SALEM — Over 120 residents filled the Mt. Abram High School cafeteria last night and passed a $9.5 million MSAD #58 district budget. The budget, which is down from the current year, will impact most of the district towns due to cuts in contributions from the state due to assessed valuations and a reduction in enrollment.
There were several cost savings amendments created mostly by district town selectmen. Those amendment were shot down by district residents and the budget was passed as proposed.
The $9,515,691 passed budget is down $340,439 from $9,856,130 this year. Most of the savings came in a reduction in supply lines, the carry forward line, maintenance projects and reimbursements for continuing education for teachers.
Four of the five District Towns will be impacted with increased shares as follows:
Avon will see a $15,115 increase from its contribution of $344,436 this year to $359,551 for the 2012/13 budget year.
Eustis will continue seeing reductions by having reached a state determined cap. They will see a $80,484 decrease and contribute $826,560 next year.
Kingfield is impacted the hardest with a $85,650 increase and will pay $1,315,417 next year. The Strong contribution is set at $776,742, up $50,403 from this year. The Town of Phillips see’s the least impact paying $742,448 next year compared to $729,181 this year, a $13,667 increase.
The next step in the process is to validate the actions taken at the district budget meeting. This is done by a secret ballot at each of the five district towns on Tuesday, May 22. Voting times as follows: Avon, Municipal Building – 2:00PM – 6:00PM. Eustis, Town Office – 2:00PM – 7:00PM. Kingfield, Webster Hall – 2:00PM – 7:00PM. Phillips, Town Office – 2:00PM – 6:00PM. Strong, Foster Memorial Building, 2:00PM – 6:00PM
The MSAD58 district budget meeting will be held Thursday May 17, 2012 at 6:00PM in the Mt. Abram High School cafeteria. This meeting provides the opportunity for voters to hear the board’s proposed budget explained and to ask questions. Residents will then vote on each of the warrant articles necessary to approve a budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
Following the district budget meeting a budget validation referendum is required in order of the budget to be finalized. The budget validation referendum vote is done by secret ballot and voters are asked to vote yes or no regarding the final outcome of the district budget meeting. The budget validation referendum vote takes place in each of the five towns on Tuesday May 22, 2012. Voters should check the voting times for their respective towns as they do vary. Continue reading »
RANGELEY — Many strange noises may be heard coming from the Rangeley region during the weekend of June 22-24, 2012. The Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association (RRGSA) has been selected to host the annual Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Moose Lottery drawing. In celebration of this honor, the Rangeley Lakes Region invites sportsmen from across the state and their families to a three-day festival featuring the World Invitational Moose Calling Championship. RANGELEY — Many strange noises may be heard coming from the Rangeley region during the weekend of June 22-24, 2012. The Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association (RRGSA) has been selected to host the annual Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Moose Lottery drawing. In celebration of this honor, the Rangeley Lakes Region invites sportsmen from across the state and their families to a three-day festival featuring the World Invitational Moose Calling Championship.
Judy Morton, executive director of the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce, stated that all the businesses in the region are preparing to roll out the red carpet for this special event. “Our region is enthused about hosting the Moose Lottery and the Moose Calling Contest and our shops, restaurants and bars will be joining in the festivities with moose-themed specials like chocolate mousse, ‘moose’ whoopie pies, moose jewelry and moose shots.” Continue reading »
Mt. Abram senior Josh Beedy awaits the Carrabec pitch which he advanced the runner on a single shot to the opposite field in the first inning.
SALEM — A bottom of the first inning run for the Roadrunners proved to be huge against the Cobras of Carrabec on Wednesday as rain threatened the continuation of play. The solo Mt. Abram run was enough to secure a win when the official terminated the game in the middle of the fifth.
Senior Roadrunner pitcher Josh Beady tossed all five innings against left hander Brandon Lehay of Carrabec. Beady struck out the sides to end the first and allowed only one hit throughout the contest fanning nine of the 17 batter he faced. Lehay was credited with three K’s over four innings and had the only Carrabec hit in the contest.
Beady and MTA sophomore Sol Fast reached on the two base hits launched by the Roadrunner offense.
The game came down to the first inning where sophomore Arthur Ryan reached base on a error. A hard grounder up the middle was booted by an infielder and Ryan was aboard with two outs.
Beedy, batting in the four hole, laced a hard single to right which advanced Ryan to third base. Two pitches later a wild pitch brought Ryan across the plate for the first run in the first inning and the final winning run in the game.
Today, the Roadrunners (2-5) who are clinging on in the last spot in the post season hopes, travel to Winthrop (3-2). A Roadrunner win today would flip flop the two teams in standings at worst, and may move the Roadrunners even further up the ladder in Heal Point Standings.
North Sea Gas packed the Community Center in Phillips on Monday night to start a six part concert series.
PHILLIPS — Over 125 guests packed the Phillips Community Center on Monday night in the first of a six part concert series featuring North Sea Gas. The concert brought out both locals to enjoy great music as well as travelers from afar.
One of Scotland’s most popular folk bands, North Sea Gas created an energetic and fun filled evening arranged by Phill MacIntyre of the Skye Theatre and the Phillips Community Center.
North Sea Gas has recorded 14 albums and won numerous Scottish music industry awards for their unique style and combination of traditional, contemporary and self-penned music.
The six-part Celtic concert series will run through September 11 with some must-see venues featuring some very talented and world renowned artists. Future events will feature The Forge on May 29, Comas on June 26, The Tartan Terrors on July 23, Ashelin on August 7, and Carmel Mikol, on September 11. The cost of each concert is $15 and all begin at 7 p.m.
Similar to the concerts at Skye Theatere, pre-show jam sessions start at 6 p.m. for anyone willing to bring an instrument to make music.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts presents Mason Strunk & Friends and Silas Rogers & Friends in a split bill at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Sunday May 13. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm. A pre-show jam session starts 1 hr prior to curtain.
Due to a grant from Patriot Renewables and a partnership with the Kingfield POPS, Skye Theatre is hosting a new series highlighting emerging artists with Celtic ties. The series features regional, state, and international artists who are in the early stages of their development as musicians.
Fourteen year old Mason Strunk, grandson of American folk icon Jud Strunk, will perform on-stage with Uncle Al, an original member of Jud Strunk’s popular band. Mason has opened for comedian Bob Marley and recently played with noted folk singer Johnathan Edwards at the Bluegrass Festival at Saddleback in Rangeley. He plays regularly at the Rack in Carrabassett with former members of Jud’s band. He is an honor student and avid sports participant and fan. Two of his life list goals are to write a hit song and perform at the Super Bowl.
Interviewed recently at Saddleback, Mason said, “I never met my grandfather, but I see him in his music.”
Silas Rogers started playing violin at the age of five, studying classically for eight years with principal violist of the Portland Symphony, Laurie Kennedy. Silas played in the Academy Hill School orchestras from third grade up, under the direction of Steve Muise (of Boreal Tordú, and co-director of Mt. Blue Regional School District’s orchestra program. Silas organically transitioned to playing fiddle music as he got older, and was helped along by his strong musical relatives, especially the memory of his grandfather, Earland Peterson, who was one of the first fiddlers he experienced. Continue reading »
By David Hart
Mountaineer Report SALEM — This afternoon, the Mt. Abram boys baseball team, (1-4) won a 7-6 thriller against Wiscasset after a comfortable lead throughout the game. Across the field, the MTA girls, (2-4) fell to Wiscasset 13-8 in Mountain Valley Conference softball action.
After six innings of play the Roadrunners baseball team had a sizable 6-0 lead with three outs needed for the shutout. Mt. Abram pitcher Jay Chenard allowed only two hits and headed to the hill for the complete game. Wiscasset (3-3) sitting in third place and worth some serious Heal Points had something else in mind.
The Redskins reached base in their final inning on four hits, one walk and one error before Chenard was relieved by Rob Rivers who let up a double. After a passed ball the game was tied at six. Rivers then fanned the Redskin four hitter for the final out of the top of the seventh.
Mt. Abram shortstop Cal Dixon lead off and reached first base on a error. With no outs the speedster stole his way to third. With no outs and Ethan Boyd at the plate, a strike in the dirt went past the Redskin catcher and Dixon cruised in for the winning walk-off run.
For Mt. Abram senior Trent Rosenberg led the team reaching all three time with two hits and an error.
Mt. Abram had eight hits for seven runs, reached on two errors and never walked. Wiscasset had six runs on six hits, reached on two errors and on two walks. The Roadrunners head to Lisbon, (1-3) for some Friday afternoon MVC action.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts presents The Olympic Symphonium at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Sunday May 6. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm. A pre-show jam session starts 1 hr prior to curtain.
Crafting delicately arranged folk-pop that drips with bittersweet melodies, soaring harmonies, and an awful lot of passion, The Olympic Symphonium have been sharing their quiet world with us since 2005. They are and always have been a collaborative effort between three multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, and friends: Nick Cobham, Kyle Cunjak, and Graeme Walker.
PHILLIPS — The Phillips Library will present Hometown Melodies: An Evening with Bianca Caruso and Friends on Wednesday, May 9 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The musical evening will take place in the Library Annex building adjacent to the main library. Though donations are appreciated, admission is free. Any proceeds will benefit the library.
Bianca Caruso lived in Phillips from 1987 to 1995 until her family moved to Austin, Texas. Her singing career began in Austin, eventually moving to Los Angeles where she made a name for herself behind the alt-country ensemble Freddy & Francine performing throughout Southern California.
Since then, she has toured nationally as backing vocalist for “Wicked” star Idina Menzel, performing in the Met Theater’s hit revival of “Hair” and collaborations with a growing list of Los Angeles and NYCs up-and-coming talent. Recently Bianca stepped into the limelight alone with a new batch of songs which she performs at venues in her new home, New York City.
Bianca will be accompanied by Mike Reilly of Hoots & Hellmouth and Danielle Mulcahy. The program will include music for all ages and will incorporate classic country, folk, soul, and pop songs, as well as original material written by Bianca.
Story Credit – Dick Matthews
Phillips Area Vitalizer
PHILLIPS — Company C of the 15th Alabama Regiment, a living history re-enactment group of Confederate soldiers, returns to Phillips on May 4-5 for their annual spring encampment and training session.
The boys in gray – together with a few resplendent women in period garb – will begin setting up their historically-accurate camp in the field of Steve and Judy Townley (across from the town’s fire station) on Friday evening, May 4, and will be available to visitors from all day on Saturday, May 5.
This will be the third time the 15th Alabama has visited Phillips. The rebel re-enactors were in town last spring and again during Old Home Days when they conducted train raids on the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. The unit’s Captain, Mike Pratt, says the receptions he and the unit have gotten in Phillips have been “outstanding”.
As happened last spring (despite a weekend-long rain), the field across from the town office will be shared by Todd and Becky Olsen’s Tophat’s Sutlery, a group of area spinners and weavers, and Chris Hardy’s Civil War cannon, and possibly other participants as well. Food will be provided on-site by GrantLees. There is no charge to attend the event, to visit with the soldiers, or to watch their military drills. All are welcome.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts present Maine’s highly energetic Acadian Band Boréal Tordu at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Monday April 30. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm. A twenty six member delegation form the US Tour Bus Operators Assoc. along with committee members from the World Acadian
Congress 2014 will be present at this special showcase event. The Franklin County Fiddlers will start the show with a rousing 30 minute set. A pre-show jam session starts 1 hr prior to curtain.
When the fiddle beat picks up or the words spin a story of songs learned from loving grandparents, the unique group Boréal Tordu brings to life the many influences of Maine’s poignant past. Referring to their style as a French-American mélange, Boréal Tordu represents both cultures that have stamped themselves on the Maine that is such a popular destination today.
Maine-Acadian songs, ballads, Cajun Swing music and French fiddle tunes — some traditional through the ages, some a heritage in the performers’ families, and some original creations that have been inspired in their recognition of ancestral roots — are part of Boréal Tordu’s performance, as well as songs and dances from Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and Acadia. Continue reading »
KINGFIELD — A community all-you-can-eat breakfast is being offered Saturday, May 5, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Kingfield United Methodist Church.
The menu will include pancakes, homemade sausage gravy with biscuits, French toast, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, home-fries, muffins, coffee and juice. The cost is $5 per person, all you can eat. A discounted rate is available for children. For more information, call the church at 265- 4921. The proceeds benefit the church.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Canadian Fiddle Champion, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Maine on Tuesday May 1, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday May 2, at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday May 3, and at Nordica Auditorium in Farmington as a benefit for the Farmington Rotary Club on Friday May 4. Curtain at the Franco Center, Skye, and Nordica is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity. Pre-show jam sessions at Skye and Unity start 1 hr prior to curtain.
Down-East fiddle music gets a sincere and energetic reshaping thanks to East Coast Music Award nominee Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys.
This four-piece group of seasoned musicians hail from the rich and dynamic PEI music scene and have collectively toured North America and the UK with ECMA winners the Grass Mountain Hobos.
Within months of forming the Rhythm Boys and releasing their self-titled debut CD, the band has received two Music PEI awards in 2011 for Roots/Traditional Group of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year.
SAD #58 Board Agenda
April 24, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Mt. Abram H.S.
I. Call to Order
II. Guests Welcomed
III. Public Comment
A. School Administration
B. Transportation and Buses
C. Facilities and Maintenance
D. Debt Service
E. All Other Expenditures
F. Adult Education
G. Other
IV. Future Agenda Items
B. Other
V. Action Items
A. Consider approval of the minutes of April 10, 2012.
B. Consider approval of the minutes of April 12, 2012.
C. Consider any action the board may wish to take in regard to the budget
D. Other
VI. Adjournment
Mt. Abram righ hander Josh Beedy on the hill. (Mountaineer photos)
SALEM – The Mt. Abram Roadrunners baseball team were tested in their home opener on Saturday against a good Madison Bulldog pitching staff. Unfortunately, errors and base running mishaps were the difference in this one for MTA which led to a 6-0 loss.
The Roadrunner jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first inning with a 2-0 lead which could of led to more having sent eight men to the plate.
MTA’s Jay Chenard led off with a walk. Trent Rosenberg moved the runners with a single followed by an RBI single off the four-hitter Josh Beedy. Jonny Hart drew a walk to load the bases follow by another walk from Sol Fast drove in a runner. The Roadrunners left the bases loaded to conclude the first.
Beedy tossed all seven innings for Mt. Abram fanning 12 batters, walking only two, gave up six hits and allowed only one earned run. For Madsion, five of their six runs came from defensive errors in the field.
Mt. Abram first baseman Arthur Ryan singles. Ryan went 2-for-3 with a walk in the season opener against Madison.
In the second inning, nine hitter Rob Rivers drew a led-off walk. Chenard moved him to second with a ground out to third then Cal Dixon hit a hard ground ball to the opposite field for an RBI double. MTA had a 3-0 lead after two innings.
In the third inning Madison’s Colby Soucier delivered a one out single to start the third. Soucier went a game high 3-for-4 with two singles and a double. The next two Madison batters reached base on errors on sharply hit balls which brought their first run across the plate. Madison’s Stephen Day delivered a two RBI single to tie the game at three. Continue reading »
PHILLIPS — Franklin County has a new business group, this one encompassing Phillips and nearby towns. On Wednesday, April 18, twenty-three business owners from Phillips, Avon and Madrid, voted to create the Sandy River Business Association.
“This is an exciting start,” said association’s chair, Carol Rogers. “Forming a business association in the Phillip’s area has generated a lot of interest. Before our next meeting we’re expecting to reach 40 or more members.”
That meeting, she said, is Wednesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. in the Phillips Area Community Center (Old Gym) on Depot Street.
The group adopted a mission statement, approved bylaws, elected a slate of seven officers, and determined membership dues and guidelines. Dues were set at $20 and a member can be either a business or an individual. Businesses need not be local to join any business with interests in the local area is encouraged to be part of the association. Continue reading »
North Sea Gas: Ronnie MacDonald, Grant Simpson and Dave Gilfillan
PHILLIPS — One of Scotland’s most popular folk bands, North Sea Gas, launches Phillips’ six-part Celtic music series on Tuesday, May 8. The three Scots have toured internationally, including Canada and the U.S. North Sea Gas has also recorded 14 albums (their most recent called “Edinburgh Toon”) and won numerous Scottish music industry awards for their unique style and combination of traditional, contemporary and self-penned music.
Ronnie MacDonald, Grant Simpson, and Dave Gilfillan have been together for 30 years – playing guitars, mandolin, fiddle, bouzouki, whistles, bodrhrans, and banjo – and their great vocals and three-part harmonies join good humor and lively music as part of the entertainment. The May 8 concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Phillips Area Community Center (ending about 9) and will be preceded by a “jam session” starting at 6 p.m. Anyone who cares to bring an instrument and jam with the musicians is cordially invited to come make music.
The six-part Celtic concert series will run through September 11 and has been arranged between Phill MacIntyre at Skye Theatre and the Phillips Community Center. Future events will feature The Forge on May 29, Comas on June 26, The Tartan Terrors on July 23, Ashelin on August 7, and Carmel Mikol, on September 11. The cost of each concert is $15 and all begin at 7 p.m.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present April Verch at Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts in Unity, Me on Tuesday April 24 and at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Me on Wednesday April 25. Curtain at Skye is 7:00 pm and at UCCPA is 7:30 pm. There is a pre-show jam session 1 hour prior to curtain at both venues. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with the artists for a few minutes before the show.
April Verch, doesn’t just perform music, she exudes it. The internationally renowned Canadian fiddler, singer, songwriter and step-dancer has a passion for performing and her goal is to touch the lives of those who are listening at any given moment. “The world is this amazing puzzle that we can’t fully understand and music is the joy that pulls it all together and helps us make sense of it,” says Verch, with a dynamic excitement and confidence that makes you believe her in a heartbeat.
On her eighth CD, That’s How We Run, April explores the Southern mountain traditions known as old time music, bualways brings her Northern roots with her. Plucky, straight-backed Canadian tunes fit so snugly beside ancient Appalachian airs that you’d think they’d been neighbors for centuries. Continue reading »
SALEM — On March 12, the MSAD #58 school board of directors held a public informational meeting which drew a small attendance made up of mostly local town officials.
Want to hear about the meeting in its entirity then upload the audio file HERE.The upload may take a minute or two to load. Also, be sure to check that all volume controls are turned up.
A. Avoid leaving the water running when brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes/ face/hands.
B. Purchase water saving showerhead with a built in shut off.
C. Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
D. Do not use toilet as a trash can; every unnecessary flushing wastes water.
Keep a handle on leaks. They add up fast. On average a leaky toilet will use an extra 15,000 gallons per quarter.
Customers of the Kingfield Water District all have meters with leak indicators.
If you live in a house or apartment building your water meter most likely will be in the basement. For mobile homes, meters may be either inside the home (sometimes in a closet, sometimes by the water heater) or may be under the home behind the skirting.
This afternoon firefighters from New Portland and Kingfield responded to a brush/grass fire off the Middle Road in New Portland. According to Wayne Rundlett, New Portland's fire commander, the permitted fire got out of control on a very dry, what's considered a Class 4 fire hazard day. Rundlett said Class 5 fire hazard conditions are considered extremely dangerous and today's current conditions should discourage people from any outside burning and to use extreme caution. Fire fighters gained full control of the fire danger and chance of spreading by 1:30 p.m. The event took place on property owned by New Portland resident Larry Warren. Look ahead for more photos. (Mountaineer photo)
Rich (Crusher) Wilkenson, (left) and John Diller presents Tom Hanson with the Ironman Award.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Tom Hanson began the 2011-12 ski season with a goal. The longtime Sugarloafer and Treasurer of the Ski Museum of Maine wanted to ski 3 million vertical feet to raise money for the museum. Six months and 4.2 million vertical feet later, Hanson has blown past his goal, raised over $2,500 for the museum, and today was presented with Sugarloaf’s annual “Ironman Award.”
Named in honor of Paul Schipper, the original “Ironman of Skiing” who skied 3,903 consecutive days from 1980-2005, Sugarloaf’s Ironman Award is awarded each spring to the skier who best embodies the dedication to and love for skiing at Sugarloaf that Schipper exuded throughout his life.
Given Hanson’s goal and the incredible stats he tallied throughout the season his selection as the Ironman winner came as little surprise.
“When it came time to pick this year’s Ironman Award winner, there really wasn’t any question,” Rich Wilkinson, Sugarloaf VP of Operations said during a speech at Sunday’s Passholder Barbecue. “Tom really left no doubt.” Continue reading »
CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The 22nd Annual “FREE” Pan NE Steelband Festival, will be held on Sunday, May 6th, starting at 10:00 a.m. under the tent in front of the Sugarloaf Inn, Carrabassett Valley, ME. The rain location is the Carrabassett Valley Anti-Gravity Center. The Festival will include steel drummers from around New England.
Organizers urge attendees to dress accordingly and bring their lawn chairs and/or blankets. The bands will be playing under the tent, including the Western Mountain Trash Can Band and students in the MSAD #58 Steel Drum program. At the conclusion of the Festival, all the bands will perform together.
Lunch will be sold by the Shipyard Brew Haus. T-shirts, designed by local students will be available for purchase.
On Saturday, May 5th, a Spaghetti Supper will be held at the Carrabassett Valley Anti-Gravity Center; from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $6.00. At 7:00 p.m., get your dancing shoes on and join everyone at the Sugarloaf Inn in Carrabassett Valley to dance to the music of the Atlantic Clarion Steel Band, http://www.atlanticclarion.com/ Admission is $6.00. Proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts, dinner and dance will support the MSAD #59 Steel Drum program.
This FREE event is hosted by the Western Mountain Trash Can Band, a community group that spreads the joy of live steel drum music throughout our mountain towns to help support the steel drum program in the local school district (donations are always welcome).
For more information please contact pstevens@msad58.org or call 207-246-2759. Information is also available at www.eustismaine.com under Community News and Activities and on WSKI-TV 17 Snowfield Productions.
FARMINGTON – The first annual Fiddlehead Festival: A Celebration of Local Foods and Delicacies, hosted cooperatively by groups and individuals from the University of Maine Farmington and the Farmington area will celebrate spring the benefits of local foods. It will take place on Saturday,April 28, from 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. with a variety of speakers, discussions and activities. Held at UMF’s Emery Community Arts Center and area locations, the festival is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted. Participants can pick and choose among the sessions that interest them. Continue reading »
MTA Roadrunner’s baseball played a preseason double-header with the Mt. Blue Cougars at Hippach Field in Farmington
MTA sophomore Colin McCarthy-Edwards is on deck at Hippach Field in Farmington when the Roadrunners faced Mt. Blue in a preseason double header on Saturday, April 7. Freshman Jake Davenport is in the hole. The games were played without keeping track of scores, but in two evenly fought match-ups, Mt. Blue appeared to have the advantage.
KINGFIELD — Last Friday the Kingfield First Friday Artwalk pleased many who came out to enjoy art and music. At the Reinholt Gallery, Jay Smith entertained with his fiddle. At the same time the Kingfield POPS presented jazz musician Tom Obomsawin who performed at the CSM Real Estate building.
If you missed either of the shows, check out a four minute Youtube video below from one of Obomsawin songs that eveing.
PHILLIPS — As for many of the rest of us, cold weather and a tight budget means a reduction in the Phillips Historical Society’s activities for about half the year. But now, with warmer weather teasing us with summer’s promise, the society is launching its annual schedule of meetings and opening hours.
Monthly meetings begin Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. and take place every first Tuesday of the month through warm weather. The society building – the old Vose house on the corner of Pleasant and Sawyer Street – will be open to the public from 1 to 3 p.m. every first and third Sunday of the month through the season. Continue reading »
The Western Mountains Baptist Church will be celebrating Easter on April 8th, beginning at 6:00a.m. Early risers will gather outside of the New Portland church, at the cross, as Pastor Tom DuBois delivers the Easter message. Immediately following the sun rise service, the Mountain men will cook a huge breakfast for everyone to enjoy. Sunday School for all ages will be held at 9:00a.m., followed by our regularly scheduled service at 10:00a.m. Family, friends and neighbors are welcome to join us in any part (or all) of our Easter celebration. Feel free to call the church at 265-2557 or Pastor Tom at 557-3802 for more details.
KINGFIELD — The First Baptist Church family, which meets at the church building across the street from the Historical Society, at 14 High Street, Kingfield, would like to invite anyone interested to attend our Family Bible Study hour at 9:00AM on Sundays. Beginning on Feb. 26th, 2012, there will be a different format used for this study time than we have done in the past. We will be learning to study the Bible using a “manuscript study.”
This form of study looks directly at the Scriptures, studying a passage by looking for repeated words, which are often used by an author to emphasize a point. We will also be searching for cause and effect and contrasting words, as well as other grammatical clues that can show us what the Author of the Bible was saying.
This method of inductive Bible study, looking at a passage as a whole to see what it means, is quite different than the more commonly-used form of deductive Bible study, in which several verses of Scripture are gathered together to prove a specific point. If anyone would like to look at the Bible with a fresh perspective, please join us on Sunday mornings at 9AM for this hands-on Family Bible Study hour, where adults and children together will be searching the Scriptures for meaning and application. This will conclude every week about a quarter hour before the start of our 10AM church service.
We also would like to invite people interested to join us for a special Passover meal on Saturday evening, April 7th, at 6:00 pm. During this meal, we will learn about the different traditions of the Passover, and see how they relate to the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples. This is an especially meaningful meal to enjoy together the night before Easter Morning. There is no charge for this meal, but if you are interested in coming please RSVP to Brian or Kathy Twitchell at 265-4047, or via e-mail to brian.a.twitchell@gmail.com or kathy.m.twitchell@gmail.com.
KINGFIELD — The Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office says the February 8 trailer home fire was an act of arson. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set and are looking for help from the public.
The fire started with an explosion, a witness said, and a person was witnessed running frantically from the home just moments after.
The lead investigator for this case is Edward Hastings.
Anyone with any information about this fire is asked to call the State Fire Marshall’s Office at 207-626-3870 or the Anonymous Arson Hotline at 888-870-6162.
The fire completely destroyed the trailer home and is considered a complete loss.
PHILLIPS — Two hundred cupcakes, a bean supper, paper fire lanterns, old-time story telling, music – all will come together on
Saturday, February 25, as Phillips marks its 200th birthday with a gala party for friends and residents of the town.
The display of 200 decorated cupcakes, illustrating the history of Phillips, will later turn into dessert, music will be provided by the Narrow Gauge String Band, stories of Phillips will be told, and a continuous slide show of local photos will be shown. A 50-50 raffle will support the Old Home Days fireworks fund and a door prize of local products will be awarded.
The evening will end with fire lanterns being released into the night sky.
The event is being planned by a volunteer planning committee. The entire event, including dinner, is free and will begin at 5 p.m. at the Phillips Area Community Center (the old gym) on Depot Street.
Phillips officially became an incorporated town on February 25, 1812. While other events celebrating the town’s anniversary will occur during the year, the party on February 25 will be the town’s kick-off event for this bicentennial year. A bad-weather date of Sunday, Feb. 26, has been set.
PHILLIPS — Sometime this spring, the Phillips Area Community Center (PACC) will begin hosting Celtic Music groups brought to the area by Phill MacIntyre, owner of the Skye Theatre in Carthage. Though exact dates and numbers are not yet final, various Celtic/ Canadian music groups will perform four to six concerts at the Community Center building (old gym) during spring and summer of this year.
PACC’s board has been working with MacIntyre for some time to bring this series of concerts to Phillips. The musical groups, often hailing from Canada’s maritime provinces of Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, or Nova Scotia, enjoy international reputations and some play all across North America.
Because the music groups normally schedule their “high profile” concerts in larger communities on weekends, the concerts in Phillips will take place either on Monday or Tuesday evenings. Skye Theatre is currently working on its 2012 spring and summer schedule and should be able soon to publish the names of the groups and the dates they’ll perform in Phillips.
WILTON– A Storytelling Dinner will be held at Calzolaio Pasta Company, 284 Main Street in Wilton, on March 23, beginning at 6:30 pm, hosted by local storyteller Phyllis Blackstone. The featured storyteller for the evening’s entertainment will be George Radcliffe. “Uncle George,” a New Hampshire native, will perform a smorgasbord of folktales that he calls “Slumgullion Tales,” with a folksy, engaging style, giving his original spin to traditional stories. Music during the evening will be courtesy of the keyboard stylings of Jackie Ranco. A raffle will be held to raise money for the Western Maine Storytelling Festival that will be held in Farmington July 20 and 21. Cost of the dinner is $19.95, which includes a garden salad, Italian entrée, crusty Italian bread with oil and spices, a non-alcoholic beverage, Maine state tax and gratuity. Call 645-9500 to make a reservation, or go online at calzolaiopasta.com. This season’s storytelling dinners will conclude on April 20, with Deborah Freedman as the featured teller. For more information call 860-6622 or 778-4387, or email info@wmsfestival.org.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection At Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday February 29th, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday March 1st. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity. A pre-show jam session begins one hour prior to curtain at both venues.
Erica developed an interest in music at an early age. At the age of seven, she was competing in fiddle contests with kids twice her age. At age nine, she was traveling throughout New England, Canada, and even Louisiana with the Maine French Fiddlers. Erica also performed as a special guest with Mac McHale And The Old-Time Radio Gang for five years. Currently, she has her own bluegrass band, Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection, which performs all over New England. Erica is also a member of The Stowaways, Darlin’ Corey and The Record Family Band.Continue reading »
Mt. Abram sophomore Elise Luce wins two State championships. (Dave Allen Graphics photo)
BIG ROCK — The reigning Giant Slalom Champion has returned as a sophomore and repeated the state’s highest Class B Alpine Title. Mt. Abram’s Elise Luce of Carrabassett Valley not only won the State Championship Giant Slalom Title on Tuesday, Feb. 21, she also won the slalom event yesterday. That’s three State Championships for this second year sophomore.
Senior sister Erin Luce, last year’s Slalom State Champion, placed second in both events this year. The combination of Luce sisters along with former housemate Noelle Lake has made a mark on Class B alpine racing for nearly a half decade. For two straight years Elise and Erin combined for all of the four gold’s in alpine racing. Prior to that, older sister Emily added some gold and placed high on the podium with the oldest sister Erica who showed success at the States.
On Tuesday, there was no question that Elise was the deserving of the top title. She was the only skier on the day to break 40 seconds and had combined finishes a full four seconds ahead of the pack. Some say, four seconds is a lifetime in ski racing. Continue reading »
The Maranacook String Band, consisting of current and former Maranacook area students, is a professional Bluegrass Band led by nationally known bluegrass songwriter Stan Keach. The band will perform for grades K-8 in SAD 58 on the rescheduled date of May 31. The Band has been astonishing local audiences with their rich harmonies and outstanding musicianship for the past few years. And they keep getting better and better.
The band features the hot mandolin picking of Dan Simons and two outstanding teenaged lead vocalists-Julie Churchill and Lee Stetson. Bassist Zach Greenham and Banjoist Megan Door round out the band. Al Hawkes of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, said “Great playing on acoustic instruments; marvelous solo voices and beautiful vocal harmonies!” Continue reading »
The area was blessed with well needed snow during the Friday overnight and into Saturday morning storm. This early morning shot saw eight to 10 fresh inches of powder. (David Hart photo)
Fresh overnight snow brought out skiers, snowboarders and snowmobile riders. Here the parking lot is getting full at Longfellow's Restaurant in Kingfield, a popular place to stop for lunch or dinner when sledding on the groomed snowmobile trails. (David Hart photo)
Annette Stanley with her Sunday School class and helpers: Lora Meldrum, Ethan Cockerham, Declan Stanley, Emily Stanley andJared Espeaignnette. (Front row): Hailey Legere, Samuel Cockerham, Joselyn Smith and Mackenzie Smith.
NEW PORTLAND–“I have been involved with kids and church since I was a kid in church”, replies Annette Stanley during a recent interview as the Director of the Children’s Ministry at the Western Mountains Baptist Church in New Portland. Stanley manages a nursery and four children’s classes every Sunday morning. There are Sunday School classes for children up to third grade and another Sunday School class for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Classes meet at 9:00a.m. and then again half way through the 10:00a.m. worship service. Stanley not only has a great appreciation for children and learning, she also appreciates the support she receives from parents, teenagers and other committed volunteers who help with teaching and co-teaching on a rotating basis.
“Sunday School gives children a strong foundation of Bible basics. We teach and talk about who God is, what God is like, how we should treat each other, and how we should act. Kids develop their own community and have their own friends, separate from the adults”, explains Stanley. The children play games, do crafts, and hear Bible stories. Several times throughout the year the children are taught music for special performances. Continue reading »
The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area has met its fundraising goal of $360,500 thanks to many generous contributors including the employees of Franklin Community Health Network, which raised $34,183. FCHN contributions represent the second largest workplace campaign this year. (Verso Paper Androscoggin Mill employees contributed a record $118,804 this year.) Pictured from left to right are Rebecca Ryder, President/CEO of Franklin Community Health Network, Lisa Laflin, Executive Director of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area; Janis Walker, United Way Board Member and FCHN Campaign team member; and Tom Hagerstrom, Director of Development at FCHN and FCHN Campaign team leader.
Executive Director Lisa Laflin announced today that the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area reached its annual fundraising goal raising $361,673 to date. “A combination of generous individual and workplace giving, corporate and foundation support, special events and grant writing have allowed us to not only reach, but exceed our goal of $360,500. Given the continuing economic challenges our region faces, this is a significant milestone and a testament to the work the United Way does to improve our community,” noted Laflin. This year’s Campaign was voluntarily chaired by Tom Saviello of Wilton who worked tirelessly to illustrate the need in our communities and how the United Way can help address those needs both in the long term through prevention efforts, but in the short term by supporting emergency services. Many other volunteers helped raise awareness and funds throughout the year, including board members Sharon Cullenberg, Stacy DeMerchant, Jennifer Eriksen, Gordie Flint, Mary Frank, Sandy Goodwin, Julie Libby, Dennis O’Neil, Dianna Poulin, Larry Roix, Jodi Spiller, Brian Strothmann, Janis Walker, Darryl Wood, and Bob Yorks. Continue reading »
FARMINGTON– The Gold LEAF Institute Senior College will introduce the spring term of classes on Monday, March 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the University of Maine at Farmington Olsen Student Center, North Dining Hall, 111 South St., Farmington. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The spring term offers 23 interesting classes and field trips, all of which are designed to make learning fun and stress free. They range from classes on basic computer skills, e-books and Facebook, to classroom sessions about China, Wabanaki arts, history of the English language, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the transit of Venus. Outdoor activities include trips to Backyard Farms in Madison, Koviashuvik Local Living School, Whitehill Farm in East Wilton, and a hike along the Chesterville esker. The full list of course offerings is on the website at http://goldleaf.wikispaces.com. Continue reading »
The Hairy Woodpecker
(Picoides villosus) Kingfield — Thank’s to a nature photography submission, this non-migrating female Hairy Woodpecker is enjoying its feeder. The Hairy looks very similiar to the Downy, but is known to be about three inches longer and has a longer bill. This Hairy lacks the red mark on its head which suggests a female.
The Mountaineer welcomes all nature photo submissions for its Outdoor Section. Information such as what’s contained above is always appreciated as well as time and location that the image was captured. Photo credit is always provided if desired, but not required with submissions.
Multi-media image of Fish by Debbie Clark, on exhibit at the Farm Cottage Gallery at Mountain Village Farm B&B during the Kingfield First Friday Artwalk this Friday, March 2 in the village center of Kingfield.
KINGFIELD, Maine – First Friday Artwalk this month, to be held on March 2, will have activities galore. There will be music in several venues, photo contests, book readings, book signings, a drawing contest and art everywhere! Painters, sculptures, illustrators, photographers, wood carvers, and stone artists will be joined by multi-media artists, weavers, knitters and, only at the Kingfield Artwalk, unique paper bird taking off in flight! All venues will provide light refreshments and, as always, Artwalks are open to the public, free of charge. Please join the tour of the galleries, museums, artist’s studios, and live musical performances, this Friday in the center village of Kingfield. Doors will be open from 5PM to 8 PM.
This Artwalk there will be music in three different venues. Made possible by a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to the Kingfield POPs, The Herbert Hotel will feature Greg & Jessie Boardman while Mark Phillips will be performing at Webster Hall. The Phineas Gage Band will be playing at The Schoolhouse Gallery starting at 6:45 PM. Be sure to visit all three! Continue reading »
KINGFIELD – Opening March 2 from 5-8 PM at the Schoolhouse Gallery: A book signing and artwork from the new book Glorious Slow Going, Maine Stories of Art, Adventure and Friendship, featuring brilliant essays by Elizabeth Peavey and incredible art by Marguerite Robichaux. Eustis’ Hugh Verrier will also be displaying his incredible paper sculpted ‘Birds in Flight’. Ms. Peavey will read excepts from the book at 6 PM that evening, followed by music from Mad River Valley, Vermont’s signature acoustic power band Phineas Gage.
The book begins: “Each time I hoist myself up into the cab of Marguerite Robichaux’s ‘arrest-me-red’ (her words) Dodge Ram truck, I know I’m in for some glorious slow going. Crawling might be too speedy a term for the way she, at time, naviagates the back roads surrounding her home in the mountains of western Maine…..That’s because Marguerite Robichaux pays attention. A trip to the dump can turn into a morning-long safari of partridge and deer and fox sightings. The Sunday run to the Pines Market for the New York Times (one of the mere two copies it gets) requires a mug of coffee and binoculars in hand, just in case the back-backed woodpeckers are in their nest…..From the smallest, fragile bloom poking up out of a gully to the black silhouette of a dead tree frsoted with new snow, Marguerite notices things. And when you travel with her, in person or through her paintings, you notice things, too.”
Please join us for a wonderful evening of art, literature, music and some glorious slow going! The book and artwork will be on display in the Schoolhouse Gallery throughout the month of March. For more information please see www.schoolhouseartgallery.com
What can you do to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, support the annual Kingfield Festival Days fund raiser AND have lots of fun?
The answer is: Come to the Nastalgia Tavern in Kingfield, Saturday, March 17th! The KF Days Committee members have been getting donations locally and “from away” that will definitely have you bidding at both the “silent & live” auctions that we have that night. No admission fee. Steve & Joann Keenan will be helping us again this year, starting with the “Silent Auction” at 4pm. Then at 6pm the fun begins with the “Live Auction” and Steve doing his thing. We have some new items on the auction block this year that you don’t want to miss! Cash, credit/debit preferred, but local checks will be accepted. Visit Kingfield Days on Facebook for a listing of items being updated regularly. Join us for a fun evening. Don’t forget to wear green because you might win a prize!
Click on the link below to open, save or print this years poster.
Let me start by saying I am not convinced that a new irrigation system is needed at the Sugarloaf Golf Course. Yes, it is true the system is over twenty years old. Due to that, parts may be hard to find for the sprinkler heads, but not for the six miles of PVC pipe connecting them throughout the fairways to the pump house. Pipe suppliers carry all necessary valves, couplings, pressure blow offs and repair tools necessary to keep this system running for another 20 years. That being said, maybe all that is needed is to replace the existing sprinkler head with modern ones, which may even run wirelessly by GPS. The need to rip through fairways and cart paths (which we bought just a few years ago) may not be necessary. Continue reading »
RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN THREE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITIES ASK WIND
DEVELOPERS TO RESPECT THEIR DESIRE TO PRESERVE THEIR HOMES, INVESTMENTS AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
By Friends of the Highland Mountains
In their ongoing effort to protect their rights and interests, residents of three small Somerset County communities have sent letters to the landowners and developers who have proposed building two large industrial wind energy plants which would cover most of the mountains in their communities.
In November, 2011, a majority of the residents of Highland Plantation, and Concord and Lexington Townships, publicly expressed their opposition to wind development proposals made by former Governor Angus King’s Highland Wind LLC and Iberdrola Renewables–a subsidiary of Spain-based Iberdrola SA. In a Hall of Flags press conference, they asked Governor Paul LePage for his help in removing their plantation and townships from Maine’s Expedited Wind Permitting Area. The press conference followed a successful petition effort in which a majority of the three communities’ residents signed in opposition to the companies’ proposals.
In December, residents representing each community’s majority opposition sat down with Governor LePage in his State House offices to discuss the matter. “We had a positive meeting with the Governor and left with a renewed hope that our communities might be able to find relief from the threat of this unwanted and unnecessary industrial development,” said Karen Pease, a Lexington resident who attended the meeting. Continue reading »
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will host JP Cormier’s final tour at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Maine on Tuesday March 6, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday March 7, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday March 8. Curtain at the Franco Center and Skye is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity.
JP Cormier is returning to Maine for a final tour with the Elliot Brothers for five engagements. In a recent statement made in January he announced his retirement from touring to devote his time and energy to his studio, Ranson House.
“After celebrating 30 years on the road this month, I have decided to essentially retire from touring and live performance. We have a small handful of dates that were contracted prior to this decision and they will honored. Other than those, however, we will not be pursuing any further live work. Instead I have decided to throw all my effort into more challenging arenas: My recording studio where I will continue to make my own records (I have no less than 4 projects ready to be released this year) and produce other artists and their music.”
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, innovator, recording artist, award winner. His names are many, but underlying that is a young man with an ancient soul who has traveled the world for the past 30 years bringing his unique brand of joy to audiences wherever he goes. Continue reading »
PHILLIPS — Forty people representing some 26 businesses from Avon, Madrid and Phillips came together last week to discuss launching an area business association. At meeting’s end, 10 of those in attendance volunteered to gather again on Wednesday, March 7, to explore the next steps in creating an association of area business people. That meeting, open to anyone, will be at 6 p.m. in the Phillips Town Office.
Though several noted the need for job creation and economic growth, the meeting’s mood was largely upbeat. A number of suggestions for association goals were made, ranging from creating an area business web site and blog to establishing a visitor’s center with restrooms on Route 4. Networking, promotional activities, attracting new businesses, regulatory advocacy, tourism – all were discussed as ideas an association might pursue. Continue reading »
PHILLIPS — Two hundred people – and then some – turned out for Phillips’ 200th birthday party on Saturday, February 25. A gala party, it had as many making it happen – almost – as those attending.
A Thank You list includes Dr. Susy Sanders, student artists, the Narrow Gauge String Band (Lois & Gary Hall & Mike Worthley), and Hedy Langdon and her cupcake ladies (Sandy Caton, Jeanne Conroy, Micha Frye, Sibyl Stevens, Jessica Stevens, Kathy Trodden & Audrey Zigler). Contributors to the Bean Supper include Chris and Julie Hardy of Edmunds Market, Phillips-Strong Lions Club, Phillips Historical Society, Lynn White, Tammie Gould & the Phillips Fire Department, Poland Springs, and Lori Berry and her crew at 5K.
Others contributing were Elaine Hubbard, Judy Lisherness, Paula Roy Kane, Nancy & David Morgan, Larry Pinkham, Dick Stovall and his donors, Camden Bank, Monica Huntoon, and Diana McCall. Those participating in the speakers program were Pam Matthews, Pastor Sue Kaplan-Burgess, Winona Davenport, Laura Toothaker, Chris Hardy, Randy Ellicott and Tristan Huntoon. Lisa Haines planned the raffle, the Phillips Area Community Center provided the space and others pitched in as well: including Chuck Boyer, Kate Dunham, Brenda Wilcox, and Sylvia Lambert. The raffle and donations raised $633 for 2012 Old Home Days fireworks.
Official commemorative presentations were made by Rep. Russell Black for Sen. Snowe and for himself; by Chiarra Ferrente for Sen. Collins; by Matthew Dubois for Rep. Michaud; and by Sen. Tom Saviello for the Maine State Senate.
STRATTON – On Tuesday, March 13, Greater Franklin Development Corporation in partnership with the Western Mountains Alliance will host a community forum exploring land use and the potential impacts of proposed legislation to reform the Land Use Regulation Commission. The forum is rescheduled from March 1 and will be held at the Eustis Community Building in Stratton from 6 – 8 p.m. Panelists include Franklin County Commissioner Fred Hardy, Saddleback General Manager Chris Farmer, Robert Carleton of Freeman Ridge Forestry, Franklin County writer and conservationist, Robert Kimber and Acting LURC Director, Samantha Horn-Olsen. Continue reading »
Late autumn photo showing Sugarloaf backside and the Rapid Stream Basin. This rugid terrain is often the scene of backcountry rescue. The mountaintop is now buried in deep snow. (David Hart photo)
KINGFIELD — Franklin Search & Rescue (FSAR) was awarded a $4,380 grant to purchase handheld radios to improve SAR communications at the March 6, Franklin County Commissioner’s meeting. The TIF grant is the result of the TransCanada, Kibby Wind Project in the un-organized territory above Stratton.
A group of FSAR members began working on the proposal last November completing and submitting the final application on Christmas Eve. “This is very exciting, news” said Steve Mitman secretary for FSAR. “We are currently relying on the personal 2-way handheld radios of just two team members and a set of team ‘talk about’ UHF radios (like those used by families when skiing) for scene communication!” This grant will allow FSAR to purchase six VHF narrow band 16-channel portable radios. “These radios will make a significant impact on on-scene communication during search and rescue operations” Mitman said, “We will now be able to communicate with all participating agencies at the rescue scene which can include, fire departments, NorthStar ambulance, wardens and law enforcement and each other.”
Mitman said that the equipment purchase will happen “as soon as we get the check!” FSAR is an all volunteer SAR group based in Kingfield, Maine. They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Kingfield fire station at 6:30 p.m. They welcome all interested people to come check them out.
Lines remain – lines of separation, misunderstanding and misconception, even fear.
All of us hold the eraser. Let’s erase the lines together!
The Franklin Volunteer Network is hosting a unique opportunity to begin Erasing the Lines of “differences” in our community. An Inclusion Training will be held on Thursday, March 15th from 2-5 pm at the North Dining Hall in the Olsen Student Center at University of Maine at Farmington. The facilitator for this unique training will be Janet May, Coordinator of Transition and Adults at the University of Maine’s Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies. This training is free and open to the public! Continue reading »
AUGUSTA – In an effort to promote Maine maple syrup, Governor Paul LePage today joined Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, Commissioner Bill Beardsley, Legislators and Maine Maple Producers for an annual tradition – the tapping of a maple tree on the Blaine House lawn.
Maine Maple Sunday is fast approaching. The event, held annually on the fourth Sunday of March, takes place March 25 this year. As part of this year’s celebration of maple syrup production, more than 125 sugarhouses will be open around the State. Sugarhouses welcome visitors to participate in syrup and candy sampling, demonstrations of making syrup, sugarbush tours and a variety of other activities.
“The potential for job creation in the maple industry is huge,” said Governor LePage. “The Maine maple syrup industry represents a great opportunity for Maine to promote its natural resource-based economy, a major part of our economic engine,” added the Governor.
Currently, Maine has 1.47 million taps and produced 360,000 gallons of maple syrup last season, a 14% increase from 2010. The latest yearly figures show that Maine generated nearly $13 million in revenue from the maple industry. Continue reading »
SALEM — The MSAD/RSU 58 School Board met last night, March 8 in a rescheduled meeting after a snow cancellation. The Board is in the process of the 2012/2013 budget review.
For complete coverage listen to special audio files broken down by the business of the Board. In some cases amplified sound may be needed to hear the full meeting. The audio files will open on your default MP3 player and may take some time to upload depending on your computer screen. Make sure all volumes are adjusted to hear the meeting
Look below for the audio files, agenda, proposed budget and supporting documents. Continue reading »
KINGFIELD – The Kingfield POPS is presenting three of PEI’s top performers at Kingfield and Strong schools on March 15. These concerts are free and the public is invited to attend.
Fiddler and founder of PEI Fiddle Camp, Ward MacDonald, keyboardist Ryan MacNeil and piper Ben Miller will perform on March 15 at the Strong Elementary School at 10:00 for students from Phillips and Strong and at 12:45 at the Kingfield Elementary School for the Stratton and Kingfield students.
The trio is touring Maine this week, performing, working with school groups and conducting workshops for all ages at Skye Theatre’s PEI Fiddle Camp.
MacDonald, MacNeil and Miller will get the SAD 58 students’ hearts pounding to the fiery dance tunes of Prince Edward Island, share the sweet melody of a Scottish air, and tell the stories about Acadian music that inspire them as musicians. Continue reading »
LEWISTON — Today, Congressman Mike Michaud announced that his staff will be available to meet with Mainers in Rangeley and Kingfield on issues they are facing with federal agencies and to discuss services available through his office.
Matt Dubois from Michaud’s Lewiston office will be available on Friday, March 16th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rangeley town office located at 15 School Street. On Thursday, March 22nd, Dubois will be available from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Webster Hall at the Kingfield town office located at 38 School Street.
If Mainers have any questions or would like to set up an appointment (not required), they are encouraged to contact Dubois at 207-782-3704.
Heather Ackley, Kalista Staier and Crystal Meldrum helping to prepare the monthly Youth Group meal at Western Mountains Baptist Church. (Dee Menear photos)
NEW PORTLAND — Joel and Janna are coming to town! Saturday evening, March 24th, the spectacular brother-sister duo from Livermore Falls is coming to Western Mountains Baptist Church. Join us at the church in New Portland on Route 27, to enjoy a free evening of music and worship songs. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00p.m. Sponsoring and hosting this special night of entertainment, is the remarkable WMBC Youth Group. If you have not had the opportunity to experience Joel and Janna in concert, now is the time!
This encouraging and uplifting concert is one piece of the WMBC Youth Weekend, where the teens and young adults of the church will be exercising their leadership skills by taking on all the responsibilities of providing a place for Sunday morning worship. They will be doing everything from opening the church doors, to teaching Sunday school classes, to providing worship music, to delivering the message, everything in between and lastly, clean up.
Trucks lined up at the Jay Plaza as they wait for the Standoff to be resolved at Verso Paper in Jay. (Darcie Combstock photo)
JAY – (Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.) (UPDATE) – The Jay hostage standoff ended about 6:30 tonight with the surrender of 49 year old Frank Smith of Norridgewock to the State Police tactical team, Public Safety Spokesman Stephen McCausland explained in a release.
Reports suggest that Smith, a former fired employee, entered the Verso Paper mill complex around 9 a.m. through the wood yard entrance and first held a secretary hostage. When a manager entered the room, he released the secretary and held him for several hours at gun point. After nearly eight hours since Smith first entered the mill, he eventually surrendered after several hours on the telephone with members of the State Police negotiations team. He is charged with kidnapping and causing a police standoff, McCausland explained.
He had held mill manager Mark Conner, 43, for several hours at gunpoint in Conner’s office on the mill complex. Connerwas released earlier in the afternoon.Smithhad been armed with a shotgun, McCausland said.
Smith is being held at the Franklin County Jail.
JAY- (Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.) (UPDATE)– According to State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland , State Police say the man being held hostage inside the paper mill in Jay has been freed unharmed. The release came after the hostage taker spoke for several hours with State Police negotiators, who responded to the scene along with the State Police Tactical Team. Negotiations continue with the hostage taker who remains inside the mill’s administrative building, talking with negotiators on the telephone. Neither man is being identified at this hour.
Jay Police and mill officials are expected to address the media shortly outside the mill.
For added coverage, see the latest story and video produced by the Sun Journal HERE.
Lindsay Stewart wins the womens Banked Slalom at Sugarloaf
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine – Thirty-four-year-old Ryan Flynn from Damariscotta, Maine, and 14-year-old Lindsay Stewart from Cape Elizabeth, Maine took first place in the men’s and women’s divisions today at the 2nd Annual Sugarloaf Banked Slalom.
The two-day Banked Slalom is a snowboard-only, open registration event, in which snowboarders young and old compete on a winding course of banked turns down Sugarloaf’s storied terrain.
Flynn finished the course of 24 banked turns in a time of 1:05.21, while Stewart finished in 1:16.87.
Rounding out the top three for men were 37-year-old Kevin McMahon from Stratton, Vermont, and 38-year-old
Ryan Flynn in his winning run at Sugarloaf's Banked Slalom
Jack Michaud from Falmouth, Maine. McMahon also took home second place in last year’s inaugural Sugarloaf Banked Slalom, finishing just behind Olympic Gold Medalist Ross Powers.
On the women’s side, Miriah Chapman from Dexter, Maine, and Chelsi Christensen from North Hampton, New Hampshire finished in second and third place, respectively.
After finishing in fourth place last year, Flynn, a boat-builder and former snowboard coach at Gould Academy, became only the second champion in Sugarloaf Banked Slalom history. Continue reading »
NMC Account Executive Greg Glynn presents at NMC Social Media Boot Camps.
AUGUSTA, Maine – On Wednesday, April 4, Nancy Marshall Communications(NMC) will host two Social Media Boot Camps at the Senator Inn & Spain Augusta for businesses and organizations looking to increase their social media presence. These interactive workshops will share tools, techniques, and information on how to encourage engagement through social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more. NMC will also provide advice for attendees about the rise of mobile marketing and location-based media and how these tools can be used to empower and generate revenue for businesses and nonprofit organizations.
There will be two boot camps designed for different levels of expertise. The beginners’ session from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. is intended for people with a general social media understanding and who are currently using one or more social media networks. Those attending the advanced session from 1-4 p.m. must have a thorough knowledge of Facebook and have already created an active presence on one or more other social media websites. Both sessions’ attendees are invited for a complimentary lunch from 12-1 p.m. at the Senator. Continue reading »
FAIRFIELD – Seven organizations in Maine recently received grants totaling $23,875 from the Plum Creek Foundation. Locally, the Kingfield POPS was awarded $2,500 for their 10th annual concert on Saturday, June 30 at the Kennedy Farm in Kingfield. “We are extremely pleased to continue our ongoing efforts in Maine and help support these organizations that have such diverse and admirable missions,” said Mark Doty, community affairs manager for the Plum Creek.“Each of these organizations plays an important role in its local community and makes positive differences in the areas where we own land and our employees and contractors live.” The following organizations are theMaine recipients of Plum Creek Foundation’s most recent grants, which are awarded quarterly: Continue reading »
These concerts are made possible thanks to the Kingfield POPS’ partnership with the Skye Theatre Performing Arts Centre, and through a generous donation of the Morse Charitable Trust to the Kingfield POPS. The POPS’ mission is to provide great live music for the youth and communities in the western mountain region.
The Kingfield POPS is presented three of PEI’s top performers at Kingfield and Strong schools on Thursday, March 15. These concerts are free and the public is invited to attend. Fiddler and founder of PEI Fiddle Camp, Ward MacDonald, keyboardist Ryan MacNeil and piper Ben Miller performed at the Strong Elementary School at 10:00 for students from Phillips and Strong and at 12:45 at the Kingfield Elementary School for the Stratton and Kingfield students.
A tradition in Kingfield from a mysterious source. This tradition comes to an end each year with the coming of spring. The Christmas Tree starts its voyage down the raging Carrabassett River, to the Kennebec and possibly the Atlantic. Will this process begin this weekend, this month or sometime in April? Try to guess the date.
The first of six Celtic music concerts in Phillips will play on Tuesday, May 8, in the Phillips Area Community Center (the old gym). The concerts, arranged through Phill MacIntyre at Skye Theater, cost $15 per person and begin at 7 p.m. The schedule:
May 8 – North Sea Gas – One of Scotland’s favorite folk bands with great vocals and 3-part harmonies, these three Scots have recorded 14 albums and boast sold-out shows at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival.
May 8 – North Sea Gas – One of Scotland’s favorite folk bands with great vocals and 3-part harmonies, these three Scots have recorded 14 albums and boast sold-out shows at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival.
May 29 – The Forge – Four women with great vocals and musicianship, play harp, flute, bodhran, and fiddle – and they’ve played all over the world.
June 26 – Comas - One of the best traditionalIrish bands has wowed festival-goers all over the British Isles and Europe with their driving power coupled with their connection to tradition.
July 23 – The Tartan Terrors - This energetic band takes the audience by storm, with a combination of music, highland dance, bagpiping, and comedy. They’ve played on four continents to standing-room only audiences.
Aug 7 – Ashelin - This band, five sisters and their friends from Newfoundland, combine sparkling vocals with amazing musicianship to play traditional Irish and Newfoundland songs blended with pop.
Sept 11 – Roots to the Future – Songwriter Carmel Mikol from Cape Breton Island brings a group of emerging young artists for a must-see show.
Information provided by the Phillips Area Vitalizer.
You’re invited! Please join us as we spring into a new year at Kingfield’s Webster Free Library. We will be meeting on Monday March 26th at 6:00pm at the library to discuss ideas for expanding our services to the community. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved with a service organization or volunteering in the area, but weren’t sure how to get started please join us! We will be planning for programming for all ages as well as seasonal fundraising projects. There will be volunteer opportunities to meet every type of schedule. For all of you students out there in need of some additional community service hours, please keep us in mind as well. Feel free to e-mail webstervolunteer@gmail.com with questions or to learn about opportunities to volunteer after the meeting on the 26th.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Scotland’s high energy trad band, Cantrip, At Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday March 21, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday March 22. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity. A Pre-show jam sessions at Skye & Unity will start 1 hr prior to curtain.
Cantrip is a trio of Scottish and American traditional musicians that has been stunning audiences on several sides of the Atlantic since the end of the last century with its driving blend of twin fiddles, bagpipes and guitar. The name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. From the strong base of its Celtic roots their music branches out into, and takes influences from, the music of other European cultures.
Crockpot wizardry combines with student talent for an Art Show and Crockpot Cook-off on Saturday, April 14. The event, to be held in the old gym on Depot Street, is being sponsored by The Phillips Circle for the Arts and the Phillips Area Community Center (PACC) and is part of the continuing celebration of Phillips’ 200th birthday.
For the Art Show, students from the Elementary School’s first through fourth grades will create images illustrating the rich history of Phillips. The art will be exhibited from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on April 14 and all are invited to attend. Continue reading »
Members of the Downeast Brass Quintet include (left to right) Andy Forster on trumpet, D. Loren Fields on French horn, Mark Mumme on tuba, Mike Peterson on trombone and Dwight Tibbetts on trumpet.
KINGFIELD –The Kingfield POPS Festival of the Arts is presenting a benefit concert by the Downeast Brass Quintet at the Herbert Hotel in Kingfield, ME on Friday, March 30th, at 7:00 P.M. All proceeds will benefit the music programs in the schools of MSAD58.
Tickets are available at Tranten’s Family Market in both Kingfield and Farmington, the Camden National Bank in Kingfield, and The Herbert Hotel. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for students. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available during the concert. Early ticket purchases are advised, as there are a limited number of seats available.
The Downeast Brass Quintet performs widely throughout New England on concert stages as well as at festivals, parades and private functions including at the Governor’s mansion in Augusta, Maine, at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods NH, the famous Moxie Parade, and Governor Baldacci’s inauguration ceremony.
The Downeast Brass’s founder and arranger, Dwight Tibbetts, arranges music specifically for the group in order to highlight band members’ distinct talents. From Andy Forster’s pristine high trumpet tones to Mark Mumme’s full bass sonority, the Downeast Brass combines the skills of some of Maine’s premier musicians. Since they are also music educators, they seek to reach audiences of all ages with original and entertaining programming.
For more information, please call Pat Johnson at (207) 265-5206 or email info@kingfieldpops.com
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present legendary Canadian fiddler Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Maine on Tuesday March 27, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday March 28, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday March 29. Curtain at the Franco Center and Skye is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity. Pre-show jam sessions at Skye and Unity start 1 hr prior to curtain.
For more than two decades, Richard Wood has impressed audiences all across Canada, as well as in the US, Europe, and Japan. Highlights include TV guest appearances with Shania Twain on “David Letterman” and “Good Morning America,” Carnegie Hall with Irish legends The Chieftains, a featured performer on CBC’s Canada Day on Parliament Hill, “Rita MacNeil and Friends,” and with Jean Butler of Riverdance on “Celtic Electric.”
Richard has played for Canada’s Prime Minister and Governor General, the Queen of England (in Toronto), and for the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. In the late 1990s he toured the UK & Europe headlining concert halls and folk festivals. He’s since played at the Lincoln Centre in New York City, Epcot at Disney World, and was a featured performer in the touring fiddle spectacle “Bowfire.” Continue reading »
PHILLIPS — Business Association meeting set for April 18. Those with a continuing interest in forming
an area business association will meet at the Phillips Town Office at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18. That meeting will receive the report of the Business Association “focus group” formed at the initial association meeting on February 29. That group will have met twice by then (on March 7 and March 21) and will ask the larger group to discuss, amend or ratify their findings and actually to create, by vote, a Phillips-area business association. All who wish to be members should attend the meeting on April 18.
KINGFIELD — The Kingfield United Methodist Church will be holding an Easter bake sale at Tranten’s Family Market Friday, April 6 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The group is looking for people who would like to bake food for the sale. Food donations can be dropped off at 3 p.m. at Tranten’s on April 6 or contact Tracy Bessey at 491-5777 to arrange pick up.
Last weeks spring-like conditions resulted in some Hurricane Irene repair to a favorite swimming area in Kingfield. Here Jordan Excavation repairs a washed out section along the Carrabassett River.
The Feb. 8 trailer fire in Kingfield is now believed to be a former meth lab. (Mountaineer photo)
KINGFIELD – Five people have been arrested in connection to manufacturing methamphetamine in a laboratory at a mobile home at 8 Winter Hill Road that was destroyed by fire on Feb. 8.
All five are accused of making the drug in a so-called “one-pot” lab or “Shake’N Bake” lab, Maine Drug Enforcement Supervisor Special Agent Matt Cashman said Monday.
They are both “highly volatile methods of manufacturing meth,” he said.
The unstable mixture of chemicals has potential for explosion and fire, he said.
“It appears the fire is a result of manufacturing of methamphetamine,” Cashman said.
For the full story that appeared this afternoon in the Lewiston Sun Journal click HERE.
FARMINGTON — The Nordica Trio will be performing in the Mt. Blue Regional School District schools on April 2 and 3 in a series of concerts sponsored by the Kingfield POPS and funded by the David A. and Mildred H. Morse Charitable Trust.
The Nordica Trio brings together three outstanding musicians who have performed nationally and internationally: Graybert Beacham (violin and viola), Karen Beacham (clarinet), and Martin Perry (piano). Since the Trio’s debut in 1994, it has been enthusiastically received by audiences in Maine and beyond. They have performed numerous concerts for students across the state and sponsored a student composer’s competition in 2004.
The concert schedule is as follows:
Monday, April 2, 7:55 for the Mt. Blue Music Students (129 Seamon Road, Farmington); 9:00 at the Academy Hill School (585 Depot St., Wilton); 10:30 at the Cushing School (21 Cushing Drive, Wilton); 1:00-1:45 at the Cape Cod Hill School (516 Cape Cod Hill Rd., New Sharon).
On Tuesday, April 3 at 9:00, they will perform for the Mt. Blue Middle School ( 269 Middle Street, Farmington), 10:30 at the Cascade Brook School(162 Learning Lane, Farmington) , and 1:30 for the Mallett School at Nordica Auditorium (the corner of Academy and Main St., Farmington). Continue reading »
IN THE MOOD: WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO FROM LAST NIGHTS OUTSTANDING EVENT
Mountaineer Staff
KINGFIELD — Last night the Kingfield POPS Festival Committee truly put on a wonderful concert at the Herbert Grand Hotel featuring an energetic Downeast Brass Quintet. In no surprise, the quintet electrified the audience with rich music while telling stories between songs which engaged the crowd and often triggered laughter throughout the evening. The very talented group of musicians who are all Maine musical educators played a mix of music from traditional brass compositions to fun modern day rock-n-roll.
The Downeast Brass Quintet performs widely throughout New England on concert stages as well as at festivals, parades and private functions including at the Governor’s mansion in Augusta, Maine, at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods NH, the famous Moxie Parade, and Governor Baldacci’s inauguration ceremony, according to a release.
The Downeast Brass’s founder and arranger, Dwight Tibbetts, arranges music specifically for the group in order to highlight band members’ distinct talents. From Andy Forster’s pristine high trumpet tones to Mark Mumme’s full bass sonority, the Downeast Brass combines the skills of some of Maine’s premier musicians. Since they are also music educators, they seek to reach audiences of all ages with original and entertaining programming.
PHILLIPS — Crockpot wizardry combines with student talent for an ArtShow and Crockpot Cook-off Saturday, April 14. The event, to be held in the Phillips Area Community Center (PACC) on Depot Street, is sponsored by The Phillips Area Circle for the Arts and PACC and is part of the continuing celebration of Phillips’ 200th anniversary.
To mark the town’s founding in 1812, students from Phillips Elementary School have created art illustrating the rich history of Phillips. The art will be exhibited from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on April 14 and all are invited to attend. Continue reading »
KINGFIELD — A community all-you-can-eat breakfast is being offered Saturday, April 7, from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Kingfield United Methodist Church.
The menu will include sausage gravy with biscuits, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, home-fries, muffins, coffee and juice. The cost is $5 per person, all you can eat. A discounted rate is available for children.
Enjoy an early Easter breakfast with your family and friends. For more information, call the church at 265-4921.
SALEM — The MSAD #58 School Board of Directors met last Thursday, March 29. Directors are working toward finalizing a budget for the district voters.
The complete audio file from the school board meeting is contained in the file below. Listen to entire meeting to become informed. Be sure to turn up all volume controls. In some cases external speakers or headphones are needed to hear the entire discussion. Also, it may take a minute or two for the MP3 to upload to your computer.
SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Sagapool, Canada’s highly acclaimed World Music Band, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday April 4, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday April 5. Curtain at Skye is 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm in Unity. A Pre-show jam sessions at Skye & Unity will start 1 hr prior to curtain.
As the accordionist, the violinist and clarinetist jammed together to The Godfather theme in the halls of the conservatory, they knew exactly what they had to do: Start a Klezmer band.
But what happened was a completely different story. Joined by a whole family of other instruments, Sagapool went from Balkan and Gypsy-inflected impromptu shows on the summer streets of Old Montreal to crafting acoustic original instrumentals as a six-piece band—one so in synch that it’s no surprise when the guitarist jumps up to join the bassist for a thumping four-handed riff. It’s a gang of good friends and relatives sharing long, winding stories (the sagas in Sagapool)—but with stunning chops. Continue reading »
PHILLIPS – Toothaker Pond was ice free as of 3:53 pm on Saturday, March 24. Tim Bowen of Avon had the closest prediction, making him the winner of the $360 pot. Bowen gets to keep $180 of that for himself. He has chosen to donate the other half to the Phillips Area Food Pantry.
“Everybody was surprized,” reported Winona Davenport, one of the event organizers, “It was really early this year.”
STRATTON — Gene L. Currie, 69, of Stratton, passed away peacefully at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington under the excellent care of the doctors, nurses and staff, Feb. 29, 2012. He enjoyed family—especially his grandchildren, friends & customers.
Born in Lewiston Oct. 25, 1942, he lived in Auburn where he began grade school. Moving to Eustis with his parents, he finished grade school and high school in Stratton. While in high school, he played basketball and baseball and was the first pitcher to hit a “no-hitter.” Graduating in 1961, Gene worked in the birch mill, became a forklift driver, and advanced to plant manager for Forster Mfg. Co. in Stratton. Continue reading »
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9348-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9348-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9352-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9352-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9353-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9353-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9357-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9357-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9358-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9358-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9361-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9361-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9364-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9364-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9365-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9365-800x600.jpg){kind=link}
![[img src=http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/thumbs/thumbs_dscn9368-800x600.jpg]](http://www.pinestatemountaineer.com/wp-content/flagallery/kingfield-pops-at-kes/dscn9368-800x600.jpg){kind=link}