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Tuesday, April 30, 2019

BREAKING: Rockland Fire Department Working Ferry Boat Fire, 79 Mechanic Street

Photo Credit to Alan Athearn, Rockland Fire & EMS Photographer.
12:06pm Update: Knox Regional Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from personnel at Rockland Marine on Mechanic Street reporting a fire within a boat that was in dry dock. Workers on scene noticed smoke coming from the hull of a 100’ ferry on one of the dry docks. Upon arrival of the first due companies, Lt. Sullivan noted no visible smoke or flames from the vessel. Upon further investigation they found some small hand tools and a canvas bag on fire. Roughly 100 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire but access to fire area was limited due to navigating through small access holes and hatches. Once the fire was extinguished and no further extension was found, fans were placed near fresh air openings and the smoke was evacuated. Air monitoring was also completed to check for any remaining carbon monoxide or other hazardous gasses were not lingering in the area. No reports of injuries were noted and the boat was turned back over to the boat yard.

Any factors contributing to, or hindering the success of the operation:

First and foremost, the quick notification to 9-1-1 prevented the fire from spreading to other pieces of equipment inside the boat.

The limited access to the area of origin made for slower extinguishment but crews worked with boat yard workers to gain the best possible access.

Apparatus Assigned: Rockland Tower 3, Rockland Squad 3, Rockland Engine 1, Rockland Rescue 2, and Rockland Car 1

Cause: Sparks secondary to welding

7:37am Update: Crews reporting fire out, checking for extension and clearing smoke.
BREAKING: Rockland, Maine - The Rockland Fire Department is working an active ferry boat fire in the hull, one handline working, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019.

"Spring In Camden" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Spring In Camden" by Doug Mills
Spring in Camden Maine, the birthplace of the windjammer industry, is a magical time.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Monday, April 29, 2019

Route 4 Paving Work

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation is conducting milling and paving work on Route 4 in Androscoggin County. The work area begins in Auburn just north of Fair Street. It extends more than 17 miles north, through Turner, and ends just north of Church Street in Livermore. Crews may restrict travel to alternating one-way traffic during the construction period. Northeast Paving of Lewiston is the contractor doing the work, which is expected to be finished by May 19th.

Monks & Rams Split GNAC Twinbill

STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph’s College (29-9, 13-3 GNAC) split a pair of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) baseball games versus Suffolk University (22-15-1, 14-2 GNAC) on Sunday afternoon at Larry Mahaney Diamond. The Monks took game one 15-8, while the Rams salvaged a split with a 3-1 win in the nightcap.

With the split Suffolk claims the top seed in the GNAC Tournament, which begins with a single-elimination round – featuring the 3-6 seeds – on Tuesday, and the Rams will host a second-round matchup on Thursday. The Monks await the results between Johnson & Wales and Colby-Sawyer tomorrow, as the two teams clash in New London, N.H. in the final GNAC twinbill of the season after several rainouts, to learn whether they will host a single-elimination game on Tuesday or a second-round game on Thursday.

Saint Joseph’s 15, Suffolk 8 - https://www.gomonks.com/sports/bsb/2018-19/boxscores/20190428_ba0z.xml

The Monks jumped ahead in the first inning after senior outfielder Jared Gagne (Dover, N.H.)

Mid Coast Babe Ruth 2019 Game Schedule

2019 Midcoast Babe Ruth Baseball Schedule
Sunday May 19th Waldoboro at Newcastle 1:00 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
Damariscotta Lions at Union Farm Equipment 1:00 PM Medomak Valley HS Field, Waldoboro
Rockland Ford at PG Willey 1:00 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Tidewater Oil at Granite Coast Orthodontics 3:30 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
.
Sunday May 26th Rockland Ford at Tidewater Oil 1:00 PM Troy Howard Middle School, Belfast
PG Willey at Granite Coast Orthodontics 1:00 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Waldoboro at Union Farm Equipment 1:00 PM Medomak Valley HS Field, Waldoboro
Newcastle at Damariscotta Lions 1:00 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Sunday June 2nd Granite Coast Orthodontics at Rockland Ford 1:00 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Tidewater Oil at PG Willey 1:00 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Damariscotta Lions at Waldoboro 1:00 PM Begley Field, Waldoboro
Union Farm Equipment at Newcastle 1:00 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Sunday June 9th Rockland Ford at Damariscotta Lions 1:00 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
Waldoboro at PG Willey 1:00 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Union Farm Equipment at Granite Coast Orthodontics 3:30 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Tidewater Oil at Newcastle 3:30 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Sunday June 16th Union Farm Equipment at Rockland Ford 1:00 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Waldoboro at Tidewater Oil 1:00 PM Troy Howard Middle School, Belfast
Granite Coast Orthodontics at Newcastle 1:00 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
PG Willey at Damariscotta Lions 3:30 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Thursday June 20th Newcastle at Rockland Ford 5:30 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Damariscotta Lions at Tidewater Oil 5:30 PM Troy Howard Middle School, Belfast
Granite Coast Orthodontics at Waldoboro 5:30 PM Begley Field, Waldoboro
PG Willey at Union Farm Equipment 5:30 PM Medomak Valley HS Field, Waldoboro
.
Sunday June 23rd Rockland Ford at Waldoboro 1:00 PM Begley Field, Waldoboro
Tidewater Oil at Union Farm Equipment 1:00 PM Medomak Valley HS Field, Waldoboro
Damariscotta Lions at Granite Coast Orthodontics 1:00 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Newcastle at PG Willey 3:30 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
.
Tuesday June 25th PG Willey at Rockland Ford 5:30 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Granite Coast Orthodontics at Tidewater Oil 5:30 PM Troy Howard Middle School, Belfast
Newcastle at Waldoboro 5:30 PM Begley Field, Waldoboro
Union Farm Equipment at Damariscotta Lions 5:30 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Thursday June 27th Tidewater Oil at Rockland Ford 5:30 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Granite Coast Orthodontics at PG Willey 5:30 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
Union Farm Equipment at Waldoboro 5:30 PM Begley Field, Waldoboro
Damariscotta Lions at Newcastle 5:30 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
.
Monday July 1st Rockland Ford at Granite Coast Orthodontics 5:30 PM Marge Jones Rec Field, Rockport
PG Willey at Tidewater Oil 5:30 PM Troy Howard Middle School, Belfast
Waldoboro at Damariscotta Lions 5:30 PM Lincoln Academy Field, Newcastle
Newcastle at Union Farm Equipment 5:30 PM Medomak Valley HS Field, Waldoboro
.
Friday July 5th Game 1 - #1 Seed vs #8 Seed 9:30 AM Morrill Field, Rockland
Quarterfinals Game 2 - #4 Seed vs #5 Seed 12:00 Noon Morrill Field, Rockland
Game 3 - #2 Seed vs #7 Seed 2:30 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
Game 4 - #3 Seed vs #6 Seed 5:00 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
.
Saturday July 6th Game 5 - Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2 11:00 AM Morrill Field, Rockland
Semifinals Game 6 - Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 4 2:00 PM Morrill Field, Rockland
.
Sunday July 7th Game 7 - Championship Game 1:00 PM Morrill Field, Rockland

Aroostook County Bridge Work

ISLAND FALLS - The Maine Department of Transportation is conducting bridge work in the Aroostook County town of Island Falls. Crews will be replacing the deck and repairing the substructure of the Randall Bridge, which carries Old Patten Road over the Mattawamkeag River. The bridge is just north of the Route 159 junction. During this work, traffic will be detoured using Shur Road. Northeast Paving of Presque Isle is the contractor on this job. The work is expected to be finished by November 15th.

"Under Full Sail" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Under Full Sail" by Doug Mills
The Nathaniel bowditch under full sail at the Rockland Breakwater Light in Rockland Maine.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Sunday, April 28, 2019

"Reflections" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Reflections" by Doug Mills
Raflections of schooner Isaac H Evans at Rockland Maine.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Saturday, April 27, 2019

"Pemaquid Point Light" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Pemaquid Point Light" by Doug Mills


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Friday, April 26, 2019

BREAKING: Motor Vehicle Accident Closes Upper Limerock Street Rockland (Scene Cleared)

11:21pm Update: All fire units have cleared the scene.
BREAKING: Rockland, Maine - Motor vehicle accident has closed upper Limerock Street, area of 271, Friday night, April 26th, 2019 in Rockland Maine.

Unknown injuries.

Mother Nature wins in Binghamton, NY - Postponed on Friday

Two teams play a twinbill on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 PM

Binghamton, NY - The Portland Sea Dogs and Binghamton Rumble Ponies were postponed on Friday night due to rain. The two teams will make the game up as part of a 7-inning doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, beginning at 1:05 PM.

Portland has RHP Denyi Reyes and RHP Tanner Houck starting the twinbill. Binghamton counters with RHP Harol Gonzalez (1-0, 3.24) and LHP Anthony Key (1-1, 1.89).

Friday was Portland's first postponement on the road and their fifth overall.

Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 12:50 PM. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

Tickets for any game at Hadlock Field can be purchased at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

History made in Binghamton, 'Dogs no-hit the Rumble Ponies

Kyle Hart, Daniel McGrath, and Adam Lau combine on the no-hitter

Binghamton, NY - Kyle Hart (6.2 IP), Daniel McGrath (1.1 IP), and Adam Lau (1 IP) combined to no-hit the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (9-6), as the Portland Sea Dogs (5-11) won the road trip opener, 2-0, Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium.

The no-hitter was the fourth in team history:

8/8/99 vs. Trenton Brad Penny (6 IP) Luis Arroyo (3 IP)
8/13/01 @ Binghamton Josh Beckett (7 IP) Brandon Bowe (IP) Aaron Scheffer (IP)
4/3/14 @ Reading Henry Owens (6 IP) 
4/25/19 @ Binghamton Kyle Hart (6.2 IP) Daniel McGrath (IP) Adam Lau (IP)

Hart (1-3) allowed one walk, two hit batters, and fanned six over his 6.2 IP. The win was his first of the season in his fourth start. McGrath (hold #1) retired all four batters faced, stranding a runner at third base to end the seventh. Lau (save #1) gave up a one-out walk to Sam Haggerty but fanned Andrew Gimenez, and got Mike Paez on a fly out to RF Aneury Tavarez to end the game.

The Sea Dogs cracked the ice in the seventh inning off losing pitcher Mike Gibbons (2-2). Bobby Dalbec (2-for-4) singled, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, and scored on a single from Luke Tendler. In the ninth, Tender's sacrifice fly scored Dalbec, who advanced on two wild pitches.

Tate Matheny went 3-for-4, and Jhon Nunez added two hits for the Sea Dogs. The 9-inning no-hitter was the first as a Red Sox affiliate.

The Sea Dogs and Rumble Ponies (Mets affiliate) play game two of their series on Friday night with a 7:05 PM first pitch from NYSEG Stadium. RHP Denyi Reyes (0-2, 8.78) takes on RHP Harol Gonzalez (1-0, 3.24).  Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 6:50 PM. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

Tickets for any game at Hadlock Field can be purchased at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

Governor Mills Directs Flags Lowered in Honor of Representative Dale Denno

Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff this Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the State Capitol and in the towns of Cumberland and Gray in honor of former state Representative Dale Denno. A memorial service for Denno will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Cumberland Congregational Church.

“Representative Denno served his constituents with honor and distinction, fighting every day in the State House to improve their lives and build a better, brighter future for Maine. This Saturday, we honor his life, dedicated service, and significant contributions to our state,” said Governor Mills. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I offer our thoughts and prayers to Dale’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

Wiscasset Route 1 Downtown Update

Week of April 28th through May 4th

Beginning Tuesday night (April 30th), the contractor will begin milling operations on Main Street in Wiscasset. Milling will start at the bridge and proceed westerly to the end of the project. The contractor will mill the majority of the asphalt, leaving approximately one inch for drivers. Milling operations will continue on Main Street and Water Street (north) until this phase is complete; we expect this phase to take two or three days.

Week of May 5th through May 11th
Beginning on Sunday night (May 5th), the contractor will begin excavating Main Street. Crews will remove approximately two feet of dirt and replace it with new subbase gravel. The contractor will begin at the railroad tracks and proceed westerly. During the week, the contractor hopes to excavate from the railroad tracks to Walker Street. Excavation and gravel operations should happen on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. Fine grading is expected to happen on Wednesday night. Placement of the new asphalt base is expected to happen on Thursday night.

Week of May 12th through May 18th

During the week of May 12th, the contractor will continue the excavation of Main Street from Water Street to Middle Street. Excavation and gravel operations will happen on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. Fine grading will happen on Wednesday night. Asphalt base placement will happen on Thursday night.

Week of May 19th through May 25th

During the week of May 19th, the contractor will continue will the same procedure on Main Street from Middle Street to Federal Street and the end of the project.

Barring any bad weather, breakdowns, or unforeseen discoveries under the roadway, the Town of Wiscasset and the travelling public will have the first layer of new pavement in place on Main Street by Memorial Day weekend.

Blue Hill Public Library Play Reading

Where:  Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Wednesday May 15th, 4:00 to 6:30 PM

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar Listing:  Play Reading Group, American Buffalo, by David Mamet, no experience necessary. Wed. May 15, 4-6:30 PM, Blue Hill Library.


BLUE HILL-- The public is invited to participate in the Blue Hill Public Library Play Reading Group on Wednesday, May 15th, the group’s third meeting at an earlier time than in the past, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. This month the group will read American Buffalo, by David Mamet.

The play is about the owner of a junk shop who believes he sold a buffalo nickel for much less than it was worth, and gets a couple friends to help him plan a heist to steal it back.  The three end up fighting among themselves and the whole plan goes awry when things erupt into violence.

The group welcomes inexperienced and experienced readers alike. The only criteria are the love of plays and the joy of reading them aloud among like-minded theater fans. For further information, contact the Blue Hill Library at 374-5515.

“Panels & Pizza,” Graphic Novel Discussion Group For Teens

Where:   Roland Howard Room, Blue Hill Public Library

When:  Friday, May 17th, 3:30 to 5:00 PM, and every 3rd Friday of the month 

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing: “Panels & Pizza” Graphic Novel Discussion Group for Teens will discuss The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang, copies avail. now, Fri. May 17, 3:30 PM, Blue Hill Library, 374-5515.

BLUE HILL — The Blue Hill Library invites teens to a new graphic novel book club, “Panels & Pizza,” on Friday, May 17th at 3:30 pm. Each month will feature a different graphic novel and gathering on the 3rd Friday of the month to discuss thoughts on the story, art and the work as a whole. Pizza will be served!

This month’s book will be The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. In the story, Prince Sebastian has a secret. He loves to put on extravagant dresses and explore Paris as Lady Crystallia. Sebastian befriends his talented dressmaker, but will she manage to keep his secret?

Copies of the book are available now at the library. For more information, contact the library at 374-5515.

Opera Preview: Dialogues des Carmelites

Where:  Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Friday, May 10th, 1:00 PM

Cost:  Admission is free

Calendar item: OPERA PREVIEW: Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites, simulcast of the Met Opera will be previewed by Linda Lesko and David Porter, no experience necessary, Fri. May 10, 1 PM, Blue Hill Library. Info: 374-5515.

BLUE HILL — Bagaduce Music and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library will present a preview of Francis Poulenc's opera, "Dialogues des Carmelites," at the Blue Hill Public Library on Friday May 10th at 1:00 PM. A live performance of the opera will be simulcast at The Grand in Ellsworth the following day, Saturday, May 11th, from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

According to the Met's website, "Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the classic John Dexter production of Poulenc’s devastating story of faith and martyrdom. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the touching role of Blanche and soprano Karita Mattila, a legend in her own time, returns to the Met as the Prioress."

Local opera enthusiasts Linda Lesko and David Porter will summarize the plot, introduce the music and offer some ideas of special ways to enjoy the Saturday simulcast. All are welcome, no previous opera knowledge is needed, and admission is free. For more information, call the library at 374-5515.

Community Issues Forum: Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Where:   Roland Howard Room, Blue Hill Library 

When:  Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 P.M.

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing: Blue Hill Peninsula Community Issues Forum: The Rights and Needs of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, Wed. May. 8, 6:30 PM, Blue Hill Public Library, 374-5515.

BLUE HILL – The Blue Hill Public Library’s Community Issues Forum continues on Wednesday May 8th at 6:30. The topic will be: “‘Forgotten Americans’ Among Us?: The Rights and Needs of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.” This forum will present state and regional experts as well as parents who are concerned about continuing education, job training and benefits information for post-high school neurologically diverse young adults. Panelists will include Annie Sargent, Director of Ellsworth Adult Education; Lisa Sturtevant, Employment Services Manager, Office of Aging and Disability Services, DHHS; Lorrie Mitchell, Regional Manager (Bangor) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Linda Lee, Parent, RN, BSN, Co-Founder of Jonno’s Place, Belfast.
The series is organized and moderated by retired history professor, Dr. Gregory Bush, with the goal of stimulating in-person civic dialogue about important but sometimes overlooked issues on the Blue Hill peninsula, in Maine and across the nation.

This event is sponsored by the library, and is free and open to everyone. For more information contact the library at 374-5515.

Blue Hill Library Film: High Noon

Where:  Roland Howard Room, Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Thursday May 9th at 7:00 PM

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing:  Film: High Noon (1952): starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, Thu. May 9, 7:00 PM, Blue Hill Library. Info: 374-5515.


BLUE HILL – The Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library’s second-Thursday-of-the-month film series will continue on Thursday, May 9th at 7:00 PM with the western, High Noon (1952), directed by Frank Zinnemann and starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.

In the story a local town marshall has just gotten married and heard that a criminal he sent away to be hung had been pardoned and was coming back to exact revenge.

All films are shown free of charge on the library’s “pretty big” screen in the Howard Room. For more information, call the library (374-5515).

Explore Outdoors! Storytime at the Blue Hill Public Library

Where:  Blue Hill Public Library 

When:   Tuesday, May 7th, 10:30 AM 

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing: Storytime: The Secret Pool, Tue. May. 7, 10:30 AM, Blue Hill Library, 374-5515.


BLUE HILL- –Julianne Taylor, education coordinator for Explore Outdoors! -– a collaboration between Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Downeast Audubon and Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust – will be doing a special edition of the Blue Hill Public Library’s Storytime on Tuesday May 7th at 10:30 AM. She will read the story, The Secret Pool by local author Kimberly Ridley and illustrator Rebekah Raye. Through this story kids will be introduced to the different inhabitants of a vernal pool, including spotted salamanders, spring peepers, and turtles. After the story they will create a craft and check out a traveling vernal pool.

This program is co-sponsored by the library and Explore Outdoors! There is no charge and everyone is welcome. For more information call the library at 374-5515.

Blue Hill Library Book Sale May 4th

Where:  Basement “Book Nook,” Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Saturday, May 4th & every first Saturday of the month, 9AM to 2 PM. 

Calendar listing: MONTHLY BOOK SALE: bios half price/paperbacks 4 for $1, Sat. May 4, 9 AM- 2 PM Blue Hill Library.


BLUE HILL—The Friends of Blue Hill Public Library will hold their first-Saturday-of-the-month book sale on May 4th in the library’s basement “book nook” from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Biographies and memoirs will be half price, and paperbacks 4 for a dollar. Most books are still only a dollar or two, and paperbacks only 50 cents. Each child visiting the sale may select a free book.  There will be a second sale this month, of plant- and garden-related books as part of the library’s plant sale event on May 25, 8:00 to 11:00 AM.

The Friends wish to thank the many donors who keep the sale supplied with quality books, and welcome contributions - big or small. Book sale proceeds enable the Friends to sponsor many of the special programs offered at the library, and to make special purchases of books, DVDs, and equipment for the library. To donate books that are in good condition (please no moldy or soiled books!) or for more information, contact the library at 374-5515.

"Waiting For The Tide" The Maine Windjammer project


"Waiting For The Tide" by Doug Mills
Schooner Heritage waiting for the tide at Port Clyde Maine.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Rockland Public Library: Author Talk- So You Want to Be a Modern Homesteader?

Rockland, Maine - On Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 PM,  Kirsten Lie-Nielsen will  present a talk about her second book, So You Want to Be a Modern Homesteader?  All the Dirt on Living the Good Life, at the Rockland Public Library.  A writer and farmer from Liberty, Maine, Kirsten draws on personal experiences turning an old farm into a working, modern homestead and hopes to help folks who are looking to make the leap of going country. 

In this talk, Kirsten will illustrate her own experiences and share what she has learned, as well as offering some tips and tricks for surviving Maine winters with wood heat and caring for some of the most common homestead animals.  Her book, So You Want to Be a Modern Homesteader? is all about the joys and potential pitfalls of homesteading life, and here she will be sharing her personal take on the challenges and the joys of trying to live self sufficiently. 

Kirsten Lie-Nielsen grew up on a farm and has been raising geese and enjoying the quirky personalities and practicality of these beautiful birds for most of her life. Always intrigued by self-sufficiency and working with her hands, Kirsten and her partner are restoring a 200-year old farm in Liberty, Maine, where they raise animals and grow vegetables and native medicinal herbs. Kirsten writes about her experiences and the lessons of life on the farm for publications such as Grit and Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, and Hobbyfarms.com. She also blogs about the good life at hostilevalleyliving.com  She is also the author of The Modern Homesteader's Guide to Keeping Geese.

The illustrated talk, sponsored by Friends of Rockland Public Library, will take place in the Community Room and is free and open to the public. The Library is located at 80 Union  St. FMI: 594-0310.

Sea Dogs Announce Makeup Games for April 9th & 10th Postponements

Doubleheaders scheduled for May 5th and July 11th

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs have rescheduled the games from April 9th and 10th against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies that were postponed due to weather. The April 9th game will be made-up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 PM. While the April 10th postponed game will be made-up as a doubleheader on Thursday, July 11th at 5:00 PM.

Both doubleheaders will be single-admission doubleheaders consisting of two seven-inning games. Please note to accommodate the doubleheader on July 11th, the game time has been changed from a 7:00 PM start to a 5:00 PM start.

Tickets for any of the postponed games can be exchanged for tickets of equal or lesser value to any remaining 2019 Sea Dogs home game, based upon availability. Fans with questions regarding tickets may contact the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500 or email at tickets@seadogs.com.

The Sea Dogs have a total of four postponed games due to weather at Hadlock Field this season.

Complete list of rescheduled games:
Doubleheader- Friday, May 3rd at 5:00 PM vs. Binghamton (Makeup from April 8th)
Doubleheader- Sunday, May 5th @ 1:00 PM vs. Binghamton (Makeup from April 9th)
Doubleheader- Tuesday, July 2nd @ 5:00 PM vs. Trenton (Makeup from April 20th)
Doubleheader- Thursday, July 11th @ 5:00 PM vs. Binghamton (Makeup from April 10th)

Tickets are available for all 2019 Sea Dogs home games and can be purchased online at www.seadogs.com or by calling the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500.

Rockland’s Downtown Advocacy Organization Receives National Main Street Accreditation for 10th Consecutive Year

Rockland, Maine – Rockland Main Street, Inc. has once again been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“This is wonderful recognition for the efforts of all those who have worked so hard to keep Rockland moving forward”, said Gordon Page, Executive Director of Rockland Main Street, Inc. “As the leading force behind the ongoing revitalization of downtown Rockland, our organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the acknowledgment by the National Main Street Center for the work we do every day to make the City an enviable place to live and do business is gratifying”, Page said.

The City of Rockland is just one of ten communities in the state of Maine that are accredited by the

BREAKING: Firefighters Working Molyneaux Rd Camden Structure Fire (Fires Out)

4:13pm Update: Fire is out, doing mop up. 
BREAKING: Camden, Maine - Firefighters from multiple departments are working a Molyneaux Rd. 2-story structure fire, area of Barnestown Rd. on Thursday, April 25th, 2019 in Camden, Maine.

Baxter Library CLOSED this Friday, April 26th for Staff Development

Gorham, Maine - Just a reminder that the Baxter Memorial Library will be CLOSED this Friday, April 26th for our annual Staff Development day. We will be open for our regular hours on Saturday, April 27th, according to Baxter Library.

State Treasurer Sends Unclaimed Property Notifications to Mainers

AUGUSTA- April 25, 2019, State Treasurer Henry Beck announced today that the Office of the State Treasurer is sending notification of Unclaimed Property to over 5,000 Mainers. Notification letters are being sent through the U.S. Postal Service this week.

Beck reports that "if you do not receive a letter from my office, you may still have property. Letters were sent to select individuals with accounts that hold $1,000 or more, as well as to any individuals with stock we are holding." But, he says there are hundreds of millions of dollars in additional property. Every citizen needs to review the list of Unclaimed Property. It should be just as routine as filing taxes each year.

Treasurer Beck also warns about fraudulent schemes purporting to be from his Office. If someone is asking for a payment or personal information, tear it up, or hang up the phone, because that is a scam. Go to our website, which is a great source for information about our Unclaimed Property program.

At present, the Treasurer holds over $246,000,000 of Unclaimed Property. It is easy and free to file a claim. To file a claim, go to https://www.maine.gov/upsearch and follow the easy to use instructions.

Unclaimed Property consists of money and other financial assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located after a specified period of inactivity. It includes items such as bank accounts, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, unpaid wages, stocks and dividends, refunds, and safe deposit box contents.

"USCGC Eagle" The Maine Windjammer Project


"USCGC Eagle" by Doug Mills
The USCGC Eagle at Rockland Maine.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Inaugural Route 1 Relay Aims to Clean ALL of Route 1 in Knox County May 3rd-4th

RT. 1 Knox County - If you regularly travel Route 1 in Knox County stay alert on May 3 and 4. Over 150 volunteers from

24 local businesses, several nonprofits, and various volunteer groups will be out cleaning the scenic route.

Wearing highly-visible luminescent logoed safety vests, volunteers will clean the 23.4 miles of Route 1 in Knox County from the Warren/Waldoboro town line all the way north to the Camden/Lincolnville town line. This event is being held in conjunction with the Maine Community Litter Cleanup Day, Keep Rockport Beautiful Roadside Cleanup, and the Leonard Lookner Memorial Roadside Cleanup during the first weekend in May in an attempt to beautify the Mid-Coast scenery.

The idea to clean Route 1 spun off the existing roadside cleanup events held twice a year by Keep Rockport Beautiful. Volunteer coordinators, Marci Casas and Maggie Timmermann, wanted to spread the success of the Rockport roadside cleanups throughout Knox County and beyond. All of the money raised will be reinvested in cleanup supplies that will be donated to towns within Knox County.

Teams of 2-4 volunteers adopted ½ mile sections of Route 1 to clean. Road signs designed by Adventure Advertising with business logos will be lining the route for the week leading up to the event. All supplies including pickers, safety vests, bags, gloves, etc will be provided. The events lead sponsor, Horch Roofing, is providing volunteers and a fleet of trucks and trailers to pick up and dispose of the debris on Saturday, May 4. Maine DOT, Knox County Sheriffs, local police departments, and four local transfer stations are all helping to make this ambitious event happen.

For more information email Marci Casas at marcijcasas@gmail.com or visit the Keep Knox County Beautiful facebook page.

Rindy Fogler and Chief Thomas Higgins Awarded for Their Work with the City of Bangor

Bangor, Maine -  City of Bangor employees Rindy Fogler and Chief Thomas Higgins were recognized with awards this week for their outstanding and dedicated service to the Bangor community.

Fogler, Community Services Manager for Bangor Public Health & Community Services, received the Director of the Year award from the Maine Welfare Directors Association at a ceremony in Bangor. She has worked for the City of Bangor since 1996, and in her current role for nearly a decade.

Higgins, Chief of the Bangor Fire Department, received the Outstanding Emergency Manager of the Year award from the Maine County EMA Directors at an event in Augusta. A City employee for over 20 years, Higgins has served as Bangor Fire Chief for over four years. In October 2018, Higgins received the Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Maine Fire Chiefs' Association.

"Many of us at City Hall see first-hand the hard work that our department heads and employees put in on a daily basis," said Cathy Conlow, City Manager for the City of Bangor. "It's always reaffirming when other organizations offer recognition as well, especially when the work our employees do directly improves the lives of our citizens."

Update to Finance Committee’s Review Schedule of FY20 Recommended Budget

Portland, Maine - Over the next several weeks there will be nine additional meetings on the FY20 City and School budgets in addition to the six which have previously been held. At last night's Finance Committee meeting, the Committee was unable to complete discussion on the Parks, Recreation and Facilities budget and the discussion will continue at tonight's
meeting.
Also on tonight's agenda will be additional discussion on the FY20 School Department budget (including a Public Hearing) and discussion of the Planning & Urban Development budgets. Please refer to http://www.portlandmaine.gov/342/Finance-Committee for most up to date agendas and review dates.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Finance Committee - Wednesday, April 24th
  • Portland Public Schools Recommended Budget (Public Hearing)
  • Parks, Recreation and Facilities (discussion continued from 4/23)
  • Planning and Urban Development
  • Other Small Departments (time permitting)
1) Policies of Community Support Fund
2) Shelter Overflow
Finance Committee - Thursday, May 2nd
  • Departments to be announced
City Council Meeting - Thursday, May 6th
Finance Committee - Thursday, May 9th
  • Departments to be announced
City Council Workshop - Monday, May 13th  - City Budget Workshop
Finance Committee - Tuesday, May 14th (if necessary)
Finance Committee - Wednesday, May 15th (if necessary)
City Council Meeting - Monday, May 20th - FY20 Budget 2nd Read & Vote

The City Manager’s complete FY20 recommended budget can be read online here.

Portland Public Library presents: Emerge From Stigma: Tell Your Story with NAMI Maine

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 from 5:30-7:00pm
In the Rines Auditorium

Portland, Maine - Our lived experience – our stories – is where the power and impact lies to change lives.

Through the NAMI Maine Speakers Bureau – a team of survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, individuals living with a mental illness and those family members and friends who care about them – the sharing of our personal stories helps create systemic change and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.

Attend this event to hear the stories of three speakers with lived experience who share their message of hope and resiliency. Learn more about the NAMI Speakers Bureau and come with your questions and contemplations.

Light refreshments will be served.

Jarlath Henderson performs traditional Irish songs with 21st century sounds

Rockland, Maine - New Irish folk artist Jarlath Henderson will appear on the Strand Theatre stage on Friday, May 17 at 7:30pm.

Jarlath Henderson is a wildly inventive multi-instrumentalist and masterful balladeer from Northern Ireland who is best known as a remarkable player of uilleann pipes and  whistles. The three-time ‘All-Ireland Champion’ piper revives traditional songs, like murder ballads and love songs with a somber intensity and sublime original arrangements. Jarlath combines modern, rhythmically intense, percussive electronics to his traditional singing style to create signature sound that is all his own. He will be joined by Innes Watson (fiddle, guitar) and Duncan Lyall (double bass).

Tickets for the concert are $17/Advance. $20/Day of Show. Lobby and Balcony Bars will be open for age 21 and older. For more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com. Tel: (207) 594-0070 EX 3  Email: info@rocklandstrand.com  The Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street, Rockland.

"Preparing To Sail" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Preparing To Sail" by Doug Mills
America's oldest schooner Lewis R French, built 871, preparing to sail at the start of The Great Schooner Race.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Coastal grants available for municipal and regional projects

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry's Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) and the Maine Department of Marine Resources Maine Coastal Program (MCP) are seeking applications for the 10th round of Coastal Community Grants for FY 2020.
Coastal Community Grants are an important element of the MPAP’s work to encourage and promote efforts of coastal communities and regional planning organizations pursuant to the goals of the Growth Management Act (M.R.S.A. 30-A, Chapter 187) and Coastal Management Policies (M.R.S.A. 38, Chapter 19).
The grants are for municipal and regional projects in Maine’s coastal zone. Funding for these technical assistance grants comes from Maine Coastal Program’s annual grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Eligible projects must be designed to improve water quality, increase resiliency/adaptation to erosion and flooding, conserve coastal habitat, promote sustainable development, and enhance the coastal-dependent economy while preserving natural coastal resources. This program is designed to address the five priority goals of the Maine Coastal Program:  
  • Ensuring Sustainable, Vibrant Coastal Communities
  • Improving Coastal Public Access
  • Addressing the effects of land use activity on water quality
  • Restoring Coastal Habitats
  • Preparing for coastal storms, erosion and flooding, coastal hazards
Those eligible to apply include towns and unorganized territories in Maine’s coastal zone, groups of towns and unorganized territories in Maine’s coastal zone, coastal regional planning commissions, and coastal councils of governments. The Coastal Communities Grants have a maximum award of $100,000.
Coastal Communities Grant applications are due Monday June 3, 2019 at 2 P.M.
The application information and forms can be found in the FY20 Coastal Community Grant Program Statement:http://www.maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/financial_assistance.shtml
At the conclusion of each project, grant recipients are requested to prepare a case study to describe the project’s approach and results, identify next steps and needs, share lessons learned and applicability for other municipalities, and provide recommendations to the MCP for follow-up by state agencies to address identified municipal and regional needs and emerging coastal issues. Case studies of Coastal Community Grant projects prepared by grant recipients can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/casestudies/ccg-case-studies.shtml
For more information about the Maine Coastal Program visit: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/mcp/
For more information about the Municipal Planning Assistance Program visit:
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/

"Sailing With The Birds" The Maine Windjammer Project


"Sailing With The Birds" by Doug Mills
The Victory Chimes sailing with the birds as she returns to her home port of Rockland Maine.


Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Monday, April 22, 2019

Houck sensational in Portland's 7-0 win over Hartford!

Game called after five innings
Portland, Maine - Tanner Houck (2-1) fired a one-hit shutout and tied a career-high with nine strikeouts, as the Portland Sea Dogs (4-9) defeated the Hartford Yard Goats (8-10), 7-0 in a five-inning rain-shortened game on Monday night at Hadlock Field.

Houck retired the first nine batters before Bret Boswell led off the fourth with a single. Hartford had just one runner reach third base. The complete-game was the first in Houck's professional career and the second for the team this season.

The Sea Dogs went to work against losing pitcher Brandon Gold (L, 1-1) in the third inning with two outs. Jerry Downs began the rally with a double off the Maine Monster and scored on a two-bagger by Luke Tendler. Oscar Hernandez delivered an RBI single and scored on an error by the second baseman.

In the third inning, Tate Matheny nailed a two-run bases-loaded single, knocking Gold out of the game. Bobby Dalbec added the final runs with a two-run homer over the Maine Monster in the fourth.

Portland is now 1-2 on the homestand and 2-5 at Hadlock Field this season. Hartford is 3-8 away from Dunkin' Donuts Park.

The Sea Dogs and Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies affiliate) continue their three-game series on Tuesday night at 6:00 PM from Hadlock Field.  LHP Darwinzon Hernandez (1-1, 1.80) is slated to start for Portland against LHP Ty Culbreth (2-1, 3.60) for Hartford. Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 5:45 PM. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

Tickets can be purchased at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

Rockport Public Library Run/Walk 5k (June 23rd at 9:00am)

Rockport Public Library Run/Walk 5k
Sunday, June 23rd at 9:00am
Starts at the Rockport Opera House

Rockport, Maine - All funds raised from this event go to support the construction of the new Rockport Public Library. More than just a building that holds books, the new Rockport Public Library will be the community’s gathering and learning center. It will offer access to technology, digital resources, and meeting spaces, as well as print and electronic books. We anticipate opening the doors of our new home to the community in the late summer of 2020.

Our 5k (3.1 mile) Run/Walk starts in beautiful Rockport village and travels along the coast offering fantastic ocean views. The race starts at the Rockport Opera House, takes you down Beauchamp Point, and ends at Rockport Harbor Marine Park, where water and snacks will be provided. The harbor is a short walk from the start of the race. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and skills. Strollers are allowed, but be mindful of traffic as most of the race does not have a sidewalk.

Race day registration starts at 8:00am at the Rockport Opera House, and the race starts at 9:00am. If you have registered in advance, please allow yourself enough time to sign in and to get your bib number.

The 5K race is open to all, and registration costs $25 on race day or $20 in advance. You can sign up in advance at the library or online at https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Rockport/RockportPublicLibraryRunWalk5k. Advance registration ends on Friday, June 21st.

If you have any questions please contact the Library at 236-3642 or rpl@rockport.lib.me.us.