American Travelling Morrice Dancers at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - The American Travelling Morrice Dancers will be performing in the Camden Public Library’s Amphitheatre on Sunday afternoon, August 11, at 1:00 pm. The group is comprised of dancers and musicians from across North America and abroad. While many of them perform regularly with teams in their hometowns, they come together for one week each year to form the Travelling Morrice. Since 1976, the group has toured throughout the Northeastern United States and England.

Morris dancing is an English country tradition, with roots in medieval street theatre. For hundreds of years, teams of white-clad dancers have capered and stepped through the intricate patterns of the dance, clashing wooden sticks and waving handkerchiefs in time to lively traditional tunes. A morris “stand” is a colorful spectacle where dancers, with small bells strapped to their legs, leap through complex figures accompanied by the music of the accordion, fiddle, or the ancient pipe and tabor. Directing the proceedings with comical grace is the all-licensed “Fool,” whose antics amuse the onlookers and harass the dancers. Moreover, it was thought in ancient times that morris dancing brought good luck and prosperity to the community.

The American Travelling Morrice continues this tradition for a week each summer, bringing the morris dance to a new geographical region. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Push Farther Project at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - The Push Farther Project brings their signature sound and collaborative songwriting to the Camden Public Library’s Amphitheatre on Friday, August 9, at 7:00 pm. Cello, percussion, and acoustic guitar accompany a trio of voices, as bandmates Nora Willauer, Will Foote, and Alex Wilder recount stories of their own lives and the lives of others in song. Folk, blues, and classical influences meld to create musical portraits that are exciting, poignant, rhythmic, and thought-provoking. “Each song is compelling and unique, bringing life to stories that many people can relate to,” says Push Farther fan Jason Brooks.

Born and raised in midcoast Maine, Nora, Will, and Alex began making music together as the Push Farther Project in 2015. They have since toured throughout Maine, performed and written in Barcelona, Spain, and conducted live songwriting sessions in front of audiences across the northeastern United States. Listeners can find their debut album, Did She Change, as well as two subsequent EPs and two singles, online for streaming or download. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.


Photo: Bandmates (left to right) Alex Wilder, Nora Willauer, and Will Foote,

Tribute to Broadway at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - Michael Paul Lund of Serendipity Recordings will return for his fifth and final installment of Broadway musical tributes on Sunday, August 11, at 2:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. This time around, Lund will highlight three classic blockbusters: Cabaret, Oklahoma!, and 100 in the Shade. The presentation will include songs from the original productions, discussion about the groundbreaking aspects of the three shows, and explore the great personalities that starred in the iconic roles.



Michael Lund is a favorite of Camden audiences. His enthusiasm for Broadway will enthrall and delight those who attend. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

The Secret Garden Film at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - Bring some lawn chairs and the whole family to the Camden Public Library’s Amphitheatre on Monday, August 12, at 8:30 pm for a screening of the charming film The Secret Garden, based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.


The story is about a young girl named Mary Lennox who is sent from India to England to live with her uncle after the death of her parents. The uncle’s manner and sorrow leaves Mary feeling bitterly alone and neglected. She begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has become hidden. Aided by one of the servant’s boys, Mary begins restoring the garden to its former glory. Rated G. 1 hr, 46 min. 1993. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Midcoast Brass Quintet at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - The Camden Public Library will host the Midcoast Brass Quintet on Thursday, August 15, at 6:30 pm for a concert in the Amphitheatre. Members of the ensemble are locals Peter Stuart, Bruce Cole, Carolyn Kanicki, Megan Kennedy, and Doug Kennedy. Their repertoire ranges from Classical brass quintet to Modern Classical, Pop, Jazz, and a little Rock. The mission of Midcoast Brass Quintet is to perform quality brass quintet music while enjoying the music-making process. The performance is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and a picnic supper! For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Blue Fuse Gypsy Swing at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - Get ready to jive, because Blue Fuse will drop the swing bomb on Monday, August 13, at 7:00 pm in the Camden Public Library’s Amphitheatre. Blue Fuse plays contemporary and classic Gypsy Swing. Based in Portland, Maine, Blue Fuse is steeped in Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club Jazz of Paris in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Blue Fuse plays the classics of the genre and contemporary adaptations adding in Latin beats and surprises. The performance is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, or your dancing shoes! For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Logging Towboats and Boom Jumpers at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - The Camden Public Library will host an encore presentation of Roger Moody's fascinating account of the life of Camden/Rockport native O.A. Harkness on Monday, August 12, at 11:00 am. Moody’s book, Logging Towboats and Boom Jumpers, describes how Harkness helped Great Northern become the largest paper mill in the world by building a specialized inland navy to move logs to the mill. Harkness also operated an innovative logging tramway, a fleet of Lombard log haulers, and a landlocked wilderness railroad to move logs from the Saint John watershed to the Penobscot. The presentation will discuss many aspects of logging in the first half of the 20th century. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Hiker Suffers Broken Leg, Airlifted Off Appalachian Trail

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Warden Service rescued a hiker who suffered a broken leg on the Appalachian trail and had to be airlifted off the trail yesterday afternoon and transported to Rumford hospital.

Anne Renner, age 24, of Arlington, Illinois, was hiking north on the Appalachian Trail through the Mahoosuc Notch when she fell and struck her lower right leg on a large rock on Monday evening. Due to poor cell coverage, she was unable to call 911, but another hiker who was going through hiked to where there was cell coverage and called 911 at 8:00 a.m. yesterday morning.

Renner was airlifted by a Maine Forest Service helicopter off the mountain at 1:00 yesterday afternoon, and transported to a waiting ambulance and then taken to Rumford Hospital at 1:30 p.m.

The Maine Warden Service worked with the Maine Forest Service, Newry Fire and Rescue, Bethel Fire and Rescue, Medcare Ambulance and Mahoosuc Mountain Rescue.

Trombone Ensemble at the Camden Public Library

Camden, Maine - A nine-member trombone ensemble from Massachusetts, the Gazebones, will play an informal recital in the Amphitheatre on Friday, August 9, at 1:30 pm. Named for the venue of their first performance twenty years ago, the Gazebones meet weekly to play trombone ensemble music and transcriptions.

Performances include unique renditions of popular songs and jazz favorites, marches, rags, and a wide variety of transcriptions of orchestral, choral, band, and early music selections. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.librarycamden.org.

Photo: Gazebones performing in the Camden Amphitheatre

EMCC Partnership with Millinocket Regional Hospital

Eastern Maine Community College to expand Nursing Program to the
Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket.

EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine - Eastern Maine Community College is pleased to announce the expansion of its associate’s degree in Nursing to the Katahdin Region. The program will be offered at the Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket, with clinical offered at Millinocket Regional Hospital along with other clinical locations.  Learn about a new partnership between EMCC and  Millinocket Regional Hospital, to bring nursing education to the Katahdin Region. Join us as we host this Nursing Informational Session on Tuesday August 6th from 4pm-6pm, at 1 Dirigo Drive, East Millinocket Maine. Fall 2019 semester classes begin on August 26th..

“Maine healthcare providers are struggling to fill hundreds of nursing positions. The number of

Bridge Replacement Work Beginning in Machias

MACHIAS - The Maine Department of Transportation will be beginning preliminary work for the Dyke Bridge replacement project in Machias. Crews will be mobilizing on Monday, August 5th with work starting on Tuesday, August 6th. The Dyke Bridge carries Route 1 and the Sunrise Trail over the Middle River and is located at the center of the causeway. Lane shifts and temporary (one-minute-long) road closures will be happening during this work. Parking on the causeway is not allowed during the subsurface exploration work from Monday to Friday. During the weekend, the parking area on the causeway will be open. We expect this preliminary work to take a total of 11 days to complete. Crews will not be working on Friday, August 16th. Golder Associates Inc. is the geotechnical firm doing the work.

New Administrators for Pre-K, Finance, Special Services and Schools

The Portland Public Schools has hired its first director of its pre-kindergarten program; a new executive director of budget and finance; two assistant directors for student support services, one for elementary schools and one for secondary schools; new principals at Rowe and Presumpscot Elementary Schools; new assistant principals at Portland High School, King Middle School and Riverton Elementary School; and a new athletic director at Deering High School. Nine of the 10 new appointees are filling vacant or restructured positions. The pre-K director position is a new one created to oversee the district’s expanding pre-K program.


PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Public Schools has four new administrators at Central Office: Suzanne Chevalier, director of the district’s pre-kindergarten program; Miranda Fasulo, the district’s executive director of budget and finance; Erin Bates-Letourneau, assistant director secondary student support services; and Julie Kirby, assistant director, elementary student support services. District schools have two new principals: Barbara Fletcher, at Rowe Elementary School, and Angela Taylor at Presumpscot Elementary School. Three new assistant principals also have been hired: Jade Costello at Portland High School; Craig Hanson at King Middle School; and Kerri LeSieur at Riverton Elementary School. Deering High School has a new athletic director: Michael Daly.


The pre-K director position is a new one created to oversee the district’s expanding pre-K program.

Great start to the trip, 9-3 win at Richmond

Dalbec, Duran, and Mata lead the way in a 9-3 win at Richmond

Portland scores all nine runs over two innings!

Richmond, Va. - Bobby Dalbec knocked in four runs, and Bryan Mata (2-3) fired five strong innings, as the Portland Sea Dogs (18-21, 45-61) beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels (16-22, 39-66), 9-3 on Tuesday night at the Diamond.

Portland broke the game open with five runs in the second inning against losing pitcher Brandon Lawson (4-6, 3.88). Tate Matheny knocked in the first run of the night with an infield single. Jarren Duran added a two-run single and Dalbec clocked a two-run triple.

Mata fanned eight batters over five strong innings, allowing two runs on a homer to Jacob Heyward.

The 'Dogs added four runs in the ninth inning to put the game away. Jhon Nunez supplied a run-scoring single. Duran followed with a sacrifice fly, and Dalbec capped off a huge night with a two-run single.

Lefty Dedgar Jimenez fired two scoreless frames on two hits and fanned two to earn his second save of the season.

The Sea Dogs and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants affiliate) continue their three-game series on Wednesday night with a 6:35 first pitch from the Diamond in Richmond, Virginia. Lefty Daniel McGrath (2-0, 1.46) takes on Richmond lefty Caleb Barager (3-3, 3.73).

Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 6:20 PM. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

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

Pope Memorial Humane Society: Bark + Brew in the Barn 8/14/19

Thomaston, Maine - Please join your friends at Pope Memorial Humane Society for Bark + Brew in the Barn on Wednesday, August 14 from 6-9:30 pm. This celebratory evening marks 30 years of making a difference in the lives of local homeless animals.

Bark + Brew in the Barn is an exciting new event being held at Harmony Hill Farm, 1140 North Pond Road, Warren. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 for a couple and include chances at fabulous raffle items announced throughout the evening, 1 beer or wine, 1 complimentary freshly popped popcorn and 1 complimentary choice of dessert. Additional beverages available by donation and food vendors with pay per purchase food.

The fun-filled evening offers food vendors on site to tempt and satisfy your summertime cravings.

USDA Declares August Tree Check Month; Urges Public To Look For Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2019 — August is the height of summer, and it is also the best time to spot the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) as it starts to emerge from trees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking the public to take five minutes to step outside and report any signs of this invasive pest. Checking trees for the beetle will help residents protect their own trees and better direct USDA’s efforts to eradicate this beetle from the United States.

“It’s important to look for signs of the beetle now, because it’s slow to spread during the early stages of an infestation,” said Josie Ryan, APHIS’ National Operations Manager for the ALB Eradication Program. “With the public’s help, we can target new areas where it has spread and provide a better chance of quickly containing it.”

The Asian longhorned beetle feeds on a wide variety of popular hardwood trees, including maple,

Chevron Settlement to fund habitat restoration on Penobscot

AUGUSTA, July 30, 2019 — State and federal environmental officials today proposed to use an $800,000 natural resource damage settlement to fund four restoration projects benefiting fish, wildlife and communities in Hampden, Charleston, Sedgwick and Brooksville. The projects are outlined in a draft restoration plan for the Chevron Oil Terminal Facility in Hampden that is available for public comment through Friday, August 30, 2019. 

The settlement was secured by the federal and state government from parties responsible for multiple releases of oil at the former Chevron and Texaco marine oil terminal facilities on the Penobscot River in Hampden. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection; Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry; Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife; Maine Department of Marine Resources; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (collectively, the natural resource trustees for the site) are responsible for selecting natural resource restoration projects that would restore, replace or acquire the equivalent of the natural resources that were injured. 

In late 2017, the trustees requested ideas from the public for restoration projects within the Penobscot River watershed. Four project ideas were submitted by Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Lane Construction. The trustees propose to partially fund all four, given that other funds to support these projects are also available.

The proposed projects are located in Kenduskeag Stream (Charleston), Sucker Brook (Hampden) and the Bagaduce River (Sedgwick and Brooksville). Overall, seven undersized and/or perched road culverts will be replaced, and two fishways will be installed. Combined, these projects will open up more than 17.5 miles of river and stream habitat to benefit migratory fish (American eel, alewife, blueback herring, rainbow smelt and Atlantic salmon), invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. 

These projects will complement fish passage efforts by federal and state agencies in the Penobscot watershed, including the removal of the Great Works & Veazie dams on the mainstem, and the installation of a byway for fish and other aquatic wildlife at the Howland Dam. A 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study found that every mile of river opened so that fish can move freely can contribute more than $500,000 in social and economic benefits once fish populations are at their full productivity (https://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2011/pdf/fisherieseconomicreport.pdf)

To download a copy of the plan, please visit: https://www.maine.gov/dep/comment/comment.html?id=1369545. Public comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, August 30, 2019. Following the public comment period, the trustees will review input, update the restoration plan as needed, and release the final plan.

Final Stage of River Road Reconstruction in Windham

WINDHAM - The Maine Department of Transportation is beginning full road construction work on a three-mile-long stretch of River Road in Windham. Once this work is finished, the entire length of River Road will have been fully rebuilt. The current work segment begins at the Westbrook line and stretches north for approximately three miles. Right now, our work is focused on preparing the area by clearing trees, moving utilities, and working on drainage. The first eight weeks of work will also involve archaeological excavation of what, if anything, remains of a frontier fort from the late 1700s. Actual reconstruction of the road will likely begin in 2020. We expect this job will be finished by June 19, 2021. Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham is the contractor on this work.

Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Alert is for the Southwest Coastal Region and High Elevations of Acadia National Park

AUGUSTA, July 29, 2019 — Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Tuesday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Southwest Coastal region and the High Elevations of Acadia National Park are the regions forecast to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on the Air Quality Index. 

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation.  When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

• Adjusting your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.
• The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site:http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/index.htm
• For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

• Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:
• EnviroFlash, EPA’s email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
• Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
• EPA’s mobile app is available at: http://m.epa.gov/apps/airnow.html
• DEP's toll-free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEP’s air quality web sitehttp://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ .

Puccio Named Offensive Coordinator

CASTINE, Maine -- Richard Puccio was named the Maine Maritime Academy football offensive coordinator by Head Coach Chris McKenney on Tuesday. Puccio joins the staff after spending the last five seasons at Hamilton College as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

"I'd like to thank the MMA administration, Athletic Director Steve Peed and Coach McKenney for this tremendous opportunity to be a part of this up and coming program," said Puccio. "I look forward to a great experience here."

In 2017 one of his receivers made the all-NESCAC first team and five of Hamilton's offensive

Alpine Skiing Class of 2023 Released

STANDISH, Maine – Head Coach Margot Cosentino is pleased to announce the men's and women's alpine skiing Class of 2023.

Cosentino, who completed her first year at the helm leading the Monks as a club program last winter, is bringing in three accomplished skiers as the team enters its inaugural varsity season later this year.
"I am very excited to welcome our incoming freshman to the SJC community," adds Cosentino. "As we kick off our very first year as a varsity ski program, this class will play an important role in paving the way. I am looking forward to seeing the growth our program makes over the next year and am certain that these incoming freshmen will be a great addition to our program."

The Monks competed in three events as a club program last winter and look forward to a full schedule during the 2019-20 campaign.

ALPINE SKIING CLASS OF 2023:

	Antoinette Cerminaro Major: Biology/Pre-Med Height: 5-4 Unityville, Pa. / Gould Academy Why Saint Joseph's? I decided to attend St. Joe's because of the opportunity to ski and the overall appeal of the school. High School: Participated in skiing, tennis, soccer, and rodeo in high school…Selected as the Skier of the Year and MVP for tennis. Personal: Antoinette Pauline Cerminaro, daughter of Michelle and Tony Cerminaro.
	Tucker Davis Major: Business Administration HT: 6-3 WT: 210 South Berwick, Maine / Marshwood High School Why Saint Joseph's? Very reputable school. Close to home but not too close. Close to the mountains. High School: Participated in alpine racing, soccer, football, and baseball at Marshwood High School…Selected as the Freshman Skier of the Year and chosen as the Coaches' Award recipient…Helped the Hawks claim the MPA Skiing State Championship four times and the Maine Class B Football State Championship his junior and senior years…Two-year team captain and two-time All-Conference honoree…Listed on the Academic Honor Roll. Community Service: Worked with local sports teams and recreational clubs Personal: Tucker Hadden Davis, son of Pam and Chris Davis.
	Jillian Luby Major: Business and Sports Management Height: 5-2 Wolfeboro, N.H. / Kingswood Regional High School Why Saint Joseph's? Saint Joseph's is the perfect distance from home. It's a small school and a nice community. High School: Member of the varsity ski team for three years and the varsity hockey team for three years at Kingswood Regional High School…Selected as the team captain and MVP…Skied at the State Championship twice…Listed on the Academic Honor Roll. Community Service: Teaching skiing and hockey, DECA, Interact Club. Personal: Jillian Diane Luby, daughter of Desiree and Jeff Luby…Has an older brother, Drew, a twin sister, Jenna, and a younger sister, Kara.