Egg Festival Window Painting and Sidewalk Art Contests

  PITTSFIELD – Calling all youth who like to paint – to downtown Pittsfield for two contests: the Annual Window Painting Contest and the Annual Sidewalk Art Contest.

  The Sidewalk Art Contest will be held in the parking lot by United Insurance/ Lehr Agency in the Cianbro Plaza on Tuesday, July 17 from 3 – 6 p.m.  The contest is open to youth in grades 2 – 8.  Judging will take place from 6 – 6:30 p.m. and be based on the use of eggs as theme and originality of the art work.  The winner will be announced at the street dance that evening.  Pre-registration is not required.

“Owl Prowl” at Pittsfield Public Library July 5

  PITTSFIELD - Children of all ages are invited to an “Owl Prowl” program at the Pittsfield Public Library on Thursday, July 5 at 2 p.m. A presenter from L.C. Bates Museum will be at the library to introduce Maine's owls.

   Participants will learn about the owls of Maine, hunt for prey, and dissect an owl pellet.

  Children ages infant through 6 years are also invited to story time on Tuesday, July 3 at 10:15 a.m. Children will hear stories about owls, and  participate in songs and games.

  Children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to become a Book Buddy.  Book Buddies meet Tuesdays at noon. Children read with a partner, participate in a literacy activity, and earn vouchers donated by McDonalds and Pizza Hut of Newport.

  For more information, call 487-5880 or visit www.pittsfield.lib.me.us

Mike’s Column: Maine’s “business friendly” fireworks law

  Shortly after Gov. Paul LePage took office, he embarked on a statewide tour with some of his commissioners to gauge public opinion on rules and regulations that were allegedly strangling the economy.

  It turned out to be of the most positive accomplishments of an administration which has taken its share of beatings by the mainstream media – some deserved, I might add.

  The jury is still out on whether the addition of the touchy-feely “Business Friendly Designation” program was worth the effort. Only 19 towns applied for the award and nine were selected. The paperwork was thick enough to choke a full-grown moose.

  Then there was the legislature’s decision to legalize fireworks for the first time in about 50 years. Supposedly, the law was pushed by some Western Maine lawmakers who were tired of seeing revenue slip across the border to New Hampshire where fireworks have been legal for decades.

2012 Maine moose lottery winners

 RANGELEY – The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife drew 3,725 moose hunting permits in Rangeley on Saturday, June 23. Here are the winners listed by last name, first name, hometown, state, wildlife management district (WMD), hunting season and permit type.
  Season codes by WMD are:
SEP: Sept. 24-29 (1-6, 11, 19)
OCT: Oct. 8-13 (1-14, 17-19, 27 and 28)
NWK: Nov. 5-10 (1-8, 10, 11)
NOV: Oct. 27 (Maine residents only); Oct. 29-Nov. 24 (15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 26)
  Portland Press Herald

Somerset Relay for Life raises $111,000

  SKOWHEGAN – Thanks to near-perfect weather, 37 teams and close to 600 supporters had another successful Somerset County Relay for Life on the weekend of June 16-17.

  The annual event to raise funds for cancer research and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors is held at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds

  Registration chair Heidi Lyman said that more than $111,000 was raised, but more donations will still be coming in through Sept. 1. “We had a combination of good weather and a great turnout this year,” said Lyman.

Pittsfield Library summer reading program begins June 25

  PITTSFIELD – Registration is open for the Pittsfield Public Library’s 2012 summer reading program “Dream Big – Read.”  Reading logs and Sea Dogs tickets are available for all participants, and children have an opportunity to win prizes by reading each week.

  The reading program kicks off during the week of June 25.  Toddler story time, for ages infant through 6 years, is Tuesdays from 10:15 – 11 a.m.  Children listen to stories, sing, dance, and do a craft activity.

  Book Buddies is Tuesdays from 12 – 1 p.m.  Children in grades 1-6 are paired up, read together, participate in literacy activities and games, and enjoy a snack.

  Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join staff from the Challenger Learning Center on Thursday, June 28 from 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 for a workshop on Astronaut Life. The hands-on, interactive program investigates astronaut life and explores how astronauts eat and attend to daily needs. Space is limited for this program, and pre-registration is required.

  For more information, or to register for a program, call the library at 487-5880.

St. Albans Board of Selectmen's June 25 agenda

  ST. ALBANS – The St. Albans Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, June 25 at the town office at 5:30 p.m. The agenda includes a public hearing on the new general assistance guidelines, based on a newly-passed state law that reduces the overall maximum level by 10 percent. The new figures range from $440 for one person to $1,038 for a family of six.

  Here is the rest of the agenda.

 1. Approve and sign the General Assistance Ordinance.

 2. Approve and sign the minutes of Monday, June 11, 2012.

 3. Public Forum

Skowhegan selectmen meet Tuesday, June 26

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Board of Selectmen will meet Tuesday, June 26 at the municipal building meeting room starting at 5:30 p.m. The town office released the following agenda

1. Discussion and decision to appoint a Chairman and a Vice Chairman for the Board of Selectmen.
2. Discussion and decision to appoint a Finance Officer and a Deputy Finance Officer for the Board of Selectmen.
3. Selectmen’s Items
4. Town Manager’s Report

Presentation:

1. Jim Lord and Randy Butler from Dirigo Engineering will give a presentation regarding the Pedestrian Connector Project.

Somerset County chicken BBQ and auction June 28

  SKOWHEGAN – The annual Somerset County Republican Committee chicken barbecue and auction will take place on Thursday, June 28 at Steeve’s Strawberry Hill Farms on Rowe Road in Skowhegan. Mingle at 5:30; enjoy the barbeque at 6 p.m., and the business meeting will be at 7 p.m.
  Special guest will be Maine House Speaker Bob Nutting, and Rep. Paul Davis of Sangerville will once again be the auctioneer.

  The cost is $10 per person and includes all beverages, chicken, potato chips, coleslaw, rolls and dessert.

  For directions to Strawberry Hill Farms, visit www.puremaple.com.

   All Somerset County Republicans are invited. This is one of the party’s major fundraisers and social events of the year.

Laux hired as interim SAD 53 superintendent

  PITTSFIELD – The School Administrative District 53 Board of Directors has hired Jan Laux of Pittsfield as interim superintendent, following a second round of applications and interviews for the permanent position.

Jan Laux (File photo)

  Laux has served on the Board of Directors since November 2008, but has resigned effective immediately, Board Chairman Paul Williams said Wednesday.

  Superintendent Michael Gallagher is retiring effective June 30, and started taking his accrued vacation time on June 19.

  Laux, 65, said that while he has agreed to stay on for as long as 15 months, “It’s not something we’re locked into. If they find a replacement for Mike (Gallagher) sooner, that’s fine with me.”

Winglass visits CareerCenter, Gifford’s and Vic Firth

  AUGUSTA – Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass visited Skowhegan and Newport on June 19 to meet with job seekers and local business leaders.

  Winglass met with jobseekers and staff at the Department of Labor's Skowhegan CareerCenter and heard first-hand about the needs of both employers and people seeking new jobs or wanting to change careers in the region, according to a press release from the department. This information will be used in the department's efforts to identify training priorities for Maine's Workforce Development system.

Mike’s Column: Ban supersize laws, not drinks

  I’m not a big soda drinker. Unless we’re expecting company that prefers something else, the only cold drinks in the Lange refrigerator are beer, milk, water, fruit juice and Seagram’s ginger ale.

  If I go to a fast-food restaurant – which is rare – I usually get a clear lemony-flavored soda like Sierra Mist. Sometimes, for an extra 25 cents, they can upgrade the size from 16 to 20 ounces.

  Unfortunately for soda fans and restaurant owners in New York City and Cambridge, Mass., serving carbonated beverages in anything larger than a 16-ounce container may soon be illegal.

  Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his edict about a month ago, which soon became a popular topic on talk radio and most late-night television comedy shows. Bloomberg, who was once considered a viable presidential candidate, never backs away from controversy and claims that his proposed statute is a public health issue.

  So Cambridge Mayor Henrietta Davis has now followed suit, admitting that she was inspired by the Bloomberg ban. In a prepared statement, Davis said that “the target of this effort is super-sized and over-sized sugary drinks, especially when children are the primary consumers.”

Retired Hartland teacher-coach publishes first book

  HARTLAND – Charlie Wing of Hartland has worn many hats over the years, including three decades of teaching in School Administrative District 48 – now RSU 19 – and coaching five different sports in three school systems.

  Now, he’s Charlie Wing, author of “Spoons’ Spoons,” a biography of Theodore Edouard “Spoons” Michaud of Brewer, a colorful character Wing met while working at his latest post-retirement job: a parking valet at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor.

  Wing met Michaud, who is now 88, about five years ago when he came to the Bangor hospital for medical treatment. “We started chatting, and he told me some incredible stories. To be truthful, I thought he was full of b.s. at first. But as it turned out, they were the truth,” Wing recalled.

  After suggesting to Michaud that someone should write a book about his colorful escapades, Wing was told, “Why don’t you do it?” So after two years, “Spoons” is now in print.

MOFGA workshop

Steve Jewell named Elks Father of the Year

   SKOWHEGAN – Steve Jewell, an Elks Lodge member for 36 years, father of five and grandfather of 13, has been named the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Father of the Year.

  The announcement was made on Friday, June 15 at the annual Father’s Day weekend barbecue sponsored by the Veteran’ Service Committee.

  In making the announcement, Veterans’ Committee Chair Raymond Noe described him as “a man who is not only a wonderful father and grandfather, but a huge asset to this lodge. By serving on many committees and helping our whenever he could, Steve was a big part of turning this lodge around.”

No replacement for Gallagher in SAD 53 yet

  PITTSFIELD – School Administrative District 53 Superintendent Michael A. Gallagher brought a little levity, along with a gallon of ice cream and maple syrup, to the July 14 Board of Directors’ meeting.

  It was Gallagher’s last official duty as superintendent of the Pittsfield-area district prior to his retirement on June 30. Gallagher has spent 35 years in education including 24 in SAD 53 as a teacher, elementary school principal and superintendent of schools. For a short time in 2009, he held the dual role of superintendent for SAD 59 in Madison, splitting his time between Madison and Pittsfield. He’ll now take the remainder of his accrued vacation time starting Tuesday, June 19.

  But on a more serious note, Gallagher’s replacement has not been hired, even though he gave his notice to the Board of Directors last November. Director Michelle Hodgins said that while the search for his successor is still underway, “It’s not going to happen by the end of the month.”

Snow named Trooper of the Year

  AUGUSTA – Trevor Snow of Stetson, a 17-year veteran of the State Police, has been named Trooper of the Year.  Colonel Robert Williams, Chief of the State Police, said, “Trooper Snow has the enthusiasm of a new trooper and is an outstanding mentor for members of the department.”

  Snow has patrolled in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties as a member of Troop E in Orono for the majority of his career.  He also served four years on the training staff of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and returned to patrol duties seven years ago.  He joined the State Police in 1994 and is the son of retired State Police Lieutenant Gary Snow.  Snow is a long time member of the State Police Pipe and Drum Corp and also is on the bomb disposal team. The selection was announced at the annual State Police awards ceremony held Friday, June 15. 

  A retired detective was also named “Legendary Trooper” during the ceremony. Joseph Zamboni, formerly from Milo, served 22 years with the State Police and retired in 2004.  Zamboni was Trooper of the Year in 2001.  A year earlier, Zamboni led the State Police investigation into serial killer James Hicks, who killed three women over nineteen years.  Zamboni’s work on the case resulted in the recovery of the women’s bodies in Etna and Forkstown Plantation, and life sentences for Hicks.

Egg Festival Cheesecake, Quiche and Pie Contest

  PITTSFIELD – Calling all cooks – self-taught or taking classes!  The annual Cheesecake, Quiche and Pie Contest will be held Friday, July 20 at the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge at 140 Middle Street in Pittsfield, across from the post office parking lot.  The fee is only $1 per entry and it must be submitted by 10:30 a.m. that morning to the Elks Lodge.  If you need to drop off your entry earlier, you can bring it to the town office after 8 a.m.  Registration forms are available at the Pittsfield Town Office and on line at www.pittsfield.org.

   The rules are simple: Each recipe must include 3 eggs and must be made from “scratch.” All entrants must be Maine residents and be 16 years or older, and more details are printed on the application.

   Judging will begin at 11 a.m. and be based on appearance, taste, overall impression and creativity.  Prizes will be awarded in each category and have been donated by these community-minded sponsors:  Anglers Seafood Restaurant, C. Jones Floral, Jazz Hair Salon, Oz Hair Salon, and Pizza Hut.

   A luncheon will take place directly after the judging from 12 - 1 p.m.  Entries can also be purchased at that time to take home or purchased later at the Pittsfield Town Office from 1 – 5 p.m. while supplies last.  For more information, please contact the Pittsfield town office at 487-3136.

Hospice Volunteers grief support sessions

  SKOWHEGAN – Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, Inc. will be offering several grief support groups beginning June 21 at their office at 41 Main St. in Skowhegan.  There is no cost to attend and all meetings are confidential.  Each group will meet for six to eight sessions.

  Survivors of Suicide (for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide) begins Thursday, June 21 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

  Widows, widowers, partners or significant others—two groups will be offered.  The Tuesday group begins June 26 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.  The Wednesday evening group is scheduled to start on June 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

  There will be two groups for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child (of any age).  They are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 27 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. or Thursday, July 5 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

  A general grief group (loss of sibling, close friend, relative, etc.) will commence on June 28 at 1 – 2:30 p.m.

  A group for caretakers and/or those who are facing the death of a loved one will start on Thursday, June 28 from 10:30 – noon.

  Pre-registration is encouraged.  For additional information or to register, call 474-775 and ask to speak with Christine or Linda.

Sparkle to feature nine partners for the Chamber this year

  PALMYRA – The “Sparkle” season is about to get underway in Sebasticook Valley when nine non-profit organizations join forces this month with the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce. The result is the annual “Sparkle” fundraiser to be held this year on Nov. 3.

   This year’s group of nine organizations includes five veterans and four new groups all joining forces to raise funds in a united effort for their respective causes.

House candidate Daniel Swain meets voters in Palmyra

 PALMYRA – Democratic Maine House District 28 candidate Daniel Swain drew a crowd for his first “Meet the Candidate” event in in Palmyra on June 7. The event , which was held at the Palmyra Community Center, gave Swain and area residents an opportunity to talk about the important issues facing the area such as fixing state roads, sustaining local agriculture, lowering the cost of health insurance and ensuring that local businesses grow.

Mike's Column: Campaign is over. Now let's get rid of those signs

June 13, 2012

  The primary is over. Thank God or whatever Supreme Being you believe in.

  I stopped answering the phone two weeks ago if I didn’t recognize the number on caller ID. Some of the solicitations were hilarious. I especially like aging crooner Pat Boone calling on behalf of Republican Senate candidate Scott D’Amboise. He actually did better than I thought, finishing ahead of two more qualified candidates – Deb Plowman and Bill Schneider.

  I voted for Schneider, so it’s not surprising that he lost. I’m not too good at picking primary winners. Schneider was one of the few candidates who actually had federal government experience. Some, quite frankly, aren’t quite ready for prime time.

  Cynthia Dill’s victory surprised me. A lot of Democrats tell me she comes across as a snob. Her association with Roxanne Quimby will probably be the kiss of death north of Augusta.

Canaan Farmer's Hall announces fund-raising events

  CANAAN - Canaan Farmers Hall has received 501(c) (3) approval which means that any donations are now tax deductible which hopefully will make it easier to raise money.  This includes memberships as well as plaque purchases.

  The organization needs to raise $50,000 for the purchase of the old Grange building - $25, 000 for purchase of the building itself and $25,000 for immediate repairs.  So far, they have raised $1,000 from the art show and quilt raffle and $2,000 from the brass plaque fundraiser.  The town of Canaan voted to raise $5,000 towards the purchase at the annual town meeting and Skowhegan Savings Bank has donated $2,500 towards the purchase.

Madison Sea Cadets announce promotions and awards

 


Wayne Mallar, awards presenter from the Maine Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), pins the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award on Chief Petty Officer Roger Coulombe.

MADISON – The cadets and staff of NCB39 Battalion, US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, located in Madison had a very busy June drill.

   On Saturday morning, June 2, the unit participated in its annual swim qualifications in the lap-lanes & rehabilitation pools at the Redington-Fairview General Hospital Complex in Skowhegan. All of the cadets passed their U.S. Navy Swim Qualification Standards with one qualifying as a First Class Swimmer.

  After returning to their drill facility in Madison, the cadets spent the rest of Saturday learning about drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, rates and ranks, self-discipline & self-motivation and harassment prevention.

Collins’ office hours in Jackman, Highland Plantation

  SOMERSET COUNTY – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has announced that staff from her Augusta office will hold local office hours in northern Somerset County on Thursday, June 28.

  The locations and times are:

 Jackman town office

 369 Main Street

 10 – 11 a.m.

 Highland Plantation town office

 2392 Long Falls Dam Road

 2 – 3 p.m.

  A staff member will be available to provide assistance with federal issues and agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Internal Revenue Service.  No appointment is necessary.  All conversations are strictly confidential.

  Questions may be directed to Senator Collins' Augusta office at 622-8414.

Pittsfield Library offers discount passes

  PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Public Library now offers patrons a family pass to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor.  The pass, sponsored by the Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library, entitles up to four people admission to the museum for one day.

  The museum pass is available at the library on a first-come, first-served basis.  Reservations for a certain date are accepted.  Filled with seven major interactive exhibit areas on three floors, the Maine Discovery Museum is the largest children’s museum north of Boston.

  The library also has two passes that can be borrowed to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.

  For more information, visit the Pittsfield Public Library.

Collaborative efforts yield new building for SAD 53

  PITTSFIELD – School Administrative District 53 recently received a new 20 x 20-foot cold storage building that was located on school property adjacent to the Alternative Education building at Warsaw Middle School.
  This building was made possible through the gracious collaborative efforts of the Somerset Career and Technical Center Building Trades Program, students and instructor who built the structure at their Skowhegan location.  The district was responsible for the building material costs only; all labor costs were provided by the students learning their trade.
  In order to relocate the building to the Warsaw Middle School site, the building was constructed so that it could be split into two 10 x 20-foot sections.  Cianbro donated their time, personnel and equipment to transport the two building halves to the new site.  They then used a heavy duty forklift to maneuver the two halves onto the concrete pads.  It required two trips to get both halves of the building to Warsaw.
  The cold storage building will be used for materials that can no longer be stored in closets under stairwells at Warsaw Middle School, and for special equipment and files that had previously been stored at the former Superintendent’s office.

June blood donors enjoy Maine adventure prizes

  The American Red Cross has designated June as Maine Adventure Month and all presenting donors will receive:

• A coupon for a free day pass to a Maine State Park
• A chance to win a kayak from Old Town Canoe
• A chance to win a bike from L.L. Bean
• A coupon for a free 24 pack of Nice! spring water
• A coupon for up to 20 percent off your purchase at participating Walgreen's Drug Stores.

  Blood donations are traditionally down during the summer months, but the need is still critical.

  You can make an appointment to donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org.

  Here are some Red Cross blood drives in the Central Maine region this month.

Tuesday, June 26: Knights of Columbus, Dexter, 1 – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27: American Legion, Unity, 1 – 6 p.m.

Car wash June 9 to benefit SVCC Eagle project

  PALMYRA – A fund-raising car wash for the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce renovation project will be held for Saturday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot off Gilman Electrical Supply. Rain date is June 16 – same time, same place.

  Ellery Goode’s Eagle Scout community service project has already repaired and lighted the flagpole outside our Chamber Information Center, the log cabin in the Walmart parking lot.

  Eventually, he will add a new brochure cabinet for better outside display for business promotional materials and regional tourist information 24/7. In addition, a new and larger bulletin board is planned for display of member's special promotions and regional non-profit events. To top it off the gardens and window boxes will get a much-needed makeover.

  For those who cannot make the car wash, donations will be gratefully accepted at the Chamber office.

MSS Mini-Masters Golf Tournament today

  SKOWHEGAN – Main Street Skowhegan has announced the first-ever Mini-Master Golf Tournament Saturday, June 23 at Gifford’s Mini-Golf, on Route 201 (Upper Madison Avenue) Skowhegan.

  Team check in is 8:30 – 9 a.m., tee time for all teams is 9:15 a.m.

  Cost is $20 per team (4 members per team) with all proceeds going toward Main Street Skowhegan.

  Prizes will be awarded for best team score, best individual score and most hole in one’s by a team.

   To register, drop an email to info@mainstreetskowhegan.org with your team name and team contact person’s e-mail/phone number by Wednesday, June 20.

  This tournament is limited to 18 teams. Registration is on a first-come, first -served basis so don’t be left out of the fun.

Skowhegan selectmen’s agenda for June 12

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Board of Selectmen will meet Tuesday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The change of venue is due to the elections being held at the municipal building.

  The following agenda has been released by the town office.

• Selectmen’s Items
• Town Manager’s Report
• Consent Agenda:
•  Approve and sign Minutes from the regular selectmen’s meetings of April 10 and May 8.
• Approve an over-expenditure of $250 in the Highway Department Repair & Maintenance Account, Building Designation.  This will be offset by reduced spending in the Highway Department Employee Costs Account, Lodging Designation.
• Approve an over-expenditure of $63.69 in the Finance Department Employee Costs Account, Travel Designation.  This will be offset by reduced spending in the Finance Department Employee Costs Account, Training Designation.

Skowhegan-Madison Elks Flag Day observance June 10

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge will host its public Flag Day ceremony on Sunday, June 10 at 4:30 p.m. Participants will include the Farmington Emblem Club who will conduct a demonstration of proper folding of the American flag.

   Light refreshments will be served after the observance.

Donn Fendler featured at June 8 Chamber event

  PALMYRA – On June 8 at 6 p.m., the Sebasticook Valley Chamber, partnering with the Palmyra Golf Course and Campground, will be hosting Maine’s own Donn Fendler for an evening with the well-known outdoorsman at the golf course’s event center.

  The event is sponsored by Bud’s Shop ‘n Save and the Law Office of Michael Wiers.

Eagle Scout refurbishing SVCC office

  PALMYRA – The Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce office in the Walmart parking lot is the focus of a Boy Scout Eagle Project. The Chamber’s patron Scout, Ellery Goode, has planned a “makeover” of the outside of our building to make it more inviting, attractive and user-friendly.

  But it will take funding and donations to complete; and so the Chamber is reaching out to its membership and friends.

Skowhegan selectmen and Budget Committee meet June 5

   SKOWHEGAN – There will be a joint meeting of the Skowhegan Board of Selectmen and the Budget/Finance Committee on Tuesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Skowhegan Community Center.

  The following agenda was released by the town office.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Executive Session:

1. Executive Session in accordance with M.R.S.A. Title 1 § 405(6)(E).  Discussion regarding possible litigation.

Regular Agenda:

1. Discussion and decision to change the benefits package for non-union employees.

Joint Meeting:

1. Discussion regarding the budget and preparation for town meeting.

Adjourn selectmen’s meeting.

‘Lighthouse Keeping’ author at Pittsfield Library

  PITTSFIELD – Ernest DeRaps, author of the book “Lighthouse Keeping” will present a program about Maine lighthouses at the Pittsfield Public Library on Monday, June 4 at 3 p.m. Ernest DeRaps grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1946.  During his Coast Guard career, he was the lighthouse keeper at four Maine light stations.  He and his family served on three family lighthouses in Penobscot Bay.    

   With an intimate knowledge of Maine lighthouses as lighthouse keeper, he has painted every lighthouse on the Maine coast.

  For more information, contact the library at 487-5880.