Friday night lights: Bucksport raises flag, tops Belfast by one point

 In new 7-on-7 format due to pandemic, host Lions fall to Golden Bucks 13-12

By Mark Haskell | Sep 27, 2020

Photo by: Mark HaskellScene from Bucksport at Belfast on Sept. 25 in high school football. Lion Connor Fournier.

BELFAST — Sure, it had a bit of a different look. And a different feel. But football is back on the high school gridiron.

And the Friday, Sept. 25 7-on-7 game between Belfast and visiting Bucksport was exciting from start to finish — and went down to the wire.

In the end, the Lions failed to execute a two-point conversion early in the fourth quarter, which gave the Golden Bucks just enough to escape with a hard-fought, 13-12 victory.

Watch video and see more than 60 photos below.

In the flag football format, the Lions had a handful of pass catchers on the night, including Josh Fairbrother, Cam Watts, Frank Martin, Chris Kelley, Matthew LeBlanc, Jackson Lapierre, Kaden Bonin, Steven Friel and Pete Lovejoy, but it was the clutch grabs of Cole Martin that kept Belfast close on the scoreboard as he hauled in touchdown passes in the second and fourth quarters from teammate Keegan McGowan.

James Whiting started game at quarterback for Belfast and Curtis Littlefield played the position as well, but McGowan took the majority of snaps under center for the Lions.

Ayden Maguire and Stanley Logan split time at signal-caller for Bucksport.

Donald Eldridge, Aiden Day, Ty Giberson, Gavin Billings, Kase Honders, Stanley Logan had grabs for Bucksport, as Honders and Billings collected TD grabs. Giberson booted the extra point for the visitors.

Belfast won the turnover battle as it picked off four Bucksport passes — two by McGowan and one by Fairbrother and Kelley — but were able to only get six points off those turnovers as the Golden Bucks held off the Lions late.

The first quarter went scoreless, but the visitors put themselves on the board one play into the second after the final play of the first saw the Lions commit a pass interference penalty.

That set up an untimed down to start the second quarter, which saw Billings collect a 20-yard touchdown pass to put the Golden Bucks up 6-0.

Both teams had tough breaks in the second quarter as the Lions turned the ball over on downs after a catch by LeBlanc was stopped right at the sticks on fourth down, while Bucksport’s Jacob Guty had a 50-yard catch wiped off the board after an illegal formation penalty.

But a bit of trickery to end the first half — in the form of a hook-and-ladder play from Martin to Veilleux for a 25-yard gain — helped get the hosts on the scoreboard.

After the strong gainer, Martin made a 10-yard scoring catch in the back of the end zone with 17 seconds to play to knot the score before Kelley's interception on the ensuing Golden Buck possession brought the half to a close.

Bucksport pulled ahead for good on its first possession of the second quarter after a 9-yard TD catch by Honders and Giberson's extra point made the score 13-6.

The first play of the fourth quarter saw Martin haul in an impressive catch up the right sideline that he took to the house for a touchdown — set up by a McGowan interception on the previous play — but the score stayed at 13-12 after the Lions opted to go for two and settled for an incomplete pass.

Fairbrother picked off a pass on Bucksport’s next possession as Belfast looked to take the lead, but the long, methodical drive eventually stalled on the 18-yard line with about 3:30 to play.

A clutch third-down grab by Logan — and another long completion moments later — sealed the deal for the Golden Bucks as the Lions were unable to stop the clock.

Bucksport at Belfast football

Bucksport at Belfast on Sept. 25 in high school football. (Video by: Mark Haskell and Zack Miller)

UPDATED: Medomak Valley, Belfast, Oceanside, Camden Hills open golf season in Rockland

 Sun, 09/27/2020 - 9:45am

ROCKLAND — The Medomak Valley golf team competed in its first match of the season Friday, Sept. 25 against Oceanside, Belfast, and Camden Hills at the Rockland Golf Club.

The event’s medalist was Parker Hilchey (36) of Camden Hills. 

The same teams will return to the Rockland Golf Club on Monday, Sept. 28. 

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Below are the results as submitted by Medomak Valley, with Medomak Valley players listed first. 

Medomak shot 202, Oceanside 183, Belfast 182, and Camden 174. Medomak lost 7.5-1.5 to Oceanside, 9-0 to Belfast, and 9-0 to Camden Hills.

Sean Sebrey (41) defeated Austin Chilles (45) of Oceanside, lost to Thomas Parker (38) of Belfast, and lost to Parker Hilchey (36) of Camden Hills.

Tyler Metcalf (52) halved his match with Darik Johnson (50) of Oceanside, lost to Tommy Walker (42) of Belfast, and lost to Aiden O'Connell (43) of Camden Hills.

Matthew Sirois (53) lost to Rhys Jones (46) of Oceanside, lost to James Ritter of Belfast (49), and lost to Jordan Peasley (46) of Camden Hills.

Noah Crosby (59) lost to Noah Mclellan (44) of Oceanside, lost to KJ Payson (53) of Belfast, and lost to Bryler Fisher (53) of Camden Hills.

Logan Look (71) lost to Bryson Mattox (48) of Oceanside, lost to Bobby Banks (64) of Belfast, and lost to Sawyer Olsen (60) of Camden Hills.

Natalie Stewart (56) lost to Nate Fogarty (52) of Oceanside, lost to Hagan Chase (54) of Belfast, and lost to Liam O'Dwyer (49) of Camden Hills. 

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Below are the results submitted by Oceanside.  

Oceanside 184, Camden Hills 174 (CH win 7-2)
Austin Chillis (O) 45 (L) Parker Hilchey (C) 36
Darik Johnson (O) 50 (L) Aiden O'Connell (C) 43
Rhys Jones (O) 47 (L) Jordan Peasley (C) 46
Noah Mclellan (O) 44 (W) Bryler Fisher (C) 53
Bryson Mattox (O) 48 (W) Sawyer Olsen (C) 60
Nate Fogarty (O) 52 (L) Liam O'Dwyer (C) 49

Oceanside 184, Belfast 182 (BEL wins 5-4)
Austin Chillis (O) 45 (L) Thomas Parker (B) 38
Darik Johnson (O) 50 (L) Tommy Walker (B) 42
Rhys Jones (O) 47 (W) James Ritter (B) 49
Noah Mclellan (O) 44 (W) K. J. Payson (B) 53
Bryson Mattox (O) 48 (W) Bobby Banks (B) 64
Nate Fogarty (O) 52 (W) Hagen Chase (B) 54

Oceanside 184, Medomak Valley 202 (OS wins 7.5 to 1.5)
Austin Chillis (O) 45 (L) Sean Sebrey (MV) 41
Darik Johnson (O) 50 Even Tyler Metcalf (MV) 52
Rhys Jones (O) 47 (W) Matt Sirois (MV) 53
Noah Mclellan (O) 44 (W) Noah Crosby (MV) 59
Bryson Mattox (O) 48 (W) Logan Look (MV) 71
Nate Fogarty (O) 52 (W) Natalie Stewart (MV) 56

RSU 71 livestreaming school events amid pandemic

 Sat, 09/26/2020 - 12:45pm

Regional School Unit 71, headquartered in Belfast, has recently joined that trend and is livestreaming school functions this school year on YouTube. 

Footage from the broadcasts are being archived on the YouTube channel. 

As of publishing time, footage from a golf match at the Northport Golf Club, a girls soccer match against Temple, a cross country meet against Camden Hills and Oceanside, and a football game against Bucksport appears on the channel. 

“We can use this channel to stream our sporting events, performing arts events and other special events,” reads a Facebook post from the Friends of RSU 71 page. “We can also upload any school related videos to this new channel.”

RSU 71 serves the communities of Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville. 

Free Meal Program in RSU 71

 

RSU 71 offering free meal program through Dec. 30

Thu, 09/17/2020 - 11:00am

BELFAST — RSU #71 is pleased to announce its ability to offer a free meal program, including breakfast 

and lunch, to all children 18 years and younger beginning now through December 30.

Meals are available at all schools in RSU #71 Monday through Friday and for pick up for remote learners. 

Meals will be provided seven days a week throughout the year upon order.

Here is what you need to know:

All students 18 years and under qualify for the free meal program.

Children 18 years and younger that are attending in-person or remote school are eligible for the free meal program.

Families must continue to complete the F&R Lunch Application.

What you need to do:

In-school students may access this program while at school.

Families with children that do not attend school in person must call at least one day in advance to order

breakfast and/or lunch.

Remote students must call at least one day in advance to order breakfast and/or lunch.

When calling to order meals, orders must be placed between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. the day before the request.

When ordering meals, the caller must identify the student’s name, day and time they will pick up meal(s). 

Families may order up to three days of meals at a time.

Meal pick up times:

Elementary: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to pick up Grab and Go breakfast and/or lunch

MS/HS: 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. to pick up Grab and Go breakfast and/or lunch

Students, parents or guardians are the only ones that can pick up meals. (Neighbors are not able to pick up 

food for other families.)

School Numbers for ordering:

Ames School (Searsmont) 342-5100

BAHS 338-1790

CASS (Belfast) 338-3510

East Belfast 338-4420

Nickerson (Swanville) 338-1858

THMS 338-3320

Weymouth (Morrill) 342-5300

Any questions please contact the Director of Food Service: Perley Martin 338-3320 ex- 307

Citizen Science Project in Belfast

 Belfast Coastal Flooding: Storms and Sea Level Rise

This is a long term project to collect information about high water events and sea level rise in Belfast.

Click the link above to join the program!  BAHS science teacher Mr. Dave Thomas and BHS students will be presenting Monday evening.

Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County Enewsletter

Take a look at the great work being done at Literacy Volunteers!

News items contents: Upcoming  Literacy Training with Robin Lovrien   Deadline for registration is this Friday, Sept 18! My Summer as the LVWC-WaldoReads Book Lady WC Community Reads Project Seeks Participants Lit Vol fall tutoring plans & opportunities

Virtual Learning with Adult Learners of ESL & Basic Skills Empowering and Enriching Tutor Skills At a time when in-person instruction is nearly impossible, the directors of the Literacy Volunteer programs across Maine are delighted to offer YOU, our tutors, this Zoom training to expand your skills for online instruction and for Teaching adult Learners of ESL & Basic Skills. Robin Lovrien, Ph.D.; M.Sp.Ed: LD, who lives in Steuben, and serves on the Waldo County LV Advisory board, will provide unlimited online sessions for tutors on topics of their choice.  Robin is a veteran teacher and trainer/coach of teachers who has worked with teachers of adult English learners all over the country for many years.   She has previously provided in-person and remote professional development for tuto.  Most of you already know her as a popular LVWC trainer and potluck visitor. The introductory session for this exciting learning series will be delivered via Zoom at these times: Tuesday, September 22 from 10:30 AM t0 12:00 PM.  Thursday, September 24 at 5:30-7:00 PM    (The Tuesday session  REPEATED on Thursday for those who want to continue the conversation or who can’t make the Tuesday session)   if you'd LOVE to attend one of these sessions Let Denise know by Friday, Sept. 18!! (The Zoom invite will come from the Brunswick LV affiliate.)   In this introductory session, Robin will give more details of her experience working with tutors and her passion for providing instruction to adult  learners that makes a difference!   Then, she will open up the session to YOU so that you can voice YOUR needs, wants and hopes for topics for future sessions.  Many of the future sessions will be for personnel from all programs; some will be contracted by a specific program for its own tutors.    We NEED YOUR input to be sure the sessions are tailored as closely as possible to JUST what YOU need and would look forward to learning.  Join your colleagues from across the state on  9/22 or 9/24 to give YOUR input and learn what is in store for YOU!   This is training is jointly offered through partnership of all Literacy Volunteer Affiliates in Maine.

My Summer as the LVWC Book  Lady

For many in the education world, the summer is a quiet time for planning and reflection.  But for Literacy Volunteers, this summer took a different spin.  A partnership with Community Food for Children (which emerged from participation in a year or two of planning meetings) led to a summer initiative to deliver meals and books to children and their families in eight low income housing neighborhoods in Waldo County. But for LVWC-Waldo Reads, very Monday and Thursday, starting at 8:30 a.m., volunteers arrived at WCTC to pack up the food. Another volunteer or two joined Denise in the book room where we cleaned the well-loved books often covered with fingerprints and dust indicating they might have sat in someone’s attic for a while.  But the books donated were inviting, high quality classics and favorites, including picture books, chapter books and some one-of-a-kind activity books.  We sorted them into age groups and topics before dividing into labeled boxes that went into the back of Denise’s RAV, along with a five gallon jug of ice water and a box of cups, hand sanitizer and masks. Lastly, a sign was attached to the side of Denise’s van, announcing “Book Lady is Here” – a sign made more charming thanks to literacy volunteer Bonnie Swiderek’s creation of the reading rooster!  See News Center Maine news story at link #1 below AND...click on link #2  below -- to download a document with photos and more information

#1 Waldo County Children Get Healthy Meals

#2 LV WaldoReads Bookmobile -- the full story!

Waldo Reads Together Seeking Participants

Wendy Kasten (Chair, Aging Well in Waldo County & former Literacy Volunteer) is initiating a county-wide Community Reads project and seeking participants and partners.  She's exploring grant opportunities with upcoming deadlines to order a few hundred copies of one book, Free copies of books could be placed at several libraries for people to obtain, while others might prefer to buy or download their own. Zoom-based book discussion would be organized around selected titles.  She's shared some suggested titles: I Know Why the caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou (her autobiography) Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry – Mildred Taylor (actually written for youth, based on Taylor’s family stories, a family story set in the South in sharecropping days. The Land – Mildred Taylor, also based on her family, during reconstruction in the south. The Nickel Boys -Colson Whitehead  -Set in Fl in 1960’s, recent book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boys – Gary Schmidt – late 19th century MAINE, a racially biased land grab in southern Maine, written for youth market, beautifully written Out of Nowhere – Maria Padian – Set in MAINE, a fictional town Enniston, issues arising with African refugees in Maine schools. Written for youth audience. Other???? While AWWC will act as lead on this, Wendy hopes for partnerships from organizations throughout the county.  I've committed LV as a partner, but I'm not sure how active I can be on the committee. If you are interested in being on the committee to help select titles and plan the program, please let me know or you can contact Wendy directly ASAP at wkasten@kent.edu

Literacy Volunteers Fall Plans & Tutoring Opportunities

I'm delighted to report that Present tutoring activities include 10 tutor-learning partner matches still ongoing!  While not all have been able to continue for various reasons, I am grateful for those who have found a way to continue, showing ongoing dedication of both learner and tutor. Tutors are meeting mostly by Zoom; others are meeting outside or in well-ventilated, spacious rooms they've found on their own.  Belfast Adult Ed Learning Center is open and running classes, following protocols created by RSU 71.  These include social distancing and wearing masks. My schedule:   I have been offered the opportunity to teach college writing at Thomas College, which now occupies me on Mondays & Wednesdays.  My LV days are now Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. My office location:  I have been working from home since mid-March (aside from my days of book delivery!). My office has been moved to what was formerly Carolyn Haskell's office. (She has accepted position as director of adult ed in Dover-Foxcroft).  I plan to move back into the office on Thursdays and Fridays sometime soon--although I know I'll be embarking on some continued book delivery also on those days. Tutoring location options include WCTC (Waldo County Tech Center) library and a Belfast Adult Ed classroom.  (The BAE room designated for tutoring is too small to maintain healthy distance.)  BAE also has outside picnic tables. Tutor Needs:   I am seeking tutors for the following adult learners:.   A 49 year old man who dropped out of 8th grade.  He sounds motivated, struggling with health issues and has an ultimate goal of "getting his GED." I have not yet done an assessment. A Reentry Center resident who is in his late 20s, reads at the 2nd grade level.  Tutoring can be offered to him through Zoom or outside meetings when weather allows. School-age (elementary-middle school) youth in the  neighborhoods I've described.  This is still in the exploratory stage!

My deepest gratitude to each of you for staying with LV - WaldoReads in these uncertain times, helping address the varying literacy needs of Waldo County residents. Please stay in touch, stay safe & stay healthy.

RSU #71 School Meal Program 2020/2021

 RSU #71 is pleased to announce our ability to offer a free meal program (breakfast and lunch)  to all children 18 years and younger beginning September 14th - December 30, 2020.   Meals are available at all schools in RSU #71 Monday - Friday and for pick up for remote learners.  Meals will be provided 7 days a week throughout the year upon order.  

Here is what you need to know….  

• All students 18 years and under qualify for the free meal program.

• Children 18 years and younger that are attending in-person or remote school are eligible for the free meal program.

• Families must continue to complete the F&R Lunch Application.

What you need to do…

• In-school students may access this program while at school.

• Families with children that do not attend school in person must call at least one day in advance to order breakfast and/or lunch.

• Remote students must call at least one day in advance to order breakfast and/or lunch.

• When calling to order meals, orders must be placed between 8:00 - 11:00 the day before the request.  

• When ordering meals, the caller must identify the student’s name,  day and time they will pick up meal/s.  Families may order up to 3 days of meals at a time.

• Meal pick up times:

• Elementary:  9:00 - 10:00AM - to pick up Grab and Go breakfast and/or lunch 

• MS/HS:  7:45 - 8:45 - to pick up Grab and Go breakfast and/or lunch

• Students, parents or guardians are the only ones that can pick up meals. (Neighbors are not able to pick up food for other families.)

School Numbers for ordering:

• Ames School (Searsmont) 342-5100

• BAHS 338-1790

• CASS (Belfast) 338-3510

• East Belfast 338-4420

• Nickerson (Swanville) 338-1858

• THMS 338-3320

• Weymouth (Morrill) 342-5300

Any questions please contact the Director of Food Service:

• Perley Martin 338-3320 ex- 307

RSU 71 Modifies Fall Sports to Follow State Guidelines

 By Kendra Caruso | Sep 15, 2020

Source: File photo.

BELFAST — Regional School Unit 71’s Board of Directors voted Sept. 14 at a special meeting to approve a modified competition schedule for fall high school sports. It puts the district in compliance with state mandates because of the coronavirus.

Maine Principals Association, Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Center for Disease and Prevention Control released a joint initiative for fall high school sports that places each sport under one of three categories. It mirrors the categories used to determine school reopening plans throughout the state.

The green category means a sport can be played against schools statewide; golf and cross country fall in this category because of the lack of physical contact against competitors. The yellow category means a sport can only be played against schools in neighboring districts and counties; field hockey and soccer fall under this plan.

A 10-game schedule, with a possible 11th scrimmage game, of yellow category sports competitions will be decided later this week as local districts vote on their own fall sports plans.

The red category means a sport can be played only against students within a school; football and wrestling fall within this category because of the level of physical contact among players in the sport.

The district is looking to create four touch football teams with seven students per team for students within the high school to compete against each other in place of a traditional football season. The Principals Association postponed the football season, leaving open an option to host it in the spring.

Board member Caitlin Hills was hesitant to encourage the spring season idea because she did not want to give students “false hope.” Other board members were concerned that if football were to be played in the spring, other sports like track and baseball would be competing for students who usually participate in fall football and spring sports.

There will be a reduced number of spectators allowed at competitions to accommodate the state’s 50-person indoor and 100-person outdoor crowd cap mandate. Board member Jessica Woods said she thinks people will still be able to cheer and watch competitions on television or outside stadiums and fields.

Superintendent Mary Alice McLean said students have been practicing for weeks and have complied with all state and school required coronavirus rules and mandates. The school will promote the use of private transportation to competitions, where it is available, to reduce the number of students being bused.

If one of the school’s teams goes to a competition where coronavirus precautions are not being followed by other schools, then the policy is to leave immediately, McLean said. If RSU 71 schools cannot comply with coronavirus precautions, for whatever reason, then it will cancel the sporting event in question.

The high school is still keeping coaches at full capacity. Belfast Area High School Athletic Director Matt Battani said the over 40 school coaches are optimistic about the board’s decision and focused on making the most of the fall sports season.

“Coaches are excited this morning,” he said in an email Tuesday. “The buzz is positive and it is nice to have more concrete conversations with kids about sports than we have had the last couple of months.”

Free Bagged Lunches at The Game Loft

 

The Game Loft Free Bagged Lunch Services continue 7 Days a Week NOW SERVING FROM 2-4PM!!   from 78A Main St. Belfast (above All About Games) call (207) 338- 6447 or e-mail info@thegameloft.org with questions Now offering no contact pick-up, please call ahead with your order!

This Week's Menu Please find the menu for the Week of September 12th – September 18th below: Saturday: tater-tot waffles, honey bbq chicken, corn & pepper salad Sunday: lasagne w/ cucumber salad Monday: quiche lorraine w/ green salad & melon Tuesday: beef taco Tuesday with 2 fresh salsas and melon Wednesday: green bean party and fruit salad Thursday: pork kabobs, jeweled rice and eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onion Friday: ham and scalloped potatoes w/ side salad

This menu may be subject to change based on incoming donations of food and fresh produce, please follow @TheGameLoft on Facebook or call (207) 338-6447 to get any menu updates.