Green Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced

CAPE NEDDICK—

The winners in Clay Hill Farm’s fourth Green Wedding Giveaway® were announced at an intimate ceremony with finalists and local contest sponsors. Clay Hill Farm’s annual wedding contest encourages couples to explore the parallel between a commitment to each other and a commitment to the Earth. Additionally, the contest asks engaged couples to creatively “pick their shade” of green and share it with the world.

Jessica Maillet and Tim Caouette of Massachusetts were named the winners of the Green Wedding Giveaway 2012 for their outstanding everyday commitments to non-profits and local food initiatives. A July 8 wedding is planned for the couple at Clay Hill Farm, with a nuptial package to include: garden ceremony and catered reception for up to 75 guests, wedding florals, handmade invitations, photography, videography, accommodations, formalwear, hair and make-up, cake, DJ services, rehearsal luncheon, wellness package, favors, trolley transport and more.

In a surprise twist, head judge Battista Remati of Remati Media—joining the finale via Skype—announced a surprising second wedding package reward due to the raised bar by this year’s finalists’ inspirational magnitude and dedication to the people of the planet. Nita Mohanty and Anthony Acevez, of Illinois, were awarded the EcoReach® World Humanitarian award for outstanding global outreach. Mohanty and Acevez, a pediatrician and Chicago policeman respectively, have traveled the world helping children in impoverished countries. A late summer/early fall wedding will be planned for the couple at Clay Hill Farm.

“We are so honored and humbled by the ability of these two couples to give back locally and globally everyday,” said Jennifer Lewis-McShera, founder of the Green Wedding Giveaway. “Our social outreach has always been about celebrating real people making a difference through the natural beauty of relationships, but our winners this year have surpassed our expectations. It will be a privilege to celebrate their special day.”

Read more about the winners on the official contest website; www.greenweddinggiveaway.com

(Courtesy Photo)

Maine Red Claws/Maine McDonald’s Team of the Year Award Recipients Announced

WELLS—

At the Maine McDonald’s® High School Senior All-Star Basketball Games, on Saturday, March 10, the two Team of the Year Award recipients were unveiled. The Hampden Academy Boys Team and the Wells High School Girls Team each received the Team of the Year trophy as well as $1,000 for their schools’ basketball programs. Representatives from the Maine Red Claws, Maine McDonald’s and Maine Association of Basketball Coaches (MABC) made the announcement during half time at the All-Star Games.

“We are excited and honored to announce that the Hampden Academy Boys led by Coach Russ Bartlett and the Wells High School Girls, led by Coach Don Abbott, are our 2012 Team of the Year Award honorees. Both of these programs are shining examples of what it means to be named Team of the Year—excellence on the court and in the community,” stated Doug Quagliaroli, local McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “We are proud to partner with the Maine Red Claws in offering this award that will benefit these two outstanding high school basketball programs.”

Nominations for the 2012 Team of the Year award were submitted to the selection committee for review. The committee is comprised of representatives from Maine McDonald’s, Maine Red Claws and the MABC. The two teams were selected based on the stated criteria of having made “an exceptional impact on Maine High School Basketball and in the lives of others.”

“The Maine Red Claws are proud to partner with McDonald’s again this year on the Maine McDonald's and Maine Red Claws Team of the Year Award, and we are proud to recognize the Hampden Academy Boys and the Wells High School Girls teams with this year’s award,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “Each of these teams is a tremendous example of the impact that basketball can have on an individual and on a community as a whole. They show that a team can be not only competitive on the court but also have an equal and even more lasting impact off.”

Hard work and dedication on and off the court are words used to describe the Wells High School Girls Team. The Wells Girls have a deep understanding of team concept and are selfless in their play—one of many qualities that contributed to their success this year. The team is a close-knit group that plays the game with mental and physical toughness every day.

Along with teaching the game of basketball, Coach Abbott and his staff teach good sportsmanship and the importance of being a role model to younger players. In the last three years, the Wells Girls teams have raised more than $57,000 for Breast Cancer Living Well programs at York Hospital in Wells and York Hospital. This season alone they raised nearly $27,000 through their third annual Shootin’ for a Cure event and by partnering with the Wells Rotary Club’s annual golf tournament.

To quote a Wells Girls Team nominator, “The fact that each girl had an integral part in all that was done and that they learned how important it is to do for others…to serve, is a wonderful lesson being taught by Coach Abbott. I'm very impressed with these girls and this program.”

Photo Caption: Wells High School Girls’ Basketball, Maine McDonald’s Team of the Tear recipients, are pictured while at their “Shootin’ For A Cure” event on Saturday, January 14. (Courtesy Photo)

Jonathan's Restaurant Calls All Diners To Help With UNICEF TAP Project

OGUNQUIT—

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City. Based upon a simple concept, the Project asked that restaurants ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all of the funds raised would support UNICEF's efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised nearly $3 million in the U.S. and has helped provide clean water for millions of children globally. Now in its sixth year, the award-winning UNICEF Tap Project—a nationwide campaign sponsored by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF—will return during World Water Week, March 19-25. The first program of its kind, the UNICEF Tap Project has become a dynamic movement that affords everyone the opportunity to help provide the world's children with safe, clean water.

Jonathan's restaurant in Ogunquit is the only participating restaurant in the state of Maine at this time.

Through numerous fundraising and volunteer activities, the UNICEF Tap Project celebrates the clean water we enjoy on a daily basis by encouraging celebrity, restaurant, volunteer, corporate and government supporters to give this vital resource to children in developing countries. The concept is basic and compelling, "When You Take Water, Give Water."

2012 UNICEF Tap Project Funds will specifically target Togo, Vietnam, Mauritania and Cameroon.

Every day 4,100 children die of water-related diseases. Nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. With just $1 raised through the UNICEF Tap Project can provide a child with safe water for 40 days. The simple act of washing a child's face with clean water can prevent debilitating diseases-like blinding trachoma, an infectious eye disease that spreads from child to child. The world's leading cause of preventable blindness, blinding trachoma is endemic in 57 countries, with 1.2 billion people living in trachoma-endemic areas, primarily in the poorest communities in the developing world-meaning millions of children without access to clean water are at risk of becoming blind from trachoma.

During the UNICEF Tap Project week from Thursday, March 22, through Sunday, March 25, you may donate $1 or more for the usually free tap water that you enjoy while dining at Jonathan's Restaurant. The donation will be added to your bill as a part of your check. All funds raised will support UNICEF's efforts to bring safe, clean and accessible water to the millions of children around the world who need it.

Great Works Regional Land Trust Is Funded By Kate the Great Fans

OGUNQUIT—

A historic brew has become something of a boon for land conservation thanks to the Portsmouth Brewery owners, staff, consumers, and the brewer himself! Great Works Regional Land Trust has been awarded a $5,000 charitable donation from scratch ticket sales for the purchase of Kate the Great.

This coveted Russian Imperial Stout is brewed each year from a secret recipe created by Tod Mott, head brewer for Portsmouth Brewery. Its 2012 issue flowed from the taps for public consumption on Monday, March 5, and Great Works representatives were on hand for the fanfare as ticket winners gathered to purchase their brew.

“I really enjoyed meeting Peter Egelston and Joanne Francis, Portsmouth Brewery’s owners, and we are grateful for their support,” said Jack Kareckas, president of the Great Works board of directors. “An unrestricted donation like this is often hard to get. It allows us the flexibility to meet operating expenses as well as unanticipated needs,” he said. Jennifer Fox, another board member, was also present to acknowledge the donation.

Mott, the creative force behind Kate the Great, says he named his concoction after the 18th century Empress Catherine the Great. The brew was originally created in England and sent to her as an alternative to the intensity of Russian vodka. The strong black ale has a roasty, coffee-like flavor with fruity undertones, he says, resulting from of a blend of many types of malt, complex hops and the addition of Port wood to the conditioning beer.

Mott and his wife Galen are members of Great Works Regional Land Trust, and were pulling for the organization to gain support. This year’s scratch ticket sale yielded $30,000 and benefited five non-profits, chosen by Portsmouth Brewery staff. Other awardees included S. E. Land Trust of NH, Sexual Assault Support Services, 3S Artspace and the Center for Wildlife.

Great Works Regional Land Trust has conserved over 4,800 acres, including 57 properties owned and 29 under conservation easement, in the towns of Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Wells and Ogunquit, and the region. Most of the lands are open to the public, and visitors are welcome at the organization’s Beach Plum Farm office on Route 1 in Ogunquit. For information on membership, volunteering, and a calendar of hikes and other events, contact Patti Mitchem or Anne Gamble at (207) 646-3604 or www.gwrlt.org.

Photo Caption: Jennifer Fox and Jack Kareckas of Great Works Regional Land Trust thank Peter Egelston, founder and president of Portsmouth Brewery. (Courtesy Photo)

Governor LePage Welcomes Home Returning Marines

PORTLAND—

Governor Paul LePage welcomed home approximately 130 Marines and Sailors late in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 22, at the Portland International Jetport. The service men and women were assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Forces Reserve. These Marines and Sailors returned home from a ten-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It was an honor to welcome our men and women in uniform home from Afghanistan,” said Governor LePage. “It is important we recognize our service men and women, remembering that some make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe at home. On behalf of all Mainers, I extend my sincerest thank you to these courageous service members, and their families for the sacrifice and commitment they have shown to our great state and nation.”

The Marines spent three months in California, where they underwent extensive pre-deployment cultural and counterinsurgency training. After the training, the Marines deployed to Afghanistan for seven months. They were assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. The mission was focused on training Afghan Security Forces for the transition of security responsibilities from NATO to the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

This was the unit’s second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; however it was their first deployment to Afghanistan. In 2003, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. In 2006, the unit also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Photo Caption: Governor LePage welcomes home one of nearly 130 Marines and Sailors at the Portland Int. Airport on Wednesday, February 22. (Courtesy Photo)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Stillson School of Irish Dance

OGUNQUIT—

Irish stepdancing has gained popularity in recent years and this unique dance form will again be celebrated on Saturday, March 10, 6:30pm, at the Dunaway Center in Ogunquit where Ogunquit Performing Arts will showcase stepdancers from the renowned Stillson School of Irish Dance, to followed by a screening of the delightful film, “Invitation to the Dance.”

The Stillson School of Irish Dance is under the direction of Carlene Moran Stillson ADCRG/TCRG. She is accredited by Ad Coimisium in Dublin, Ireland, and is a member of IDTANA (Irish Dancing Teacher’s Association of North America). Carlene has a long tradition of dancing, having started at the age of four.

In existence for nineteen years, the school is the only certified school of Irish dancing in the state of Maine and its dancers compete all over New England. They have placed in the New England Regional Irish Dancing Championships annually, and in competitions around the world. In addition to the dance performance, Carlene Stillson will discuss the history of the dance and the many different costumes worn by dancers. The dancers return to Ogunquit by popular demand.

Next, to add to the enjoyment of this special evening of dance, Ogunquit Performing Arts will screen “Invitation to the Dance,” with Gene Kelly at his finest. The multi-talented Kelly is director, choreographer and performer, and the film is unique in that there is no spoken dialogue. The characters perform their roles entirely through dance and mime. “Invitation to the Dance,” released in 1956, is an anthology consisting of three distinct stories, all starring Gene Kelly and featuring leading dancers of the era: Tommy Rall, Igor Youskevitch, Tamara Toumanova and Carol Haney. In addition, dancers from ballet companies of New York, Paris and Rome complete the cast of performers in this one-of-a-kind tour de force of dance. Five different composers provide the music.

The curtain time for this event is 6:30pm, with the performance of the Stillson stepdancers followed by a reception for the dancers; then the screening of the film, “Invitation to the Dance.” Admission is $5 and payable at the door the evening of the performance.

Photo Caption: Stillson dancers in their various colorful costumes will be performing Irish stepdances at the Dunaway Center, March 10, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. (Courtesy Photo)

Mills and Valente Become Finalists in National Merit Scholarship Program

WELLS—

In February, Wells High School seniors Michael Valente and Jesse Mills were notified that they had become finalists in the 57th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Each year, this program makes the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or PSAT/NMSQT available to high school juniors throughout the United States in order for them to compete for scholarship money. From the initial group of 1.5 million test takers, 16,000 of the highest 50,000 scorers are later picked to become Semifinalists. After additional screening, 15,000 emerge as finalists.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), “more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.” In late May, Valente and Mills will learn if and how much scholarship money will be made available to them.

Mills is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Team and plays club tennis, a non-varsity sport at WHS. Earlier in the school year Mills indicated that he would like to attend Haverford College. At present he is undecided about a college major. Mills is the son of Wesley 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. Last fall Valente indicated that he would like to attend Boston University or Tufts University to major in pre-med. Valente is the son of Dawn Valente of Wells.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation of Evanston Illinois. It is a non-profit corporation established in 1955. Scholarship money awarded by the NMSC comes largely from corporate and college sponsorship. According to NMSC’s website (www.nationalmerit.org), 10,400 students received 51 million in scholarships last year.

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT allows not only for the chance to receive a scholarship, but provides students with valuable experience for taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in their senior year.

Photo Caption: National Merit Scholarship finalists, Michael Valente and Jesse Mills. (Photo courtesy of Lillian Lagasse)