Whoopie Pies fall 11-8 to Reading

Chatham and Matheny each with three hits

Portland, Maine - The Reading Fightin Phils (2-1) rallied for three runs in the 10th inning and prevailed 11-8 over the Whoopie Pies (0-2) in the series opener on Friday night at Hadlock Field.

Raul Rivas led off the 10th with an RBI triple off the right-field wall off of Matthew Gorst to give Reading a 9-8 lead. Rivas later scored on a wild pitch by Gorst to make it 10-8.  Two batters later, Josh Stephen tripled and eventually, Darick Hall delivered a two-out RBI single to extend the lead to 11-8.

Jonathan Hennigan (W, 1-1) earned the victory with two perfect innings to close out the ballgame. Gorst (0-5) has suffered all his losses in extra innings this season.

Reading scored the game's first run on a two-out RBI single by Grenny Cumana to score Josh Stephen.

The Whoopie Pies tied things up in the second on a solo home run by Joey Curletta that cleared the Dunkin' video board in left-center field.

Reading exploded in the third with a six-run inning and sent 10 men to the plate against Dedgar Jimenez. Luke Williams and Jose Gomez each had two-run hits while Cornelius Randolph and Austin Bossart drove in a run apiece.

Jimenez (ND) didn't make it out of the third, the southpaw went 2.1 innings and allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with two walks and a strikeout.

The Whoopie Pies were able to answer in the bottom half of the inning with six runs of their own off of JoJo Romero.  Jarren Duran got the scoring started coming around from first base on a throwing error at second by the second baseman Raul Rivas. CJ Chatham followed with an RBI double, then three batters later Tate Matheny hit a two-run double to cut the deficit to 7-5. Brett Netzer hit next and grounded a two-run single through the shifted infield to tie the game 7-7.

CJ Chatham gave the Whoopie Pies their first lead with an RBI double in the fourth to score Jeremy Rivera.  

Romero lasted four innings and allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits while striking out two.

Both bullpens were excellent.  Daniel McGrath worked 3.2 innings in relief and allowed just one baserunner on an error.  Kevin Lenik pitched the seventh and held Reading scoreless. Seth McGarry of Reading went four scoreless in relief of Romero and allowed just two hits.

The Portland Sea Dogs and Reading Fightin Phils continue their three-game series on Saturday night with a 6:00 PM start at Hadlock Field. RHP Denyi Reyes (2-8, 4.69) makes the start for Portland. LHP David Parkinson (5-4, 3.63) is on the mound for Reading. Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 5:45 PM with Mike Antonellis. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

Tickets are available at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

Buy a Bag of Books for a Buck Sale

GARDINER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE 

Monday, June 24th (10:00am-5:00pm) is sale day…buy a bag of books for a buck (a bag may hold up to 20 items).

The book sale will be held in our Hazzard Reading Room on the main floor.

The Gardiner Public Library is located at 152 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine.  Come support the library and get some great books!  Please call (207)582-3312 for more information.

Eastern Maine Community College to Offer a One-Year Medical Assisting Course at No Cost to Qualified Applicants

Bangor, ME - Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) is excited to announce an incredible opportunity for individuals wishing to become Medical Assistants (MA).  As part of a grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation to the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, EMCC has received funding to offer a one-year Medical Assisting program to 40 qualified individuals at no cost to the students.  “There is tremendous state-wide demand for Medical Assistants which continues to increase”, stated Catharine MacLaren, Vice President of Talent and Diversity at Northern Light Health.  “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has an interest in beginning or growing their career in healthcare.”

The costs associated with tuition, fees, textbooks, criminal background checks, one certification exam, a stethoscope, and set of scrubs will be waived for individuals who qualify for the program.  “We are so pleased to be able to offer this program to the public,” stated Liz Russell, Vice President of Academic Affairs.  “Our healthcare partners have shared the challenges they face in recruiting qualified Medical Assistants.  I’m delighted that EMCC can provide this program as a way to help them meet their workforce needs.”

The One-Year MA program is comprised of a fall semester which begins August 26 and ends December 13, 2019; a spring semester which begins January 13 and ends May 8, 2020; and a summer 160-hour unpaid externship that will begin as early as May 11 and end as soon as all hours are completed.  The program will be offered both during the day and in the evening, with some classes available online.  Students wishing to participate in this program must be willing to complete courses as scheduled within the one-year timeframe. 

Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants.  There is a two-part application process which includes:

1.       An “Application for Admission” to the Medical Assisting (MA) program.  This can be completed online at no charge by going to the EMCC website and clicking on “Apply” (the bottom option on the right hand “Get Started” menu.)  Candidates will be asked to submit official high school and college transcripts, if applicable; and

2.       An “Application for Funding” form that can be found at is www.emcc.edu/oneyearMA.

Individuals interested in exploring this opportunity are urged to email admissions atadmissions@emcc.edu or call 207-974-4629 for more information.O

Beyond Acadia: Off the Beaten Path with Rich Bard

Camden, Maine - The Bold Coast is a place of mystery for most people. Those who know anything about the region are drawn to its beauty, but often only know how to find the most well-known attractions, like the famed Cutler Coast trails, Quoddy Head State Park’s landmark candy-striped lighthouse, or Cobscook Bay State Park’s ocean-front campground.

On July 2, at 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, author and wildlife biologist Rich Bard will provide a presentation based on his book, Beyond Acadia: Exploring the Bold Coast of Down East Maine. Bard’s book is the very first travel guide covering the area of coast roughly between Acadia National Park and Canada.

“More than a decade as a state wildlife biologist had me hiking, paddling, and snowshoeing on a nearly daily basis,” says Bard. “I spent 15 years in careers that exposed me to the nooks and crannies of the Bold Coast, giving me a broad view of everything the region has to offer.”

At his talk, Bard will discuss the countless ways to engage with the natural world in the Bold Coast area. Highlights will include little-known hiking trails; paddling options; and how to access locally grown food, arts, and music that evoke the landscape in which they were created. Copies of Rich Bard’s book will be available for purchase at the library following the program.

Perennial Combinations

Event Location: Merryspring Nature Center, Camden/Rockport, Maine

Event Date/Time: Tuesday, July 2 at 12:00 pm.

Photo Caption:  Merryspring’s Perennial Garden in July

Maine Master Gardener John Fromer leads a demonstration on using combinations of perennial plants in the garden at Merryspring Nature Center onTuesday, July 2 at 12:00 pm.

The use of interesting plant combinations can turn any garden into a colorful and varied display. Fromer's talk covers the use of color, texture, repetition, foliage, and plant groupings. He will emphasize the importance of bloom-times, planting dates, and taking advantage of non-blooming perennials to keep gardens colorful and changing all season.

This program is part of Fromer's perennial gardening series, which will continue throughout the gardening season. This is an outdoor event, so guests should dress accordingly. A selection of recommended gardening books and tools will be available for purchase after the program.

Fromer has been a Maine Master Gardener since 1998 and runs Appleton Ridge Flower and Vegetable Farm with his wife Kathy, also a Maine Master Gardener. Together they grow flowers, vegetables, and herbs in a sustainable and authentic fashion.

This event is part of the Summer Talk series, co-sponsored by RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn and The First National Bank.

Merryspring is your community nature center offering walking trails, cultivated gardens, wildlife, and ecology and horticulture educational programs all year round. The park is located at the end of Conway Road, just off of Route 1 in Camden behind Hannaford Shopping Plaza. For more information on this program, please contactinfo@merryspring.org or call 207-236-2239.

Gardiner Public Library Book Sale

Gardiner, Maine - All are welcome to come and browse and get some great deals on Saturday, June 22, 2019 (9:00am-4:00PM):   Most hardcover books – $1.00, children’s books – 50 cents and most paperbacks – 50 cents.  Movies and audio books will be priced as marked.   This book sale is part of Gardiner’s River Festival and there are activities all day long!

Monday, June 24th (10:00am-5:00pm) is sale day…buy a bag of books for a buck (a bag may hold up to 20 items).

The book sale will be held in our Hazzard Reading Room on the main floor.

The Gardiner Public Library is located at 152 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine.  Come support the library and get some great books!  Please call (207)582-3312 for more information.

Rockin' Storytime Tuesdays at 10:30 AM, June 25th - Sept. 3rd

Rockland, Maine -Join Miss Katie at Rockland Public Library all summer for very special storytimes filled with stories, songs, and dances geared toward preschool and toddlers. Each week will have a new theme and new ways to shake your sillies out.

The summer's themes include space, fish, owls, bubbles, frogs, superheros, aliens, and more! Join us all summer or just pop in once for some fun songs and stories.

WATCH: Roockland Summer Solstice By Maine Positive TV

WATCH: Rockland Main Street INC hosted Summer Solstice by Maine Positive TV.

Oxford, Realignment of Skeetfield Road and Construction of Right Turn Offset Lane on Route 26

Date: 7/18/2019
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
Location: Oxford Town Hall, Council Room, 35 Oxford Street, Oxford 
FMI-Phone: 2076243612 
FMI-Email: Brian.keezer@maine.gov

Please join MaineDOT to discuss the realignment of Skeetfield Road to meet Route 26 at a 90-degree angle in Oxford. Also included is the construction of a right-turn offset lane on the Route 26 southwesterly approach. MaineDOT will present information about the project, and will listen to concerns and answer questions. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Please call in advance to request auxiliary aids.
TTY users dial Maine Relay 711

Work Identification Number: 022952.00

Hundreds Turn Out For Rockland's Annual Summer Solstice

Rockland, Maine - Hundreds of people young and old turned out for annual Summer Solstice hosted by Rockland Main Street INC on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 in Rockland, Maine.

Big hit during the event were annual Rockland Sculpture Race, Studio Red performing routines on Main Street and Whoopie Pie Eatting Contest.

For all ages, live music, dancing, kids activities, street vendors, crafts.

Summer Solstice is a production of Rockland Main Street, with generous support from:

City Announces Volunteer Information for Those Wishing to Support Asylum Seekers

PORTLAND, Maine -- The City of Portland would like to thank those who have expressed a wish to volunteer time and services in helping the City as we support asylum seekers arriving in Portland. Thanks to our friends at the United Way of Greater Portland, we now have a coordinated and secure way to accept volunteers. 

Please visit https://www.unitedwaygp.org/2019/06/14/expo-shelter/ to sign up to volunteer. As shelter security is of the utmost importance, please do not show up at the Expo without receiving a volunteer assignment. You will be turned away. 

The most pressing need is still for financial resources. To donate directly to the City to cover shelter/housing needs and basic necessities, please visit www.portlandmaine.gov/donate. The easiest way to donate is to text the word EXPO to 91999. 

Public Art Committee Announces Final Proposals for Roundabout Art

Portland, Maine - The Portland Public Art Committee (PPAC) received the final four proposals for the new roundabout art commission.  The four artists under consideration are:

• Anna Hepler www.annahepler.com
• Quincy Owens + Luke Crawley www.owensandcrawley.com
• Mark Pettegrow www.pettegrowstudio.com
• Will Vannerson www.willvannerson.com

The proposals may be viewed online at the Public Art Committee’s website, in City Hall on the monitors, and at the monthly Public Art Committee meeting on June 19th where public comment will also be taken.  A comment form is also available on the City website to provide comment – the deadline is June 20th.

The selection committee is scheduled to meet on June 20th to consider the four proposals.  The

Maine State Museum Hosts “Action Under the Dome” Forum on Upcoming Changes in State Voting and Election Laws

Maine State Museum Hosts “Action Under the Dome” Forum

on Upcoming Changes in State Voting and Election Laws  

June 25 Event at 5:30 p.m. Highlights Key Issues Acted on by the Legislature

AUGUSTA, Maine - As part of its current exhibition and programs about the 100^th anniversary of women’s right to vote, the Maine State Museum will host a special forum, Action Under the Dome, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. to look at voting and election-related initiatives during the recent legislative session. Headlining the forum will be Anna Kellar, executive director of Democracy Maine, and Gina Coppens, leader of the Augusta Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Maine.

“Ranked choice voting. Automatic voter registration. The national popular vote. Presidential primaries. Big money in politics. We’ve been hearing about these issues constantly over the past many months, as debates have echoed through the halls of the State House,” comments Museum Director Bernard Fishman. “But, what were the final results and how do they affect every Maine voter? The forum on June 25^th will provide the inside scoop from Democracy Maine and the League of Women Voters of Maine, important non-partisan groups that were in the middle of all the debates.”

“During the 129^th legislative session, the League of Women Voters of Maine had an ambitious agenda to improve our democracy, make voting more accessible, increase election security, and reduce the influence of big money in politics,” notes Anna Kellar. “Our volunteers testified on over 40 bills related to these issues. We look forward to sharing the results of our work during the Maine State Museum forum on the 25^th.

The League of Women Voters of Maine is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate.

The forum will be held at the Maine State Museum, 230 State Street in Augusta. Prior to the forum, visitors will receive free admission to view the museum’s newest exhibit, Women’s Long Road – 100 Years to the Vote. For more information, contact the museum at 207-287-2301 or see the museum’s website: www.mainestatemuseum.org 

Strong seven for Wade! Sea Dogs win 3-1 at Akron

Portland now 2-2 on their nine-game trip

Akron, Ohio - RHP Konner Wade (1-1) earned his first win the Red Sox system, firing seven strong innings, as the Portland Sea Dogs (23-40) beat the Akron RubberDucks (34-32) 3-1 on Friday night in the series opener at Canal Park.

Wade yielded just one run on seven hits, two walks, and strikeouts. Akron scored their lone run in the sixth inning on a run-scoring double from Alex Call. During the same frame, Wade induced a line-out double play with the bases loaded.

Durbin Feltman pitched the final two innings, including a perfect ninth for his third Double-A, save.

Portland scored in the first two innings off losing pitcher Evan Mitchell (0-2). Tate Matheny nailed a two-out RBI single in the first to make it 1-0. In the second, Jarren Duran added an RBI fielder's choice.

The Sea Dogs got their final run on a pinch-hit double from Joey Curletta in the ninth inning.

Ricardo Cubillan and Jerry Downs each had two hits for the Sea Dogs. Bobby Dalbec picked up his league-leading 38th walk.

Portland and the Akron RubberDucks (Indians affiliate) continue their three-game series on Saturday night (tonight) with a 7:05 start from Canal Park. Lefty Dedgar Jimenez (1-3, 3.55) is on the mound for Portland. Akron counters with lefty Tanner Tully (5-5, 4.03). 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 are available at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

Blues Takes Over Rockland's Harbor Park July 13, 14th

Rockland, Maine - It is that time of year again to start booking your hotel room for the North Atlantic Blue Festival in beautiful coastal Maine city of Rockland.

This year's blue festival takes place July 13th through July 14th, 2019.

Lineup for this year:

Saturday, July 13th

MCMA Blues

Camp Kids

10:30-10:55 AM

11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Best Race Of The Year, Great Schooner Race Sets Sail July 5th, 2019, One Not To Miss

Rockland, Maine - According to Great Schooner Race website, Every summer since 1977, the Maine Windjammer Association has hosted the Great Schooner Race, providing an opportunity for captains, crews and passengers aboard traditional vessels from all over the Eastern Seaboard to rendezvous for a fun day of racing.

Hailed as "the largest annual gathering of traditional schooners in America," this year at least twenty schooners are expected to participate in the 43rd Annual Great Schooner Race scheduled to take place on July 5th, 2019 in Penobscot Bay.

Come out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse to see these amazing sailing vessels cross the finish line. They will start coming across the finish line from 3pm on.

This is one of thee best race of the year, seeing these amazing vessel full of sail, it will transport you back when there were hundreds, now only dozen or so remain.

Two of the oldest vessels taking part in the Great Schooner Race are the Lewis R. French of Camden and Stephan Taber of Rockland, Maine, both built in 1871.

Schooners taking part in this year's race as of this article are:

List is by: Schooner, Length, Type, Year Built, Place Built, Captain

AGNESS & DELL 46' 2-Masted Gaff Schooner 1945 St. Mary’s Newfoundland, Canada Blue Hill John Gandy

AMERICAN EAGLE 92' Fishing Schooner 1930 Gloucester, MA Rockland John Foss

ANGELIQUE 95' Cruise Ketch 1980 Palatka, FL Camden Dennis Gallant

HERITAGE 95′ Coaster 1983 Rockland, ME Rockland Doug/Linda Lee

LADONA 82′ Yacht 1922 Boothbay Harbor, ME Rockland J.R. Braugh

LEWIS R. FRENCH 64′ Coaster 1871 Christmas Cove, ME Camden Garth Wells

MARY DAY 90′ Coaster 1962 So. Bristol, ME Camden Barry King

OLAD 48′ Yacht 1927 Osterville, MA Camden Aaron Lincoln

STEPHEN TABER 68′ Coaster 1871 Glen Head, NY Rockland Noah Barnes

VICTORY CHIMES 132′ Ram Schooner 1900 Bethel, DE Rockland Sam Sikkema

Next Month, July 18th-20th, 59th Homecoming Rendezvous & Races at Rockland

Rockland, Maine - Next month, July 18th-20th, 2019, 59th annual 59 Homecoming Rendezvous & Races put on by Friendship Sloop Society will be upon us in Rockland, Maine.

Come watch as beautiful, one masted sloops race in the harbor, these sloops will come close to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.

Purpose of the Friendship Sloop Society:
Article II of the Constitution of the Sloop Society states the purpose of the Friendship Sloop Society. Here's a portion of Article II:

Section A.

The purpose of this Society shall be to encourage the building and sailing of Friendship Sloops, to provide a medium for owners and friends to meet and enjoy each other around a common interest, and to promote the history and traditions of the Friendship Sloop.

Section B.

To sponsor and conduct races between original and reproduction Friendship Sloops.

Section C.

To establish standards of rig and design for reproduction of authentic Friendship Sloops.

Section D.

To trace existing sloops to place of origin and original builder.

Section E.

To engage in nonprofit activities related to the Society's purpose including the conduct of public functions in connection with such races, and any other business properly within the scope of a sailing association devoted to the recreational aspects of such activities.

Section F.

To make gifts to the Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund and / or to the Friendship Museum, Inc., or to such organizations as enumerated in subsections (a) and (b) of Section G.3 of this article.

2019 Maine Lobster Festival Entertainment Lineup

Photo credit: Dream Local

Rockland, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival has an exciting lineup of entertainment planned for guests at the 72^ndannual event. This year the festival will again feature all Maine-based artists and bands in a variety of genres, and the main stage has, of course, been renamed the “Maine” stage. All entertainment will be included in the price of admission.

Check the schedule to find out when each artist will be performing.

Wednesday, July 31 

Paddy Mills - An award winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

Tom Albury - Tom has been entertaining audiences in Midcoast Maine for over 30 years with songs from soul and folk.

Rick Johnson - Soaring vocal melodies, guitar, and ukulele with deep roots in nature.

Midcoast Music Academy - The students and staff of MCMA perform in various ensembles.

  

Thursday, August 1

Cowboy Billy with Malinda Liberty - This duo is bringing classic country and rock to the Maine Lobster Festival.

Don Roy Trio - Specializing in traditional dance music from their Franco-American heritage, and led by Rockland native Don, the trio has been together over 30 years with appearances that include the Kennedy Center and The Library of Congress.

Paddy Mills - An award winning folk singer/songwriter whose songs are as salty as the Maine coast he calls home.

New Shades of Blue - Bringing an eclectic mix, from old time jazz favorite to originals, some blues and even reggae based originals to the Festival.

Hello Newman - Maine’s premier alternative rock band is here to give the audience a great show - and that means lots of dancing!

Friday, August 2

Sara Grey - Americana and Folk

Jason Spooner - A unique mix of roots, folk, blues and rock.

Chris Fyfe - A Merle Haggard Tribute Show celebrating this country legend.

Creatures of Habit - Bringing Classic Rock to the Maine Lobster Festival.

Runnin’ Down on a Dream - This Tom Petty Tribute Band is celebrating a legend with all your favorites.

  

Saturday, August 3

Monday Night Jazz Orchestra - A big band for our big stage playing a mix of latin, jazz, funk and blues.

Ukes Rock - Midcoast Maine’s most popular ukulele group.

Steelin’ Thunder - Maine’s own steel drum band.

Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations - A powerful mix of Motown and Memphis soul guaranteed to bring down the house.

Sunday, August 4 

Nikki Hunt Band - This Maine based pop/rock band covers artists like Joan Jett, Bruce Springsteen, No Doubt, AC/DC and more!

  

We hope you’ll come out to support all these amazing performers!

About the Maine Lobster Festival

Five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival attracts thousands of people to the Midcoast region and has a long tradition of giving back to the local community. In recent years, the festival committee has given more than $500,000 to Midcoast Regional Child Development Services, Trekkers, Meals on Wheels, and many other organizations. The 2019 Festival will be held July 31-August 4.

For more information about the Maine Lobster Festival, visit the website at www.mainelobsterfestival.com and “like” them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter at @MELobsterFest.