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

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

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

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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)