Two Day Apple Festival in Cushing

Cushing, Maine - Georges River Land Trust will present a two-day apple festival on September 27 and 29 at Langlais Sculpture Preserve in Cushing.  The programs are free and the public is invited to attend.

            On Thursday, September 27 from 5 to 6:30 pm at Langlais Sculpture Preserve, legendary John Bunker will present Saving our Apple Heritage. Bunker is known in Maine as “The Apple Whisperer,” or simply “The Apple Guy,” and, after laboring for years in semi-obscurity, he has never been in more demand. Through the catalog of Fedco Trees, a mail-order company he founded in Maine 30 years ago, Bunker has sown the seeds of a grassroots apple revolution.

           Fedco Trees every year takes a selection of rare heirloom apples and attempts to make them less rare. John has scouted and harvested cuttings of "lost" heirloom apple trees all over New England. When he finds one of these missing links, he grafts it onto rootstocks at the Fedco nursery and begins selling the trees a few years later. Bunker estimates that over the past 30 years he has saved anywhere from 80 to 100 varieties from oblivion.

            On Saturday September 29 from 9:30 to 11:30 am Waite Maclin, also known as Pastor Chuck and his Pastor Chuck's organic apple products, will make a repeat performance at Langlais Sculpture Preserve for his annual apple cider pressing.  Maclin’s dream to create the best applesauce and apple butter in the world, originated in his own family's kitchen right down the road in Cushing. Presently he works with the Cushing Community School and their Green Team and is sharing his hand turning his cider press to create Langlais Cider.  Fall oriented activities suited for children will also be available during this Apple Fest morning.

        The Georges River Land Trust is committed to protecting the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region. For additional activities and more information, visit georgesriver.org or phone (207) 594-5166.

PHOTO: Heirloom Apples

Pruning Workshop at Langlais Sculpture Preserve April 28th

Cushing, Maine - Georges River Land Trust will host a pruning workshop at the Langlais Sculpture Preserve in Cushing on Saturday, April 28th from 10 am until noon. Two local experts, Liz Stanley of Cooperative Extension, and Bill Long of Long Landscaping and board member of Georges River Land Trust, will demonstrate fruit tree pruning techniques designed to produce blossoms and luscious fruits. There is no charge for the workshop, but space is limited, so registration is required by calling Georges River Land Trust at 594-5166.

Stanley and Long both have extensive experience with pruning and will discuss tools, safety, and reasons for pruning, and demonstrate various pruning techniques.  There will be opportunity for hands-on practice as well.

The Langlais Sculpture Preserve, a 90-acre property, was the former home of Maine artist Bernard Langlais, and his wife, Helen. The Land Trust is restoring the remains of a small orchard on the Preserve, and is eager to engage fellow arbor enthusiasts in the process.  Skills from the workshop can also be applied to fruit tree crops on participants’ own properties. 

Participants should bring sturdy boots and clothing, eye protection, gloves, and hand tools (labeled) if available. Donations to support the Land Trust and its’ programs at Langlais are welcome, as is becoming a member. The rain date is Sunday April 29th, also from 10 to noon.

The Georges River Land Trust is committed to protecting the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region and receives 90% of its support from individual donors. For additional activities and more information, visit georgesriver.org or phone (207) 594-5166.


Photo 1: Remains of Bernard and Helen Langlais’ apple orchard at Langlais Sculpture Preserve

BREAKING NEWS....Cushing, Mutual Aid Fire Departments Battling Broad Cove Market Fire

UPDATE 6:30pm: Fire units are clearing the scene. Building has heavy damage inside.
UPDATE 4:37pm Command requesting fire marshal's office to be notified. 
UPDATE 4:26pm: Command is requesting more man power from Rockland Fire Department. Waldoboro requested from Friendship for station coverage.
BREAKING NEWS....Cushing, Maine -  Cushing, Friendship, Thomaston, Warren Fire Departments battling a fire at 14 River Rd, Broad Cove Market in Cushing, Maine on Sunday, April 16th, 2017, call toned out around 3:45pm.

Flames showing, River Rd shut down according to unit on scene.

Stand by......

BREAKING: Fire Crews Battling 3 Alarm Structural Fire In Cushing

UPDATE 1:20pm Fire has been knocked down.
UPDATE 12:25pm: Maine State Fire Marshal's Office is on scene.
UPDATE 12:14pm Owls Head has been requested to send their tanker direct to the scene.
UPDATE 12:12pm Union engine 3 requested to come to the scene, engine 4 to go to Warren station.
UPDATE 12:04pm Fire commend has requested a tanker from South Thomaston to the scene, Union fire department has been requested to cover Warren station with one engine.
UPDATE 11:52am: Fire commend has requested a single engine response from Rockland. Single engine requested to cover Thomaston station. Waldoboro will be sending an engine as well.
UPDATE 11:45am: Fire units ordered to get out of the building.
UPDATE 11:43: Fire marshal's office requested.
UPDATE 11:31am: CMP is on scene, Knox County Sheriffs office has three officers on scene.
UPDATE 11:27am: Fire upgraded to third alarm. According to Thomaston car 6, power lines down.
UPDATE 11:25am: Fire is coming from through the roof according to units on scene.
BREAKING....Cushing, Maine - Cushing, Warren, Thomaston, Friendship Fire Departments are battling a 1 story structural fire at 20 Matson Lane on March 8th, 2017 in Cushing, Maine.

Heavy smoke showing from eves with fire attic.

Stay tuned for more information.....

Time To Sign Up For Oceanside Little League!

Rockland, Maine - Oceanside Little League is pleased to announce registration events for our 2015 season, as follows:

- Rockland, Owls Head, & So Thomaston Residents - Wednesday, March 18, 6PM at Rockland District Middle School

- St George Residents - Wednesday, March 18, 5-7PM at St George School

St. George registration for Tee Ball, Minor League Baseball & Softball, and Major League Baseball & Softball. Please bring the following:

- Completed Little League Registration Form, which can be found in the "Handouts" section of Oceanside Little League's website.
- Photocopy of government-issued birth certificate for each player (hospital certificates not accepted)

Rockland, Owls Head & So Thomaston registration for Tee Ball, Minor League Baseball & Softball, and Major League Baseball & Softball at Rockland District Middle School gym in Rockland, Maine. Please bring the following:

- Completed Little League Registration Form, which can be found in the "Handouts" section of Oceanside Little League's website.
- Photocopy of government-issued birth certificate for each player (hospital certificates not accepted)
- $25 registration fee - checks payable to Oceanside Little League

Thomaston, Cushing registration for Minor League Baseball & Softball, and Major League Baseball & Softball at Thomaston Grammar School in Thomaston, Maine. (Tee Ball registrations will be held at a later date.) Please bring the following:

- Completed Player Registration Form, which can be found in the "Handouts" section of Oceanside Little League's website.

- Photocopy of player's government-issued birth certificate. (Hospital certificates are not acceptable for this purpose.)

Following is the try-out schedule for Oceanside Little League.

Baseball Try Outs - League Age 9: Mar 28, 2015 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Baseball Try Outs - League Age 10, 11, and 12: Mar 28, 2015 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

For players who meet the following criteria:

-        Reside or attend school in Rockland, Owls Head, South Thomaston, Thomaston, St George or Cushing.
-        Did NOT play baseball at the Little League Major level in Oceanside Little League last year.
-        Born between May 1, 2002 and April 30, 2005 (inclusive).

Softball Try Outs - League Age 9 through 12: Mar 28, 2015 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

For girls who meet the following criteria:

-        Reside or attend school in Rockland, Owls Head, South Thomaston, Thomaston, St George or Cushing.
-        Did NOT play softball at the Little League Major level in Oceanside Little League last year.
-        Born between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2005 (inclusive).

These try-outs will be held at The Pitch located on RT. 90 in Warren, Maine.

Cote Baughman & Jason Baughman Charged With Threatening

Cote Baughman

Cushing, Maine - The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person, Jason Baughman, 46 of Cushing threatening another man and his teenage son with a knife.  It is reported that Baughman chased the two out of the residence and attempted to stab them.  The victim and his son took refuge in a truck where Baughman continued to threaten while slashing a tire and yelling he was going to “gut them like a fish.”  The victim attempted to get away and put the truck in drive and “stepped on it.”  The vehicle went forward and pinned Baughman between the truck and another car in the yard.  The victim and son left the residence and called 9-1-1.  He had to stop a short distance down the road due to the flat tire.  Baughman was transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center initially and then transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center.  Before being transported to Eastern Maine, he was arrested and bailed at the hospital.  Baughman was charged with Class D, Criminal Mischief and two Class C Felonies of Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon.

Later on, Deputies were at the hospital continuing the investigation when the son of Baughman, Cote Baughman, 25, of Cushing made threatening statements that he was “going to kill him;” directed at the previous victim to revenge for his father being injured, and ran out of the hospital.  Deputy Smith chased Cote Baughman to the parking lot and placed him under arrest for Terrorizing, class D.  He was transported to Knox County Jail without further incident.

Cushing Fire Department Recognized for Workplace Safety

*SHAPE worksites promote high safety standards*
Cushing, Maine - Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced that the Fire Department of Cushing, Maine has earned the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE). This certification recognizes public-sector organizations that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program for their workers.

"I congratulate Cushing's Fire Department for becoming SHAPE certified," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Safety is a best practice, and it is one that saves lives and taxpayer money. When municipalities invest in safety, everyone benefits."

These awards bring the total of all SHAPE organizations in the state to 44 and the total of SHAPE fire departments to 27. A well-rounded safety and health program, such as those implemented by SHAPE departments, results in lower numbers of employee injuries and illnesses and provides for better employee morale and retention. Better safety means less lost time due to injury and illness as well as lower workers' comp costs.

The SHAPE award was originally conceived in 2005 as a way to recognize public-sector employers and employees who are striving to provide a safe and healthful workplace. It is given only to exemplary public-sector employers after a thorough review and inspection of the employer's safety and health policies and procedures by a SafetyWorks! consultant.

Municipalities and other public entities interested in learning more about the SHAPE designation should contact SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or http://www.safetyworksmaine.com. SafetyWorks! provides a trained consultant with industry-specific expertise who will review the facility by appointment. The consultation may include such elements as recognizing safety hazards, sampling for air and noise exposures, recommending ways to reduce or to eliminate hazards, developing or improving a safety program, complying with regulations and identifying training needs.

The Maine Department of Labor has enforcement authority of health and safety standards for public-sector employers in Maine and is responsible for inspecting workplace injuries or fatalities suffered by public employees.

"Four in Progress"

Cushing, Maine - Four Maine artists will show their artwork during a 3 day show at The Cushing Historical Society’s Arts in the Barn.  In addition to exhibiting their work, Maine artists Nancy Keenan Barron, Bob Matus, Jamie Ribisi-Braley and Brian Braley will be working on new pieces, which they invite you to view, in progress, during the show’s three day run. An interesting behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process and evolution of a piece of art. Discuss materials, styles, and more with each artist and return throughout the weekend to see the work develop.

“Four in Progress” will be on view at The Cushing Historical Society, Arts in the Barn, 17 Hathorne Point Road, July 26 through the 28 with an opening reception on Friday, July 26 from 5-7 pm.  The exhibition and reception are both free and open to the public.

Brian Braley, Manchester, Maine, received a BFA in Studio for Interrelated Media from Massachusetts College of Art. He has a fascination with a multitude of media such as drawing, painting, and video and a passion for experimentation. Brian has experience running art programs with at-risk youth and helped facilitate art workshops out of a home-based business. He currently is an Artist Mentor at Spindleworks in Brunswick, ME a nonprofit art center for adults with disabilities where he finds himself constantly inspired by the passion and creativity of the artists.

Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester, Maine, received her BFA in Painting from Boston University. She is obsessive about art materials and likes to devote her time to learning old techniques. Jamie's paintings play with surface and texture, layering carefully thought out colors with unabashed mark making.

Bob Matus, Cushing, Maine has been a woodworker for over 35 years, a boat builder, carpenter, cabinetmaker and woodcarver.   Bob creates handmade wooden spoons, spatulas, ladles and other kitchen utensils as well as carvings of whales mermaids, folk art birds and more. In addition to wooden sculptures, Bob is also an accomplished photographer who divides his images between his home in Cushing, Maine and his home in Sedona Arizona.

Nancy Keenan Barron, South Gardiner, Maine, began making art early in life, starting in the closet walls of her childhood bedroom, which became a spaceship with the help of a crayon.  Formal training came through coursework at the University of Southern Maine, Maine College of Art, workshops and lots of practice. She has exhibited throughout Maine, most recently at a juried show at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell where she works as a Program Director. She is a believer in the power of community and credits her own art community as helping to define her work.

The Cushing Historical Society-Arts in the Barn- plays a vital role in its community, not only by pursuing its mission of historic preservation, but by providing opportunities for neighbors and friends to gather and enjoy others' company at widely varied program events, art exhibits, and community wide celebrations. For more information please visit www.cushingmainehistoricalsociety.org