year more than 4,500 people visited the show at the museum, which is located at 2077 State Road, Route 103, in Eliot. The site is just over five minutes from the Kittery Outlet Malls and Portsmouth.
The show is open Friday through Sunday, July 29, 30 and 31. Admission is $5 with children six and under admitted free. The gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Highlights Friday include a 5:30 auction with the proceeds going to the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum. Those bringing an auction item will be admitted free Friday night. No electronic items will be accepted for auction.
At 6 p.m. the Garden Tractor Pulling contest will begin.
Saturday activity begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. At 9:30, the kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull will be held followed by the initial Ladies’ Skillet Toss.
The Tractor Parade begins at 1:30 p.m. with the Antique Stone boat Tractor Pulling at 3 p.m.
Activity begins Sunday at 8 a.m. with a church service “In the Pines.” The Tractor Tour is set at 9 a.m., the kids’ pedal tractor pull at 9:30 and the Tractor Parade at 1 p.m.
The Transfer Sled Tractor Pulling and raffle drawings are set at 2 p.m.
Featured throughout the show will be a large number of antique tractors, farm equipment displays, hit and miss engines, shingle mill demonstrations, auctions, live music, bean hole beans, strawberry shortcake and other fair food, crafts, flea market and more. There will also be a Colonial encampment.
On permanent new display this year is a 1920’s Hildreth Brothers Woodsplitter that will be in operation – owned by Tom Stephens.
The shingle mill will be on its new pad – still need to build the building, and the pad for the new blacksmith shop is on the grounds as well.
The 1858 Remington revolver that was discovered will also be on display throughout the weekend.
The mission of the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum is to educate future generations with displays and demonstrations of antique farm equipment for the purpose of keeping valuable farming heritage alive.
This event is one of three fundraising events held at the Farm Museum each year with 100 percent of the proceeds raised going to the preservation and restoration of the farm property and to continue its mission.
The preservation and restoration of the museum’s 33-acre property and buildings is an ongoing project throughout the year.
Photo caption: Pictured is a tractor from last year’s Antique Tractor and Engine Show. This year’s event takes place in Eliot July 29-31. (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes: The Final ‘Harry Potter’

2011-07-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” begins with Voldemort casting a bolt of lightning into the night sky. The scene cuts to the ghostly black dementors hovering above Hogwarts, the once magical wonderland that has now become a brooding and ominous castle that resembles a giant lair in classic Gothic literature where evil lurks. Severus Snape, the new headmaster, looks down upon his school, the children march like stormtroopers inside. Harry is hiding out with his friends in a small hut; he gazes into a broken mirror that reflects his own face, and that of the deceased former headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
All bets are off in this final installment of the Harry Potter legend. All of the roles are carried out by the same actors as the previous films, and they continue to embody their character with precision. The most notable newcomer is Albus Dumbledore’s brother, Aberforth, played by Ciaran Hinds. While he plays a smaller role in this film, he is masterfully placed to fill in a few gaps of Dumbledore’s past, but the role is too brief to get a feel for the character.
The film, as a whole, takes broad sweeps of the original book, as to be expected. But, the film is best judged upon its own merit since cinema is at a great handicap compared to literature. In comparison to Part 1, Part 2, if possible, is even darker and takes place underground, and in narrow passages, while its predecessor was greatly shot in the vast countryside. The claustrophobia the director provides in the cinematography builds tension for the viewers as Harry must invade Bellatrix Lestranges’ vault at Gringot’s bank.
Dragons, giants, and assorted ghouls inhabit the land in this film, and boost its grandiosity without providing the cheesy CGI side effects that plague a Michael Bay film, i.e. “Transformers.”
Harry’s return to Hogwarts is marked with a chilling message from Voldemort. The old magic of Hogwarts, greatly missing from the previous installment, swarms in a mass of darkness and mayhem, and the expansive campus becomes the site for an epic battle between good and evil.
The shortcomings include the fact that Harry never seems in too much danger of Voldemort catching him. It just plays out as a scavenger hunt for Harry, Hermione and Ron, while the deatheaters wait idly by. The visions Harry gets of Voldemort provide glimpses of evil, but no real suspense. The necessity of Harry to face Voldemort, and the circumstance under which he must meet him do provide some white knuckle viewing three-quarters through the movie.
The bottom line: this movie is darker, creepier, and more intriguing than any of the previous films. It is even more entertaining than the first part. The cinematography is gorgeous, and uses shadows and perpetual darkness to not only convey a sense of foreboding, but makes it a beautiful movie to look at. If the movie could stand to be an hour longer, the loss of many characters shouldn’t have been glazed over, and the battle deserved greater detail as does the character development. Combined with the previous release, the character development and action will appear more balanced. Collectively, both parts are a nearly flawless grand slam. 4.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”)

‘Deadliest Catch’ Crewmember Lends Helping Hand in Hometown

2011-07-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
KITTERY—
A Kittery man, the chief engineer of the F/V Northwestern, one of the boats featured on The Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” was lending a hand to a local charity at Bob’s Clam Hut last weekend during a visit to his hometown.
Darren M. Dyer, who grew up in Kittery and attended Kittery schools, graduating from Traip Academy, autographed books, photos and other memorabilia while talking to hundreds of people at Bob‘s Clam Hut to benefit Ethel’s Tree of Life last week.
Ethel’s Tree of Life aids people with disabilities and/or special needs. It is headquartered in South Berwick.
Dyer lived in Kittery from the time he was three until just after graduation when the family moved to Harrison, Maine. Two years ago he moved to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and eventually became part of the popular show that depicts life and work onboard vessels fishing in the Bering Sea.
“I’ve only been a commercial fisherman now for three years,” Dyer said, smiling, while resting his hand from signing. “I hated the ocean growing up on it. I wanted nothing to do working on the fishing boat, and now here I am. I haven’t lived on land for three years.”
Dyer said the original idea for the show was to document the fishing industry in the Bering Sea.
“Once they got there and saw what it was like for the guys on the boat,” Dyer continued, “they decided to switch gears a little bit and maybe make a documentary on an individual boat and crew.”
Dyer said Capt. Sig Hansen’s boat, the Northwestern, was one of the first chosen for the project.
He’s known Jim and Linda Higgins since he was a child and, after seeing the web site, felt it was a very worthwhile cause. Linda Higgins is the chairwoman of the group’s Board of Directors.
Knowing he was coming home, he contacted Linda Higgins and they decided to work together to raise some awareness and raise some money for the whole foundation.
“I think it’s amazing to work with them,” he said. “There’s nothing I’d rather be doing right now and I’ve always loved Bob’s Clam Hut.”
Dyer is recuperating from ankle surgery.
Linda Higgins said Dyer “liked to give back to the community” and “likes what the Tree of Life does” so “it just evolved.”
She said Pat Barrigar, the general manager at Bob’s, was incredible and the whole project was set up in a little over a week.
Barrigar said she became involved by “answering a phone call. They called and asked if we could do something to help and we figured out a way to do it.”
In addition to providing space for the signings, a portion of the meals sold from the start of the session until closing were donated to the charity.
According to its web site, “Ethel’s Tree of Life is dedicated to working with young people who live with any disabilities and/or special needs.
“Special needs can be defined by anything that causes students to have difficulty learning, whether it be a disability or perhaps a situation at home (like a death in the family). ETL students learn to say ‘I can’ through many varied learning experiences.”
Additional information is available on the web site at www.ethelstree.org.
Dyer is on a crew with Capt. Sig Hansen, Norman Hansen, Edgar Hansen, Nick Mayvar and Jake Anderson.
Other charities the boat and crew helps include Wounded Warriors, Heroes to Heroes, Children’s Cancer Foundation and Women’s Breast Cancer.
Bob’s Clam Hut has been serving fried clams and other classic clam shack fare since 1956 and has long been a contributor to Ethel’s.
Photo caption: Darren Dyer, seated right, talking with Linda Higgins, seated left, of Ethel’s Tree of Life, and Pat Barrigar, standing, general manager at Bob’s Clam Hut. (Photo by Larry Favinger)

3rd Annual Herb Noble Memorial Charity Ride

2011-07-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

ARUNDEL—
The 3rd Annual Herb Noble Memorial Charity Motorcycle Ride will be held Saturday, July 23 at Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel. The day will start at 8:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet and sign-in. Those who register ahead of time will have T-shirts waiting at the registration desk. Motorcycles will leave Bentley’s at 10:30 a.m. cruising back roads, with one stop before circling back to Bentley’s by early afternoon. The Bentley’s half bus will be available to transport non-riders who want to participate. After returning to Bentley’s there will be live music by The Alan Roux Band and The Dirty 3rds. The registration fee is $25 per person with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Funds will be used to provide food vouchers, gas cards, transportation costs, housing expenses, etc. to help ease the burden that the families often face while going through treatment along side their child. Anyone who wishes to attend the event, help out or contribute (you do not have to own a motorcycle or be a rider to take part) may contact Bob Noble at 985-6002 or Tom Noble at 632-7602. For more information visit www.herbnoble.com or www.bentleyssaloon.com. (Courtesy photo)

Book Review: ‘Maine’s Museums’

2011-07-15T09:12:00.000-04:00

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
“Maine Museums: Art Oddities & Artifacts” by Maine author Janet Mendelsohn is a compilation of entries about the many museums that Maine has to offer. For the reader’s convenience, each chapter is divided into the 7 regions of the state: Southern Maine, Casco Bay and Portland, Midcoast, Down East, the Western Mountain and Lakes Region, Kennebec Valley and Northern Maine.
Attractions within York county include the Automotive Museum of Wells, the Trolley Museum in Kennebunk, and the Naval Museum in Kittery, to name just a few. Mendelsohn begins each entry by covering the address, hours of operation, and contact information followed by a single paragraph summary of what visitors will find at each of these sites.
For the impatient searcher, this paragraph sufficiently pulls out the vital data without committing the reader to a full description. The fuller descriptions follow the heading “Why Go,” and is intended for those who prefer a good story or some background information, including interviews with the curators of each of these museums, who are typically experts within their field, and specific pieces to look for within the exhibits.
The “Why Go” segment also includes an historical backdrop of the collection. One of the more intriguing entries describes the controversial psychological theories and popular culture influence of Wilhelm Reich, M.D., in relation to his former laboratory “Ogonon” in Rangeley. This “mountainside retreat” was partially designed by the Austrian physician, and has been converted to become the Wilhelm Reich Museum.
A most peculiar museum features umbrella covers in Peaks Island. While even an umbrella museum seems far-fetched, a museum for umbrella covers seems to push beyond what we would normally find interesting.
The most fascinating entry for Southern Maine is the International Cryptozoology Museum located in Portland. The exhibits include information about the Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, and the numerous unidentified species that have been sighted throughout Maine. The curator and Cryptozoological expert, Loren Coleman, states that many of these sightings are errors and hoaxes, but there are still many instances that are worthy of scientific evaluation.
The handiest aspect of this guide lies in the fact that it is so specialized. Within any generic travel guide, museums are often buried between oceans of information, and the casual reader will likely glaze over most of its contents. Being so specific in topic, each entry gets sufficient space to shine. There are also tables, graphs and pictures to pull highlighted content from the page to the reader’s attention.
Janet Mendelsohn’s approach to this guide transcends the mere goal of attracting visitors to a hope of raising awareness to many resources that are often hidden from the allure of beachfronts and big marquis attractions. From the introduction on, her purpose is to save museums from a dwindling economy and increasingly apathetic budgeting. Paperback: 240 pages. Publisher: Countryman Press (June 6, 2011).
Photo caption: Maine Museums: Art Oddities & Artifacts by Janet Mendelsohn book cover (Courtesy photo)

Regional Designers Transform Emerson House Inside and Out

2011-07-08T17:03:00.001-04:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
YORK—
The 22nd Decorator Show House of the Museums of Old York is a historic structure at 31 Long Sands Road in the center of York Village.
Situated in York’s Historic District, the Georgian Colonial house traces its beginning to circa 1719. Several structures, including a tavern have been on the site over the years and it is believed some of the old remains within the new. John Adams, the second president of the United States, is known to have stayed on the site.
The annual Show House celebration is a major project in the annual fundraising efforts of the museum. This year the event runs from Saturday, July 16, through Saturday, August 13 at the Emerson House.
It is sponsored by Maine Home and Design and will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The house will be closed Tuesdays.
There will be a preview gala to celebrate the event on Friday, July 15, from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring a jazz ensemble and food by the Kitchen Chicks. Tickets for this gala are $50.
The funds raised by the exhibit support educational programs offered by the museum along with other exhibitions and preservation efforts.
Designers and artists from throughout New England vie for the job of decorating a room or area of the house. This year there are nearly 20 areas that have been assigned to designers for individual treatment within certain guidelines established.
Massachusetts designers and artists from Beverly, Beverly Farms, Boston, and North Andover are included this year as are New Hampshire firms from Rye, Hampton Falls, Barrington, Portsmouth, Hollis, North Hampton, Bedford, Rye, and Greenland.
Those participating from Maine come from Kittery, Wells, York, and York Harbor.
On four Wednesdays during the Show House celebration, there will be luncheon lectures at local sites.
These include the York Harbor Inn July 20, a Fashion Show at Stage Neck Inn July 27, Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School Aug. 3, and The York Harbor Reading Room Aug. 10. Tickets for the luncheons are $55.
Admission to the Show House is $20 and includes a free tour of the new exhibit at the Museum’s Visitor Center in the Remick Barn. It also offers a reduced ticket price of $5 to tour all the historic buildings at Museums of Old York.
Parking is available in village lots.
Many of the items used in decorating the various rooms are available for sale and others will available in a boutique in the garage on the property.
Additional information is available by calling 363-4974 or by visiting the museum’s website at www.oldyork.org.
Photo caption: Emerson House (pictured above) is the site of this year’s Decorator Show House of the Museum of Old York (Courtesy photo)

9th Annual Native American Pow-Wow

2011-07-08T17:03:00.000-04:00

WELLS—
The Wells Chamber of Commerce and the New Hampshire Inter-Tribal Native American Council announce the 9th Annual Native American Pow-Wow to be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17, 2011 at Wells Harbor Park, Wells, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
The event will include dancing, drumming, flute music, vendors, storytelling, auction, and evening session. Host Drum-Walking Bear (Southern Drum), Guest Drums-Black Thunder (Northern Drum), Medicine Bear (Eastern Drum), Mountain Spirit (Eastern Drum). MC-Peter Newell. Flute Music by assorted musicians. The Grand Entry is at 12:00 noon sharp on Saturday. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 seniors, children under 6 are free. The public is cordially invited — no drugs or alcohol are allowed. For more information call 603-528-3005.
New for this year is an evening concert at 6:30 p.m. featuring Grammy award winner Flutist Joseph Firecrow. The concert is part of the Wells Harbor Park Concert Series and is free and open to the public. (Courtesy photo of Joseph Firecrow)

Registration Open for History Camp at Museum

2011-07-08T17:02:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—
Children entering grades 4 through 8 are invited to the Brick Store Museum for the 7th Annual History Camp program “Passport to Discovery 2”on Saturday, July 16 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Space is limited with pre-registration required by July 9. The registration fee of $25 per child ($20 for Museum members) includes a snack and all supplies. Participants must bring their own lunches. Registration forms are available at brickstoremuseum.org or by contacting the Museum at 207-985-4802.
This year’s History Camp ties in with the brand new exhibition “Impressions of a World Traveler: Early 20th Century Travel Through the Eyes of Edith Barry,” and is an extension of “Passport to Discovery,” the vacation workshop held in February. In “Passport to Discovery 2,” attendees will take an imaginary trip across the globe with their own personalized passports, following the travels of Edith Cleaves Barry, the Museum’s founder. As they “visit” Canada, Congo, and Ireland, they will hear about Miss Barry’s visit, create a representative craft, and learn a bit about each country. While in Canada, they will learn about Inuit inukshuks and make their own small models. They will create tribal masks in Congo, and in Ireland they will make replicas of the bodhran, an Irish percussion instrument. As the students work, snacks and music representing each country will be available.
The workshop concludes with family members and the general public invited to the Museum from 2:30 to 3 p.m. to view the kids’ projects and to tour the Museum’s exhibitions. As lasting memories of the day, children take home everything they have created.
History Camp is made possible by the Museum’s Education Committee and the Dorothy Fish Fund for Furthering Edith Barry’s Legacy.
Photo caption: Brick Store Museum will host “Passport to Discovery 2” on July 16. (Courtesy photo)

4th Annual Nicole’s Run/Walk to Benefit Caring Unlimited

2011-07-01T18:39:00.000-04:00

KENNEBUNK—
The 4th Annual Nicole’s Run and Walk to benefit Caring Unlimited, York County’s Domestic Violence Program, will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Lord’s Point, Kennebunk Beach. The 5k run and walk, presented in part by 2011 Event Sponsor: Kennebunk Savings Bank, will begin at 9:00 a.m., with registration opening at 6:45 a.m. Registration fees are $20 in advance, $25 on race-day.
Nicole’s Run/Walk was first organized by friends and family of Nicole Oliver, a 24-year old mother of two from Wells, Maine who was killed by her husband in 2007. Nicole had recently left her abusive husband and was working to rebuild a safe and secure life for herself and her two young sons. She was attending York County Community College, taking courses that would help her achieve her goal of becoming a registered nurse, when she was killed.
“If these walks raise awareness and can save one person’s life, or help one person free themselves from a domestic violence situation, then our efforts are not in vane, and it is worth every ounce of energy,” states Nicole’s mother, Holly Dee. The 4th Annual Nicole’s Run will coincide with the fifth anniversary of Nicole’s death.
Each year, Caring Unlimited serves approximately 3,000 individuals whose lives are affected by domestic abuse through support and safety planning services including: 24-hour confidential hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, support and education groups, legal advocacy, school-based education and advocacy and community education. Money raised by Nicole’s Run goes to support Caring Unlimited’s programs and allows the organization to continue to offer critical, life-saving safety planning services to victims of domestic violence.
For more information and to register online for the 4th Annual Nicole’s Run, visit www.nicolesrun.org.
Participants are also encouraged to raise additional funds by collecting pledges from family and friends. For every $100 raised in pledges, participants will receive a chance to win an LL Bean tent. In addition, the highest fundraiser will receive a one-year membership to Quest Fitness in Kennebunk!
Volunteers are needed to make Nicole’s Run/Walk a success. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering email nicolesrun@gmail.com.
Photo caption: Pictured is the start of the 3rd Annual Nicole’s 5k Run/Walk last year. (Courtesy photo)

Wells Resident Donates $20,000 Grant to Preserve Lands

2011-07-01T18:38:00.000-04:00

WELLS/ NORTH BERWICK—
Howard Hall, a prominent Wells businessman, has donated $20,000 in the form of a challenge grant to Great Works Regional Land Trust for the purchase and preservation of 288 forested acres in Wells and North Berwick.
Hall’s match for every donation up to $20,000 will help Great Works and local volunteers to raise the remaining $40,000 to fulfill the purchase and sale agreement with Unitil, the current owner of the property. It is the former “Granite State” lands that were slated for a huge natural gas facility, and will soon be conserved forever for community enjoyment and conservation.
“Howard Hall’s generous offer to match donations means that the Town of Wells and Great Works Regional Land Trust can finally acquire and preserve this wonderful property for low-impact recreation and wildlife habitat,” said Owen Grumbling, Wells Conservation Commission Chair, who has worked closely with Great Works on the project.
The land contains wetlands, vernal pools, and a mile of shoreline on West and Perkins Brooks, both headwater streams for the Great Works River. The property is located off the Perry Oliver and Quarry roads in western Wells and is crossed on its southern boundary by a portion of the woodland Eastern Trail that will run from Kittery to South Portland.
Hall was inspired to make the donation, he said, because it means everybody can participate in the challenge. He has lived and worked in Wells for over 25 years and served on the Planning Board for many years. This is not his first contribution to conservation causes.
“While I am a developer, I believe it is important for land be set aside for future generations. This land will be open to use. The Eastern Trail runs through it. People can stop and picnic,” said Hall. He also noted the significance of diminishing cottontail rabbits and native brook trout that will be protected, along with other species, on the property.
Great Works, its collaborators and a committee of local residents are seeking donations of $20,000 from individuals and organizations to match the Hall gift and enable the $425,000 acquisition within the coming months.
Thus far, the Town of Wells has contributed $200,000 through the Wells Land Bank. In addition, Maine Nature Resource Conservation Program has awarded a $100,000 grant and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant, the latter for the cottontail habitat creation. Local donors have contributed more than $10,000. Other collaborators in the project include the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge and the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm.
“Each organization is contributing what they can to move the project forward,” said Grumbling. And many individuals have stepped up. Susan Cox, a Wells’ resident and a major organizer for the project, has met the Hall Challenge, doubling her $1,000 donation. She and others have generously given before in this community-inspired effort.
The property had been permitted in 1999 as the site for the nation’s largest liquefied natural gas storage facility over the objections of the Town of Wells and area residents. It can still be developed for industrial use should this acquisition not be completed.
Great Works Regional Land Trust is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to provide conservation options to the landowners of Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Wells and Ogunquit. Great Works Regional Land Trust is committed to saving the best of our region by protecting working landscapes and wildlife lands for current and future generations. In 25 years the organization has completed 94 projects conserving 4,338 acres.
Contributions can be sent directly to GWRLT, PO Box 151, South Berwick, ME 03908. For more information or to join in this community effort, call Anne Gamble, Development Coordinator for Great Works, at (207) 646-3604 or visit www.gwrlt.org.
Photo caption: Howard Hall and Susan Cox. (Courtesy photo)

Hamilton House Offers Popular Servant Tour

2011-07-01T18:37:00.000-04:00

SOUTH BERWICK—
On Saturday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m. go behind-the-scenes of Historic New England’s Hamilton House as part of The Way They Were tour. This special talk and guided tour explores the lives of servants and hired help in the early twentieth century, focusing on what it was like to live and work in the “back” of the house. On the tour, visitors view areas of the house rarely seen by the general public, including the third and fourth floors where staff and caretakers lived.
Hamilton House, built circa 1785, became the summer home of the well-to-do Tyson family of Boston in 1897. The Tyson’s transformed Hamilton House into a beautiful retreat with Colonial Revival interiors, elaborate gardens, wooded walking and riding trails, and a romantic little garden cottage for their own pleasure and the entertainment of family and friends. While most house tours detail the lifestyles of wealthy owners, The Way They Were tour offers a glimpse into the lives of the class that served them. As part of the tour, hear about the daily routines of domestics, grounds keepers and other workers whose toil made the leisurely lifestyles of the Tyson’s, and other wealthy New England families, possible. Explore side yards and back stairways once frequented by the hired help, including a visit to the fourth floor attic where servants enjoyed the stunning view of the Salmon Falls River from the mansion’s skylight.
The Way They Were tour will begin at the Hamilton Garden Cottage on Saturday, July 9 at 5:30. The program will be repeated on August 20 at 5:30 p.m. and September 24 at 10 a.m. Admission: $8 for Historic New England members and $12 for non-members. Space is limited and these popular tours sell out quickly. Sorry, no tickets sold at the door. To purchase tickets, call the Southern Maine office of Historic New England at 207-384-2454 or online at www.historicnewengland.org.
Hamilton House is located at 40 Vaughan’s Lane, South Berwick, Maine, and is one of 36 historic properties owned and operated by Historic New England, the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional heritage organization in the country. For more information please visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.
Photo caption: In the garden at the Hamilton House. (Photo courtesy Historic New England)

Governor LePage Signs Budget

2011-06-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

AUGUSTA—
Monday afternoon, June 20, after a careful, businesslike approach examining the details; Governor Paul LePage put his signature on the biennial budget that reduces taxes for Mainers and businesses, reforms the State pension system and makes changes to welfare programs.
“In February legislators were given a plan which was very different from previous budgets with a focus on creating jobs, lowering taxes, reforming welfare and realigning spending to better reflect today’s realities. The budget I signed today reflects a step toward fiscal responsibility and a change in the way we must operate as a State,” said Governor LePage.
“I am encouraged by some of the work done and the thoughtful debates that were involved during this budgetary process. The State will now move toward a more sustainable pension system that Maine can afford and current and future retirees will benefit from.”
The two-year budget includes tax reform which provides $150 million in tax relief – including new tax code changes which conform to federal guidelines and a reduction in Maine’s top income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 7.95 percent that is expected eliminate tax payments for 70,000 low-income Mainers. This represents the largest tax cut in Maine history.
Welfare reform is also a part of the 2012-2013 budget which emphasizes Maine will no longer be considered a welfare destination state. A new 5-year limit on welfare benefits, which aligns Maine with other states and conforms to federal law, will go into effect. The limit does allow for certain exemptions for hardship cases – including those involving the elderly and disabled.
Drug testing will also be implemented for welfare recipients convicted of drug crimes and those who violate welfare rules will face stricter sanctions. A first offense will result in the loss of adult benefits and a second offense may lead to termination of full family benefits.
In addition, Dirigo Health will be phased out with an end date of January 1, 2014 and legal noncitizens will no longer be eligible for MaineCare benefits as of July 1, 2011. However, the Governor has made it clear that more work needs to be done. “We must continue to make these types of changes to the system, not only to achieve significant savings, but to encourage Mainers to become self-sufficient. This is a down payment on welfare reform and, after implementing these changes and gauging the results, I look forward to doing more,” added the Governor.
Both leadership in the House and Senate lauded Governor LePage for endorsing the budget Monday.
House Speaker Robert Nutting offered, “I am delighted that Governor Paul LePage today signed the biennial budget. This plan mirrors the reforms the Governor called for shortly after taking office. Among the highlights are $150 million in tax cuts, the largest in Maine history, and pension reform that will save taxpayers billions in the years to come. This budget also includes no cuts to education or programs that protect Maine’s most vulnerable. It’s also free of gimmicks like state shutdown days.”
“It is a validation of the outstanding work done by the Appropriations Committee and of the decision by Republican legislative leaders to pursue a bipartisan two-thirds budget,” said Senate President Kevin Raye. “By affording the minority party the respect of inclusion in the budget process we were able to work through our differences and secure a thoughtful budget that honors the core principles advanced by Governor LePage,” Raye added.
Senate Majority Leader Jonathan Courtney echoed his colleagues’ sentiments. “In just 40 days the Governor gave us a document that included substantial reforms to taxes, pension and our welfare system, and this vision survived the legislative process. It helps us take a major step in moving Maine forward,” Courtney said.