ORONO, ME – The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Wild Blueberry Weekend T-Shirt Design Contest! As part of Maine’s annual Wild Blueberry Weekend, which will take place on August 2-3, 2025, the Commission invites artists, designers, and blueberry enthusiasts of all ages to submit their most creative and eye-catching designs for this year’s official event T-shirt.

The winning design, featuring the artist’s signature, will be showcased on the official Wild Blueberry Weekend T-shirt, available for purchase at the event. The contest is a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talent while celebrating Maine’s iconic wild blueberry.

How to Enter: Participants must submit their original design by June 1, 2025. Entries should adhere to the following guidelines:

Must include the words “Wild Blueberry Weekend”

Must include either the word “Maine” or a graphic representation of the state

Must NOT include the year 2025

Design size: Must fit within a 9” x 9” space

Format: Digital submissions should be in JPEG, PNG, or PDF with a resolution of 300 dpi

Submission email: Jennifer.Maskala@Maine.edu (Subject Line: Wild Blueberry Weekend T-Shirt Contest Submission)

Contest Details & Prizes: The winning designer will receive two free T-shirts featuring their artwork and a selection of Wild Blueberry goodies. The winner’s signature will be included on the official T-shirt design. The selected design will be used for promotional and commercial purposes for Wild Blueberry Weekend. Winner receives special recognition at the Maine Governor’s event in July 2025.

Why Enter? Maine’s Fifth Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend celebrates the state’s beloved native fruit, drawing thousands of visitors annually to explore wild blueberry farms, meet local farmers, and enjoy blueberry-inspired foods and experiences. This T-shirt contest is a fantastic way to become part of the tradition and leave a lasting artistic mark on the event.

About Wild Blueberry Weekend

Now in its fifth year, Wild Blueberry Weekend has become a cherished annual tradition, inviting locals and visitors to experience Maine’s rich agricultural heritage. With farms participating across Cumberland, Hancock, Lincoln, Kennebec, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington counties, the event offers farm tours, blueberry picking, fresh produce sales, and wild blueberry-themed food and beverages.

For more information on the contest and Wild Blueberry Weekend, visit wildblueberryweekend.com.

GORHAM, ME — The Town Council Appointments Committee is seeking citizen volunteers for a newly formed Cemetery Advisory Board Committee. 

 The committee has been created for the purpose of encouraging citizen involvement in maintaining, documenting and preserving Gorham’s local public cemeteries.

 The committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the Town Council for staggering terms and shall be advisory in nature.

 If you are interested in applying to serve on the Cemetery Advisory Board Committee, or for more information, please visit the Town Clerk’s Office. To apply, please complete and submit a Committee Volunteer Application available online. You may also contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 222-1670 or e­mail the Town Clerk Laurie Nordfors at Inordfors@gorham.me.us.

Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2025.

GORHAM, ME — Now through April 2025, citizens can access various maps and a survey on site in Gorham offices or visit https://www.gorhamopenspace.me to share input via an online survey that will help develop opportunities, connections, and issues for the Town to adopt under its Open Space & Trails Master Plan.

MAINE — At the 2025 Maine Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) Conference on Monday, March 17, Gorham Recreation’s Community Recreation and Events Manager, Zachary Lambert, was selected as the MRPA’s “Dr. Bill Eckart” Young Professional of the Year for 2025.

“Dr. Bill Eckart Young Professional Award”

Dr. William Eckart retired from the University of Maine at Machias in 2011 after 31 years as Professor of Recreation Management. During his tenure, he built the program into one of the most respected programs in the country, and it was Maine’s only nationally accredited recreation degree program. Dr. Eckart was an active member of MRPA, serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, spearheading the professional certification program, and managing membership.

Criteria that the annual award recipient must possess is a minimum of three years working within the Recreation Field and at least a two-year period should have been within the state of Maine, with no more than ten years experience. The candidate should have a degree in the field of Recreation, or a related field, and they must maintain membership in MRPA. Candidates should have demonstrated outstanding performance on a community level through innovative programming, partnerships and civic involvement, and should exhibit networking skills, and be involved with local and regional recreational issues and committees within MRPA.

The Gorham Recreation department has had two other “young professionals” awarded over the years with the MRPA: Alan Grady and Julio Santiago.

In the Gorham Recreation staff’s nomination of Zachary “Zach” Lambert for this award, they share that Zach has “hit the ground running” in his position, implementing new programs almost since the first week he arrived, with participation and offerings growing in fitness programs under Zach’s leadership. Zach also volunteers as the Town of Gorham Employees Wellness Committee Chairperson, leading programs that promote employee wellness through various wellness-related events such as a well-attended Urban Runoff 5k. Zach has developed successful programs including indoor rock climbing for middle school students, an adventure program for the middle school age group in addition to an annual Scare Crow Festival in the fall.

 In addition to carrying the required combination of employment history/experience, education, professional affiliation, program development and professional involvement required for MRPA’s Young Professional of the Year award nomination, Zach studied for and passed the National Recreation and Park Association’s Certified Park and Recreational Professional exam, obtaining the CPRP designation in September 2024.

 Zach is described as being involved in and instrumental in all aspects of the Gorham Recreation department and being “a bundle of energy and kindness,” keeping a positive outlook at all times that is both admired and appreciated by the Recreation staff and certainly at the Town of Gorham.

 Please join us in congratulating Gorham’s Zach Lambert on this deserving achievement!

GORHAM, ME — Looking for ways to get moving this spring? Gorham Rec offers a variety of fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and more! Check out our website to find a program that matches your needs and intensity.

GORHAM, ME — The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, in collaboration with the Osher School of Music, Welcomes Spring with Fantastical & Heartwarming Little Women, the Broadway Musical, April 4-13th at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s groundbreaking novel of the same name, Little Women, the Broadway Musical, depicts the story of Jo March as she reflects on her struggle to become a successful writer in Civil War America. Finding strength in the support and love of her mother and sisters, Jo fights to overcome enormous obstacles – including war, illness, and discrimination – in her pursuit of achieving her dreams. This reimagined and fantastical portrayal of an American classic is brought to life with glorious music filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and everlasting love.

Director Danny Hutchins says, “Part of the brilliance of Louisa May Alcott is her ability to tap into universal themes of love, family, passion, and determination. This is what has enabled this story to be told so many times and in so many different ways over the years.” USM Theatre’s production will embrace the story’s reliance on memory to tell a fantastical  version of this classic tale. With choreography by Vanessa Beyland, musical direction by Edward Reichert, puppetry and projections, normally static descriptions of memory will become dynamic, movement-fueled vignettes that engage all 18 of the production’s cast members.

Taylor Ciotti, the junior Musical Theatre major from Amherst, NH who plays Jo March, thinks audiences will love this approach, “The addition of living memories makes it so that there is never a dull moment onstage. Everything you see, from scenes to songs to transitions, is meticulously choreographed to keep the show moving fluidly.”

Kiki Belanger, the first-year Theatre major from Saco who plays Amy March, says that despite the non-traditional take on the show, the timeless nature of the story is beautifully preserved. “I think audiences will be captivated by how engaging the show is. The relationships portrayed are so raw, humorous, heart-warming, and genuine, making it easy for audiences to connect emotionally with each of the scenes.”

Hutchins says the performers, who are Theatre and Musical Theatre majors at USM, “…have blown me away in their seriousness of purpose and willingness to dive in. The actors are delivering beautiful, touching, and heartbreaking performances. The arts are so important in our communities, and a ticket to this show does not just provide you with a beautiful story. It allows you to support our public arts education, and the future artists that will tell the stories we need to hear in Maine.”

Content Advisories: Conversations about death and the Civil War.

Little Women is suggested for grades five and up.

Little Women, The Broadway Musical, In collaboration with the Osher School of Music. Book by Allan Knee, Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, Directed by Danny Hutchins, Musical Direction by Edward Reichert, Choreography by Vanessa Beyland.

April 4-13, 2025

Russell Hall, USM Gorham Campus

Tickets:

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit USM Theatre online at https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/box-office-tickets/, or call the USM Theatre Box Office at (207) 780-5151. For more information on USM’s Department of Theatre events and programs, head to: https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/

$10-$24

Those needing special accommodations to participate fully in this program, contact Janice Gardner at (207)780-5289 or janice.gardner@maine.edu. Hearing impaired: call USM’s telex / TDD number (207)780-5646.

Special April 12th Performance: A Little Women VIP Spring Soiree

To celebrate storytelling, women in literature, and the work of the USM Department of Theatre, we will be hosting “The Little Women VIP Spring Soiree” on April 12th. This special fundraising event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, a photo booth, an intermission dessert bar, a raffle, a silent auction with great items from local businesses, special student performances, a meet-and-greet with the cast after the show, and a ticket to Little Women, the Broadway Musical. Everyone is encouraged to dress in your spring soiree best. All proceeds support the USM Department of Theatre.

Tickets to Little Women VIP Spring Soiree

Ensemble

Taylor Ciotti (Jo March), third-year Musical Theatre major, Amherst, NH

Kaelan Gildart (Marmee March), third-year Musical Theatre major, South Portland, ME

Karoline Brechter (Meg March), third-year Musical Theatre major, Bridgewater, MA

Emma Hall (Beth March, Rodrigo 2), senior Musical Theatre major, Bangor, ME

Kiki Belanger (Amy March), first-year Theatre major, Saco, ME

Isabella Bonasera (Aunt March, Mrs. Kirk), senior Musical Theatre major, St. Albans, VT

Will Searway (Laurie Lawrence), third-year Musical Education major,

Will McPherson (John Brooke), senior Theatre major, Oakland, ME

Talon Moody (Mr. Laurence), second-year Theatre major, Madison, ME

Matthew Balfour(Professor Bhaer), senior Musical Theatre major

Lily Tayler (Clarissa & Various), third-year Theatre major, Cumberland, ME

Jesse Murphy (Rodrigo & Various), second-year Theatre major, Kansas City, KS

Michael Mitchell (Braxton & Various), senior Musical Theatre major, Hollis, NH

Phoebe Edwards (Hag & Various), third-year Musical Theatre major, Auburn, ME

Elliot Giessler (Knight & Various), first-year Musical Theatre major, Tuftonboro, NH

Quintessa Marcotte (On-stage swing), second-year Theatre major, Farmington, ME

Alexis Scott (on-stage swing), first-year Musical Theatre major, Hampden, ME

Production Support Lizzy Fogg, Assistant Director, fourth-year Theatre & Musical Theatre major, Wolfeboro, NH 

Bailey Baldwin, Stage Manager, fourth-year Theatre major, Limerick, ME

Leah Macmaster, Assisting Lighting Designer, third-year Theatre major, Falmouth, ME

Anya Criden-Clark, Co-Costume Designer, fourth-year Theatre major, Porter, ME

Finn Schiebel, fourth-year Theatre major, Assistant Scenic Designer & Props Designer, Bloomington, IN

L-R, Top to Bottom: Karoline Brechter (Meg), Taylor Ciotti (Jo), Kaelan Gildart (Marmee), Emma Hall (Beth), Kiki Belanger (Amy). Photo by Kat Moraros Photography

MAINE — The 42nd Annual Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is happening March 22nd & 23rd, and Real Mom Maine Guide has rounded up the best ways to celebrate with local maple makers!

From sugarhouse tours to fresh maple treats, this is your chance to experience the sweetest weekend in Maine. Check out our list and start planning your adventure!

 Our go-to resource for finding local Maine maple producers: www.mainemapleproducers.com

This is just a taste of the fun that local producers have in store, so be sure to visit their pages for full details! Enjoy with your families and make some SWEET memories!

GORHAM, ME — It’s a sure sign of spring as North Gorham Public Library is already thinking about our annual Plant & Book Sale! Mark the date on your calendar.

 North Gorham Public Library

Plant & Book Sale

Saturday, June 7 from 9 to 1

 Remember us as you begin to open up your gardens. We will happily accept your plant donations as we get closer to the date. Don’t worry, we’ll remind you!

BRUNSWICK, ME – In March 2020, just days before opening night, the Brunswick High School Players were forced to shut down their production of The Addams Family as schools across the country closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, five years later, the Players are bringing the beloved musical comedy back to the stage, giving a new cast and crew the opportunity to finally share this story with audiences.

Directed and choreographed by Linda Gardiner, with musical direction by Ashley Albert and produced by Michael Millett, this production of The Addams Family is a testament to the resilience and passion of the Brunswick High School theater community. The show, filled with laughter, love, and all things delightfully spooky, follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a “normal” boy and introduces him to her wonderfully weird family.

“This production is more than just a performance—it’s a full-circle moment,” said director Linda Gardiner. “We’re honoring the students who never got to take the stage in 2020 while giving our current cast the chance to make this show their own.”

Performances will take place at Brunswick High School’s Crooker Theater on March 27–29 at 7:00 PM, March 30 at 2:00 PM, and April 4–5 at 7:00 PM. Tickets will be available at the door or online at https://sites.google.com/brunswicksd.org/brunswickhighschoolplayers/home.

Don’t miss this long-awaited revival of The Addams Family! Join the Brunswick High School Players as they finally bring this hilariously ghoulish tale to life.

The Addams Family, a new musical, includes book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Orchestrations by Larry Hochman, and is based on the characters created by Charles Addams. The Addams Family, a new musical, is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com .

PORTLAND, ME – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced that the expansion to Downeaster train facilities at the Wells Transportation Center began the week of March 3, 2025.  The project includes the replacement of the existing high level boarding platform adjacent to the Wells Station building as well as the construction of a second boarding platform across the tracks connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge.  The additional platform will allow Amtrak Downeaster trains arriving at the station from opposing directions to board and alight passengers simultaneously.

The contract to construct the platform and pedestrian bridge was awarded to Great Falls Construction, based in Gorham, following a competitive bid process.  The $11.8M project will support approximately 80 jobs and involve approximately 40 suppliers throughout its 18 month duration.

“We are excited to collaborate with NNEPRA on this endeavor which will enhance transportation infrastructure and serve the Maine community and its visitors well for year to come.  It’s a great project and we are happy to be a part of it,” said Jon Smith, President of Great Falls Construction.

Amtrak Downeaster trains will continue to operate throughout construction.   A temporary boarding platform will be built to provide passenger access to trains and the traffic flow within the parking lot will be modified while work is underway.

The platform expansion is part of the  $31.9 million Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP) funded in part by the Federal Railroad Administration through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) discretionary grant program, with matching funds provided by the Maine Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation.  The WAIP project also included a six-mile extension to the second track located in front of the station, which was completed by CSX in 2024.

The additional platform, combined with the added track capacity, will support an additional Downeaster train which will operate between Brunswick and Wells each morning on a schedule designed to serve commuters travelling to and from the Greater Portland Region.   A start date for that frequency has not been determined.

“We are delighted to work with Great Falls on this important project that will provide more options for Maine residents to get back and forth to work without adding to traffic congestion,” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director.  “We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration with our funding and operating partners, as well as the Town of Wells and Maine Turnpike Authority, which owns the Wells Station property, throughout this project.”

Information and updates on the project will be posted on NNEPRA.com.   For Downeaster schedules and fares visit AmtrakDowneaster.com.

The Amtrak Downeaster makes five round-trips daily between Brunswick, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts serving 12 stations in 3 states and transports over a half a million riders annually.  Amtrak operates the Downeaster per a service agreement with NNEPRA.