Motorsports Update: PASS finale at OPS postponed until Oct. 13-14

 
 OXFORD – All racing roads lead to Oxford Plains Speedway on Oct. 13-14 when three Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North racing series wrap up their 2012 seasons. Rainy weather postponed the action originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30.

  The final round of the PASS super late model title fight headlines Sunday's action when two second generation racers duke it out for the crown.

Library Skills classes and Book Discussion Group dates announced

  PITTSFIELD – On Monday, Oct. 1, from 12 – 1 p.m., elementary aged students will receive a library orientation at the Pittsfield Public Library.  These classes meet Maine Department of Education requirements for library skills for homeschooled students.

Athens timberlands operator honored at Blaine House ceremony

  AUGUSTA – On Friday, Sept. 28, Gov. Paul LePage, along with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) and the Maine TREE Foundation, will honor a well-known Maine forest-products businessman who has made outstanding contributions to forest management and the forest industry with the ninth annual Austin Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award. The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Blaine House.

  LePage will make the presentation to Robert Linkletter, owner of the Maine Woods Pellet Co. of Athens, who was a significant contributor to the Appalachian Trail/Maine Department of Conservation 2011 “Saddleback Connector’ initiative. That initiative created an invaluable interface between the national hiking trail and the region's snowmobile and ATV trail loops.

Focus on Pittsfield’s future hearing Saturday, Sept. 29 at Warsaw MS

  PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Planning Board is looking for input and ideas from citizens, businesses and community organizations and groups to update the town’s comprehensive plan.

  The forum will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Warsaw Middle School cafeteria.

  To efficiently utilize everyone’s time, the following sessions have been planned:

Session 1 – Business and Economic Development

Session 2 – Town Properties, Downtown Revitalization and Parks

Session 3 – Growth, Land Use and Zoning Changes

Session 4 – Open Forum (if needed)

  Come for an hour or the entire morning – it is your choice. Coffee and refreshments will be available for all participants.

  For more information, contact Kathryn Ruth at townmanager@pittsfield.org or Steve Seekins at buildinginspector@pittsfield.org at the town office (487-3136).

Bangor Savings Bank supports 'Betting the Farm' documentary

   Bangor Savings Bank has announced their support for an amazing documentary film, “Betting the Farm,” a story about a group of Maine dairy farmers who – dropped by their national milk company – are suddenly confronted with the real possibility of losing their farms.

  The film focuses on three farm families as they struggle to bring their product, Maine's Own Organic Milk (MOO Milk) to market. Faced with slow sales and mounting bills, can the farmers hang together long enough for the gamble to pay off? Or will they be left worse off than before?

   Don't miss the opportunity to see this moving film at one of its 20 screenings around the state.

  Visit http://www.bettingthefarmfilm.com/screenings/ to find an upcoming show at a location near you.

 

EDA awards $1.5 million for high-tech business center in Dover-Foxcroft

  Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank has announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Pine Crest Development Corporation of Dover-Foxcroft to help redevelop a former mill into a high-tech business center. The project is expected to create 82 new jobs and generate $7.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

  “The grant announced today will help Dover-Foxcroft develop a high-tech business center to meet the needs of growing industries, such as information technology and green tech, which will help create jobs and support the local economy,” said Blank.

Small business forum video conference at Pittsfield Library Sept. 26

   AUGUSTA – Small Business/Self Employed Communications and Stakeholder Outreach Liaison of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Maine State Library present “A Forum for Small Business Organization” on Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  Eight public libraries with video conferencing capability will host the event including the Pittsfield Public Library.

  The purpose of the Small Business Forum is to build and strengthen relationships with small business, industry, non-profit and government organizations; learn about products and services available to small businesses; and help elevate issues and concerns in a feedback session.

Paul Bertrand, Beth Staples among new MCI Athletic Hall of Famers

  PITTSFIELD – Maine Central Institute will hold its third annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. in MCI’s Trustee Memorial Student Center.

  Paul Bertrand, one of this year’s inductees, was a contributing member to the MCI Football Boosters’ inception and was pivotal in the successful campaign that raised money for the installation of lighting on MCI’s football field.  He has contributed numerous hours to MCI in various volunteer and leadership roles.

  Beth Staples played field hockey, basketball and softball at MCI, earning MCI’s Female Athlete of the Year award.  Staples has coached at the University of Maine, Colby College and the Searsport District High School.  She also won multiple Maine Press Association awards for sports writing during her lengthy career as a reporter and weekly newspaper editor.

Common Ground Fair set for Sept. 21-23

  UNITY – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has announced the schedule of events for the 2012 Common Ground Country Fair to be held on Sept. 21, 22 and 23 in Unity.

   Maine’s signature celebration of organic farming and food, rural living, sustainability, and Maine’s artisans and enterprise — the Common Ground Country Fair, blends the traditions of an agricultural harvest celebration with modern innovations that embrace and support vibrant and sustainable rural living and communities.

Pittsfield Library book sale Sept 20-22

  PITTSFIELD – The Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library are holding used book sale on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 20-21 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day, and Saturday Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  There are many great adult and children’s books from personal collections, as well as discards from the library shelves.  Used audio books, videos, and music will also be available. Come early for the best selection. Donations for the sale may be brought to the library the week before the sale.

  Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library and their support for the library activities. For more information, call 487-5880.

Olsen hired as executive director of Waterville Main Street

  SKOWHEGAN – Waterville Main Street has announced that Jennifer Olsen of Skowhegan has accepted the position of executive director.
  Olsen has served as the executive director of Main Street Skowhegan since March of 2010, and in that time, has achieved a number of successes, including developing a downtown strategic plan, leading and implementing a community-wide branding initiative, and helping the town secure a $400,000 Community for Maine’s Future grant to redesign the pedestrian corridors in downtown.

Tech Spot opens Sept. 17 at Grist Mill

  SKOWHEGAN – Tech Spot is the new school-community-business development happening inside the Somerset Grist Mill at Maine Grains in Skowhegan.  This is an exciting new program to help adults learn computer skills from local students.

  The new computer lab help center located in the Somerset Grist Mill will open to the public starting Monday, Sept. 17. The entrance is at 42 Court St. and the Tech Spot schedule plans to be open from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Madison Sea Cadets celebrate organization’s 50th anniversary

Captain Chris Kopang USN (Ret) guest speaker with Major Robert Demchak USAF (Ret). Instructor/Chief Cook Margaret Demchak is in the foreground.

  MADISON – The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps celebrated its 50^th anniversary on Sept. 10. In honor of this occasion, the Madison unit, NCB39 Battalion, put on a feast for guests from the Pen Bay Council, Navy League of the United State, the Military Officers Association of America and the American Legion Post 39. Honored guests included Rear Admiral Charles Rauch, USN (Ret), Captain Chris Kopang, USN (Ret.) and Mr. H. Ralph Withee, Commander, American Legion Post 39.

Solon Elementary recognized as DOE Blue Ribbon School

  AUGUSTA – Hope Elementary School and Solon Elementary School were among those recognized this month as U.S. Department of Education’s 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

  The two Maine schools were among 269 schools – 219 public and 50 private – from across the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education that received the national recognition. The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.

Business Resource Forum at Warsaw Middle School tonight

   PITTSFIELD – The town of Pittsfield is hosting a Business Resources Forum tonight (Sept. 25) from 6 – 8:15 p.m. at the Warsaw Middle School Gym and Cafeteria, 167 School Street, Pittsfield.  This event is open to all towns.

  The purpose of the forum is three-fold: to provide businesses with resources to help them grow and prosper; to provide networking for businesses; and to let the public learn more about our local businesses.

  Tables will be available to businesses, non-profits and resource providers. Participants can sign up for table space to display their services or goods for free publicity, networking and to learn about available resources.

  The forum will focus on the following:

Mainely Vintage Model T Tour stops at the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge

Bangor Savings Bank accepting Good Shepherd Food Bank donations

   In partnership with the Good Shepherd Food-Bank, Bangor Savings Bank is taking a leadership role in the fight against hunger in Maine with the “Give a Dollar, Feed a Family” campaign.

  During the week of Sept. 10 – 14, Bangor Savings Bank will accept donations for the Good Shepherd Food-Bank at all 56 branch locations. Each $1 donation provides four meals for a Maine family facing hunger.

Entries wanted for St. Albans Bicentennial cook book

  ST. ALBANS – The Town of St. Albans Bicentennial Committee is assembling a cookbook and would like your favorite family recipes.  These can be either some you cook currently or some that your grandmother has passed down over the years.  You can either email your recipes to StAlbansCooks@hotmail.com or drop a copy off at the town office.  They don’t need to be typed – the committee can take care of that.  Don’t forget to include your name on the recipe so proper credit is given.

Lake George Regional Park announces upcoming events

  SKOWHEGAN – Lake George Regional Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary during 2012 with several events this fall.

  The Skowhegan Area Chamber will hold “Business After Hours” at Lake George Westside on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5 – 7 p.m.

  Great Maine Outdoor Weekend will be celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 1 – 4 p.m.  This is a partnership with the Skowhegan Recreation Department to create free family fun day at Westside.

MCI soccer team raises money for Appalachian Trail Conservancy

 
  PITTSFIELD – On Aug. 19-20, the Maine Central Institute boys’ soccer team traveled to Baxter State Park to camp at Katahdin Stream Campground and climb Mt. Katahdin. In addition to enjoying one of the state’s most amazing destinations, building team chemistry and working on leadership qualities, the soccer team connected their trip to MCI's 2012-13 school theme of “Kindness” by raising money for a charity of their choice.  Members of the team were sponsored for how far they climbed and for reaching the summit.

Extension canning workshop in Dexter

   DEXTER —University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Penobscot County has announced that a canning workshop will be held on Sunday, Sept. 23 at The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Dexter  beginning at 2 p.m. Registration is $15 and must be paid in advance.

  In this course, you will learn the basics behind home food preservation and food safety. The course will consist of insight into how canning and freezing function as preservation methods. This is a hands-on workshop where attendees will be making and preserving blueberry jam.

  For more information, to register, or to request special accommodations, contact Theresa Tilton at (207) 942-7396 or (800) 287-1485 (in Maine) or e-mail Theresa.tilton@maine.edu.  Registration fees must be paid in full prior to the class. Payment should be made to UMaine and mailed to UMCE Attn: Theresa, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.

  UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. To provide adequate time to respond to your request please provide as much notice as possible.

Sports: Unity Raceway announces Long John weekend Oct. 13-14

  UNITY – The tradition of the annual Long John Weekend returns to Unity Raceway with eight divisions of racing this October 13-14, highlighted by the $1500-to-win New England Auto Parts Late Model 100. The event is expected to draw a full field of Late Model competitors from across the state of Maine, including 2012 track champion Ajay Picard of Palmyra and former champion Jeff Burgess of Oakland.

  Though the regular season came to an early end on Maine's oldest track this summer, Unity Raceway owner and Long John promoter Ralph Nason said he expects success in the final event of the state's stock car racing season. A recent partnership with Speedway 95, Nason hopes, will rejuvenate interest in the Long John Weekend.

Grief support groups underway

  SKOWHEGAN – Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, Inc. will be offering several grief support groups beginning Wednesday Sept. 5 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 6 to 8 sessions.

• Survivors of Suicide (for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide) begins Wednesday, Sept. 5.  The time for this group is 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• Widows, widowers, partners or significant others will start on Tuesday, Sept. 11.  The time is from 1 —2:30 p.m.
• What will I do when…?  For those who are facing the death of a loved one will be held on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 12.  It is scheduled from 3 —4:30 p.m.
• Loss of a child (any age) will meet beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 1 —2:30 p.m.

  A general grief group is also slated to meet in Pittsfield but details are not yet final. Please call the office for more information.

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

Grist Mill collecting for Skowhegan Food Cupboard

  SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset Grist Mill in downtown Skowhegan will collect food and cash contributions for the Skowhegan Food Cupboard during the month of September.  The Greater Somerset Public Health Collaborative and United Way of Mid-Maine are offering the program which connects local businesses and area food cupboards in an effort to provide nutritional support to those who live in the region.  Main Street Skowhegan, Skowhegan Rotary, Madison Business Alliance and Norridgewock Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the project.

St. Albans bridge project underway

  ST. ALBANS - Construction has begun egin on the so-called Indian Bridge between Big and Little Indian Lake on the Ripley Road in St. Albans.  This is a plate arch bridge with concrete footings and it is in very poor to serious condition. In order to prevent the bridge from becoming a public danger the road must be closed and the bridge replaced.

  Construction will take approximately two weeks from start to finish. Traffic will be detoured on Routes 23 and 154 and there will be no through traffic.

  The dam on Big Indian Lake will be opened to lower the water level to better assist the construction crew with the work.  This, of course, will affect the water level around the camps and homes on the lake, please be patient with this construction.

  The project is due to be completely finished by Nov. 1 in the most safe and timely manner as possible.

  If you have any questions, please call Road Commissioner Ronnie Finson or Town Manager Rhonda Stark.