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Free registration to become a Gorham umpire

GORHAM, ME — If you are interested in volunteering or working for GYBSA as an umpire for our softball and baseball 2024 seasons, this is a great way to get your feet under you.  We will pay the registration for anyone who wants to help us out in 2024!  Email us at president.gybsa@gmail.com for more information.

NH Fiddle Ensemble presents 2024 concert season

MAINE — The NH Fiddle Ensemble, a local nonprofit,  announce concerts for their 2024 season:

Friday, May 3, 2024, 6:30 pm Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 6:30 pm Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, ME

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 6:30 pm Interlakes High School Auditorium, 1 Laker Lane, Meredith, NH 

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 6:30 pm Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front Street, Exeter, NH

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 2:00pm Derryfield School, 2108 River Rd, Manchester, NH

Sunday, June 2, 2024,  2:00pm Westbrook Performing Arts Center, 471 Stroudwater St, Westbrook, ME

 The 15th year for the ensemble brings together another dedicated group of over 140 people ages 9 – 89.  This community orchestra of fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, basses, harps, cellos and even some horns are backed by professionals delivering a heartwarming and energetic performance.  As one concert goer said as they left a show, “I come back every year because this whole show and purpose behind it makes me smile and feel all the good there is in the world.  Kids playing with their grandparents, people from all different backgrounds coming together. AND it’s good music!”  This show is more than fiddle tunes.  You will hear some hot picking on a bluegrass tune, the sweet harp on a waltz, upbeat fiddling on Irish reels, women belting out a blues song, gutsy country singing, grooving rock and ages from 9 to 89 ripping up solos.   It’s a lively show with a dose of humor! 

 The NH Fiddle Ensemble is a nonprofit whose mission is to bring community together through music.  Rehearsals start in November and go through April.  Music is taught by ear so you won’t see any music stands on stage, just performers smiling and looking at the audience and each other.   After rehearsing in seven smaller groups throughout New Hampshire and Maine, the groups then come together for 2 large rehearsals and 6 concerts.  Some concerts are in partnership with other nonprofits to help raise awareness of community organizations. 

For tickets, go to:  https://www.nhfiddleensemble.org/concerts/

Big Conversations in 10 Short Minutes at your local library

Do you enjoy stretching your mind and discussing interesting topics with other adults? Last month at Walker Memorial Library’s Big Conversation, we discussed things like “what might extraterrestrial life be like,” “what unites us,” “do the benefits of social media outweigh the negatives,” and “is a hot dog a sandwich.” Sound fun? Then join us for our next Big Conversations in 10 Short Minutes on March 16th from 10-11am!

Here’s how it works: We’ll give you a couple of conversation prompts. One is simple. One leans more toward the philosophical. You’ll be paired with someone to have a short, 10-minute conversation about the prompt of your choice. When you’re done, you’ll be paired with someone else for a new conversation with new prompts. We like to think of it as a little pocket of meaning at the end of a long day.

Offered in partnership with these Maine public libraries: Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Camden Public Library, Curtis Memorial Library, Falmouth Memorial Library, Kennebunk Free Library, Lubec Memorial Library, Merrill Memorial Library, Prince Memorial Library, Scarborough Public Library, Thomas Memorial Library, Walker Memorial Library, and Windham Public Library.

This is a virtual event offered via Zoom. Registration is required. We will send you a link to this meeting the day before the event.

Gorham MS Rock Climbing Club starts up soon

GORHAM, ME — Middle School Rock Climbing Club at Salt Pump Climbing Co. starts in a few weeks and has a few spots left! For more info and to register check out the Gorham Recreation Department’s website.

UMaine Extension offers master food preserver volunteer program

FALMOUTH, ME – Applications are available starting March 1 for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer program. The program trains volunteers to extend UMaine Extension’s education programs in food preservation to adults and youth in the community.

The program consists of nine hands-on kitchen labs, held Tuesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m., June 18 to Aug. 27. The first and last class will be held at the Cumberland County Extension office in Falmouth, 75 Clearwater Drive. The remaining classes will be held at Brunswick High School in Brunswick, 71 Dragon Drive. Participants will learn various food preservation techniques, including canning, drying, freezing, freeze drying, fermenting, and winter storage, as well as important food safety information.

The Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program is open to any Maine resident 18 years or older. Upon successful completion of the program, volunteers will serve as valuable resources in the community, providing research-based information from UMaine Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  

Class size is limited, and interested individuals are required to fill out an application. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. May 3. Participants will be informed of their selection status during the last week of May. 

The fee for the Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program is $300, due upon acceptance into the program. Limited financial assistance is available. Requests for a hard copy of the application form can be made by contacting extension.rlreception@maine.edu or 207.781.6099. 

For more information and to access the application form, please visit the program webpage. 

To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kathy Savoie, ksavoie@maine.edu, 207.781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine).

Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Maine author Robert W. Spencer coming to Gorham’s BML

GORHAM, ME — Robert lives in southern Oxford County Maine among the foothills of the White Mountains. His three-title Lizzie Millett Series is set in this rural area of rivers, lakes and forests. His writing brings to life the people and life in small town, rural Maine between the years of 1860 and 1910, a time of wide-spread modernization. While these three titles are well-researched historical fiction, he refers to them as novels about relationships in a historic setting.

Author Event: Robert W. Spencer

Wednesday, March 13th 6pm

Relay for Life coming to USM-Gorham 

The following is an interview with Relay for Life leader, George Mageles,  

Can you tell us about the mission of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event?

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.  Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser.  It offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.  They sign up as Survivors, Caregivers, and Teams who all raise funds to fight cancer.  They raise money throughout the year to support the mission of the American Cancer Society and to fund much needed research to save lives.

What inspired you to become involved with Relay For Life of Southern Maine?  

I first attended a Relay For Life event in 2006 in Saratoga, California as a Team Captain.  In the following years I became more involved, serving as Event Lead in several California Communities before relocating back to Maine.  This will be my second year as Event Lead for the Relay For Life of Southern Maine.  My goal, as Event Lead, is to create the best experience possible for all of our Survivors, Caregivers, Participants, and Guests.

How does Relay For Life support cancer survivors and caregivers in the community?  

Relay For Life funds the many programs and services of the American Cancer Society.  These include The Hope Lodge Program that offers a free stay for cancer patients and their caregivers when they have to travel for treatment, the Road to Recovery program that offers free rides to cancer patients who would otherwise have difficulty getting to their cancer-related appointments, the Cancer Survivors Network that provides a safe online connection where cancer patients and caregivers can find others with similar experiences and interests, the Reach To Recovery Program that connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers to receive peer-to-peer support, and the Tender Loving Care program that offers those whose appearance has been altered by treatment a variety of affordable wigs, hats, and scarves as well as a full range of mastectomy products.  Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org for a 24/7 Cancer Helpline and to learn more about these programs and services.

What are some of the highlights and activities planned for this year’s Relay For Life event in Gorham?  

Our Relay For Life event in Gorham will open with cancer survivors and caregivers taking the first lap around the track at the indoor fieldhouse.  This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution.  A festive atmosphere always develops as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones.  Participants will walk the track with stops at team sites to play games, enter prize drawings, and learn about the many programs and services of the American Cancer Society. Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony of Hope to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer.  Decorated white bags are lit and set out around the track, and after listening to an Inspirational Speaker we all take a Silent Lap to remember our loved ones.

Could you share a memorable moment from a past Relay For Life event that touched you deeply?  

The moments that touch me deeply usually involve cancer survivors, caregivers, and youth.  I recall a time when I joined two caregivers as they walked along the track one evening.  They had just met at the event and were both very moved by sharing experiences about caregiving that only another caregiver could truly understand.  They were very appreciative and thankful to the event leadership and promised to get more involved the next year.

How do you engage and involve local businesses and sponsors in supporting Relay For Life of Southern Maine?  

We have a full range of Sponsorship levels, beginning with our $100 Friend of Relay track sign recognition.  Each expanding level – $250 Purple, $500 Bronze, $1000 Silver, $1500 Gold, $2500 Platinum, and $5000 Presenting Sponsor – includes more recognition at each level.  We also invite and encourage local businesses and sponsors to register a team and join us on the track at the event.

Can you speak to the impact of community involvement and participation in Relay For Life on cancer research and patient support programs?  

In addition to supporting the programs and services of the American Cancer Society, community involvement and participation in Relay For Life helps fund the importance research by the American Cancer Society.  In a recent year, there were more than 60 researchers employed to conduct cancer research full time and at any one point in time more than 800 researchers throughout the country and across cancer types are being funded by Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

How can individuals who are unable to attend the event still contribute to the cause and support Relay For Life?  

We invite everyone to come out to our event on Friday evening, April 5 from 6-10pm.  For those who can’t attend and still want to contribute, go to www.relayforlife.org/southernme

Relay For Life | Cancer Walk | Cancer Fundraising Events

Relay For Life events are life-changing cancer fundraising events that help communities across the globe fight back against cancer.

www.relayforlife.org  to make a general donation or a specific one to an individual’s or team’s fundraiser.  Contact our leadership to provide an in-kind donation such as a gift card or other gift from your company.  Purchase Luminaria Bags from our website In Honor of or In Memory of your loved ones that we will decorate and place along the track at the event.

What role do volunteers play in organizing and executing Relay For Life events, and how can people get involved in volunteering for future events?  

Relay For Life of Southern Maine is volunteer-led, with remote support from our staff partner, a community manager from the American Cancer Society.  We have several unfilled roles for this year’s event, along with general help needed to set up, operate, and take down the event.  We love having volunteers from Scouting, Athletics, High School Groups, College Clubs, Local Companies, Faith Organizations, and others.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during the Relay For Life event, particularly considering the ongoing public health situation?  

Relay For Life is a Tobacco-free, Alcohol-free event open to everyone.  No pets other than service animals.  Masks optional.  Everyone is welcome to experience the event in the way that they wish to, such as meeting and interacting with others or simply walking the track on their own.

How does the Relay For Life event contribute to raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection in the local community?  

At our event – signage, banners, and an American Cancer Society Mission Table will provide information about cancer prevention and early detection in our local community.

How do you envision the future growth and impact of Relay For Life events in Southern Maine and beyond?  

We have a passionate and dedicated community of survivors, caregivers, and participants who come out for Relay For Life every year – some have been “relaying” for more than 25 years!  And we know that our youth are the future of Relay.  We moved our event date from late June to early April this year, partly so we can have more involvement from local schools and colleges.  We would love to see a team formed from many of our local learning institutions.

MSMT’s Yard Sale: Uncover treasures, empower the arts

BRUNSWICK, ME – Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Yard Sale. Scheduled for Saturday, April 27th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sunday, April 28th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick, Maine, this event promises to be a treasure trove for seasoned thrift shoppers and bargain hunters alike.

Morgan Rodgers, Director of Development at MSMT, extends a warm invitation to all, emphasizing the significance of this event, stating, “This Yard Sale offers the perfect opportunity to support our organization while securing amazing deals. Our volunteers have spent the spring season meticulously cleaning, sorting, and pricing thousands of donated items, and every dollar spent directly supports MSMT.”

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Attendees can also plan to attend the Preview Night on Thursday, April 25th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering an exclusive sneak peek at the treasures awaiting discovery for a nominal fee of $20.

Dane Whitlock, MSMT’s Director of Marketing and Communications, shares invaluable tips for maximizing your Yard Sale experience, emphasizing the importance of arriving early to secure the finest treasures. “Our dedicated enthusiasts know that the early bird catches the worm,” he says. “You can practically roll up with a truck and load it with everything you need to furnish a one-bedroom apartment – from bed frames to cookware, and even wall art.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Whitlock adds, “Last year’s Yard Sale was a goldmine for me, providing two sets of exquisite dishes, furniture pieces, and stylish lamps. For those eager to snag the hottest items, a $20 donation to MSMT grants early access.”

MSMT Accepting Donations for Yard Sale

Starting March 13th, MSMT will accept gently used donations on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Brunswick location. MSMT welcomes furniture, home goods, art, toys, jewelry, and more – with the exception of books and clothing.

The proceeds from last year’s Yard Sale reached an impressive $40,000, contributing significantly to MSMT’s mission of enriching lives through musical theatre. As a 501(c)(3) organization, MSMT relies on the generosity of donors to continue presenting high-quality musicals, concerts, and family shows.

For more information, visit msmt.org/yard-sale.

USM Gorham campus opens new studio, presents War of the Worlds

GORHAM, ME — The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script by Howard E. Koch will be the first radio theatre produced in University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre’s new audio studio. Live performances, a listening party, and a WMPG broadcast are all part of the fun.

Beginning this semester, the USM Department of Theatre will regularly record radio theatre in its new audio studio as part of its educational offerings. The creation of the audio studio is thanks to the generous donation of equipment by Marie Reuillard, wife of the late William Dufris, local narrator and audiobook producer, and his business partner Fred Greenhalgh, a Maine-based audio pioneer. 

For the inaugural production in the studio, USM Theatre chose The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script for its iconic status in the world of radio theatre. Based on the book by Orson Welles and adapted by Howard E. Koch, the original broadcast from New York’s Mercury Theatre in 1938 had some terrified listeners convinced that an actual alien invasion of Earth was taking place. USM’s production is directed by Liz Carlson and with music production by Robin Miller and Jacob Lane, students at the Osher School of Music. 

For Director Liz Carlson, working in a new audio studio with students who are new to voice acting has been an unbeatable educational experience, “Being in the new recording studio has been such a glorious adventure. I have been so impressed with the students’ abilities to create characters and worlds with nothing but their voices. It’s been affirming to have the students’ work met with professional equipment and meticulous editing and sound design by our producer Brooks Desrosiers and sound designer, Andrew Johns. It’s a great introduction to the students of the myriad opportunities in voiceovers and voice acting, giving them experience in the process and confidence in their abilities.”

And she believes audiences will love this script, “The play itself is an iconic piece of Americana, it’s structured in such a way that keeps an audience on their toes. As we’ve worked on this piece we’ve tried to both honor the history of it as well as bring our own energy and identity to the work: so it feels simultaneously of its time and as though it could really be happening now.”

The War of the Worlds will be presented live March 7 & 8th at 7pm as a staged reading with full sound effects at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus. On March 22nd, audiences can enjoy a free listening party of the finished production on the 2nd floor of the McGoldrick Center on the USM Portland campus at 7pm or tune into WMPG for the broadcast. Food, drink, trivia, and more will be part of the fun.

  Tickets & Reservations To purchase tickets or for more information, visit USM Theatre online at usm.maine.edu/theatre, or call the USM Theatre Box Office at (207) 780-5151.

The War of the Worlds Live Event on March 7 & 8  at Russell Hall, USM Gorham campus Tickets: https://a.purplepass.com/events/279976

$18 for Adults

$14 for USM Faculty/Staff/Alumni

$12 for Seniors 65+

$8 for Students/Youth

The War of the Worlds Listening Party at McGoldrick Center, USM Portland Campus, is free. Please RSVP online.

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

Lucious Finston-Fox, Ellie Backman, Noam Albion (student performers). Photo by Noli French @Frenchsfotos 

2024 Engineering Week EXPO is this weekend in Gorham

GORHAM, ME — The 2024 Maine Engineers Week Exposition will be held at The University of Southern Maine Field House in Gorham, Maine.

National Engineers Week was initiated to publicly promote the work and contributions of our nation’s engineers. During this week, engineering professionals have a unique opportunity to increase public awareness of the positive contributions engineers make to their communities, to this nation and to the world. National Engineers Week has grown to involve tens of thousands of engineers in a variety of community outreach activities, including technology exhibits and presentations of student scholarships.

In Maine, Engineers Week has been celebrated through an annual E-Week Banquet and EXPO, where engineers, educators, and students have gathered for hands-on activities and workshops to learn about engineering and what engineers do.

Engineering and technology talent are critical to continued improvement of our infrastructure, health, natural resources and economy, and to the growth of your organization. That’s why inspiring the best and brightest young minds to engineering and technology careers is a critical mission of the Maine Engineering Promotional Council through our annual E-Week EXPO.

The Expo will be held at University of Southern Maine Field House – Gorham, Maine from 9 am to 2 pm. In attendance will be Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, educators, government agencies, industry, and engineering societies.

Bring the family and let them see all the exciting places that their math, science and communication skills can take them.


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