USDA Farm to Family food box distribution THIS Friday, October 30th.

There will be another USDA Farm to Family food box distribution THIS Friday, October 30th.  This is in response to the overwhelming turnout last week.  The location of the Belfast drop will be in the Athena Health parking lot, to avoid traffic issues AND the amount of boxes that are being given out has been doubled, so there will be two full tractor trailer truck loads of food.

 

The locations are Mt View Complex in Thorndike and Athena Health Parking lot, both from 10am-2pm.

 

If you are coming for a large load (municipality, organization, etc) please come at 9am.

 

PLEASE help spread the word.  THIS IS FOR ANY AND ALL Waldo County RESIDENTS.  No income eligibility.  Anyone.

Click here to view the poster. 

Our Custodians Hard at Work!

Meet Harold Pendleton, a long time custodian at THMS, with his disinfectant fogger!

The district has purchased disinfectant foggers for the buses and the schools.  Everyone who is using them had to go through training and be certified.  Thanks to Scott Packard for providing the training, and to the whole custodial crew for keeping our schools safe!

USDA Farmers to Food Boxes October 23

The Belfast Soup Kitchen, in partnership with Waldo County Bounty, Waldo CAP, and Waldo Emergency Management Agency, will be offering USDA Farmers to Food Boxes to all residents on October 23. There are no eligibility requirements. Go to the Mt View School Complex from 8:30am to 10:30am or to Reny's Plaza from 11:30am to 1:30pm. See below.

Belfast’s Great Pumpkin Pageant Presented by Waterfall Arts!

 Belfast’s Great Pumpkin Pageant

The Grand Procession: Saturday Oct 24th, 11am-3pm at Steamboat Landing Park

FREE 

Pumpkins on display downtown and voting continues from October 25th – 31st.

Prizes awarded for Spookiest, Silliest, Most Creative, and Most Skillful — to be announced via Facebook Live at 12:00pm on Saturday, October 31st.

An All Ages Art Happening to keep creative kids of all ages safe and happy this Halloween, while showing their stuff!

In partnership with The City of Belfast and Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

 

Be a part of a new Belfast tradition! Here’s how to participate: 

 

1. Get a pumpkin – a limited number will be available (for free!) outside at Waterfall Arts on Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th. Thanks to Johnny’s Selected Seeds for their generous donation of pumpkins!
   
2. Decorate or carve your pumpkin however you like. (We suggest adding a battery-operated candle, if you’ve made a jack-o-lantern!)
   
3. Get in your costumes for a Grand Procession* at 11am on Saturday Oct 24th, at Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast. Carry or cart your pumpkin down the walkway to a spot on the Harborwalk, where it will be displayed for the afternoon. Collect a goody bag, pose for a photo, or loop back to watch the procession! *Masks are required and 6 feet of social distancing will be maintained at this event.
4. Vote for your favorites on our Facebook event page! Categories are: Spookiest, Silliest, Most Creative, and Most Skillful.
   

Pumpkins will be transported to downtown businesses at 4pm on Oct 24, where they will be on display in storefronts for the week.

Participants must retrieve their pumpkins by Sunday, November 1 or they will be collected for composting / disposal.

 

Contest winners will be announced via Facebook Live on Halloween, at noon.

 

Call for volunteers:  

If this sounds fun to you, please help us make it happen! 

We need help collecting unopened packages of candy or other treats for the goody bags, prize donations, and event volunteers. Contact Bridget Matros at: bridget@waterfallarts.org to lend a hand.

 

Event details on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/3534850733279442/

Is our teacher missing? Second of a Series in the Republican Journal!

 Oct 15, 2020

Courtesy of: Nancy NickersonFourth grade teacher Nancy Nickerson models the face mask and shield she wears while teaching at Capt. Albert Stevens School.

BELFAST — Editor's note: This is the second in a series of articles by the fourth graders in Nancy Nickerson's class at Capt. Albert Stevens School to inform our readers about what it's like to attend school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have had so many people ask us what it is like going to school during the COVID pandemic that we decided to compare it to a book we like, "Miss Nelson Is Missing."

Our teacher, Mrs. Nickerson, is not really missing. However, with the way she looks every day, hiding behind a mask and then a shield, we can't be totally sure it is her teaching us every day.

When we have to remain 3 feet apart as we sit at our desks, how can any teacher come up to the desk and help us with our work when we have questions about something? That’s where the shields come in. When Mrs. Nickerson walks down the rows of desks, she has to wear a shield and a mask. Then she can at least look a little closer at what we are working on.

Sometimes when Mrs. Nickerson is talking with the mask and the shield on, her glasses fog up and she can’t see anything. That makes it pretty funny. Sometimes she gets out of breath when she is talking and has to back up 6 feet and take a mask/breathing break.

When asked about face shields, Mrs. Nickerson said, “It feels like I am in a cage, because I echo, it fogs up my glasses and then the shield fogs up and for some reason it all makes hearing harder, but I would rather be in class with you kids than be home teaching remotely.”

It’s nice when we feel like we need a mask break that we can ask Mrs. Nickerson and she lets us go out in the hall, away from everybody. Then we can take our mask off and take some good, deep breaths. Most everyone has had to do that at least once this year, especially on the hot days at the beginning of the school year.

The other day, when one of our classmates was taking a mask break, we were amazed at what he looked like under his mask. We had never seen his face before, not once this whole year.

Wearing all of this protection is such a great way to stay healthy, but sometimes it can get a little hot under that mask. And, truthfully, because we have never really seen Mrs. Nickerson’s face without a mask, could she be missing?

Belfast one goal better than Mount View in rivalry stick clash

 Sarah Woods scores lone goal of competitive Waldo County battle

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By Zack Miller | Oct 11, 2020

Photo by: Zack MillerScene from Belfast at Mount View on Oct. 10 in high school field hockey in Thorndike. The Lions beat the Mustangs 1-0.

THORNDIKE — If a time traveler arrived at the field hockey space at Mount View High School on Saturday morning, Oct. 10, said person would have witnessed competitive stick action between Belfast and the host Mustangs, and thought all the marbles were on the table.

As citizens — and fellow high school athletic fans — of the crazy year 2020, because of a limited schedule due to the coronavirus no "official" marbles were up for grabs, save for bragging rights between two historical Waldo County rival schools.

Watch video and see more photos below.

The Lions (6-0) and Mustangs (4-1) played their hardest, despite no usual Heal Points and postseason berths on the line, as Belfast's offense notched the game's lone goal late in the first half to give the visitors a 1-0 victory.

Sarah Woods caged the only goal for the visitors with less than 25 seconds to play before halftime.

"Mount View played us very tough like I knew they would," said Belfast coach Jan Holmes-Jackson. "We came out a little hesitant, but made some adjustments and I felt like we blocked it up very well and started playing our game."

"I thought we played really well," said Mount View coach Gloria Hewett. "Belfast beat us 8-0 last year, so with a 1-0 game we were in the game. My mid[fielders] needed to play a little tighter to the offense and my offense needed to pass the ball, dodge a little more and get it to the right side more. I have a lot of scorers on my front line, and we've scored a lot in other games."

Lion goalie Madison Shorey stopped the only Mustang shot she faced, while Ella Sawyer stopped 11 shots in the cage for Mount View.

Belfast held a 15-1 advantage in penalty corners.

The Lions' offense dominated the majority of the four-quarter, 60-minute contest, notably in the second half, but Mount View's defense hung tough and allowed its offense to try and notch the equalizer.

"I keep the good players in the back, especially against a team that has always been stronger these last few years," said Hewett. "I have a lot of speed in my left-back. She's really fast and controls a lot of balls on the left side, and brings them out.

"My right side mid[fielder] stopped a goal and carried it out wide. [My players] know to keep their sticks on the ground, carry the ball out, instead of whacking at it, and keep their stick on [the ball]."

"We had some bad bounces [down in the offense end]," said Holmes-Jackson. "At the half we talked about our adjustments and finding the open space, and trying to work our passing game."

Through six games the Lions have yet to allow a goal, and have outscored opponents 31-0, while the Mustangs, even with the loss to Belfast, have outscored opponents 22-2 in five contests.

In normal fall high school athletic seasons, Belfast plays in Class B North and Mount View in Class C North, and the Lions and Mustangs annually challenge for regional supremacy and, in some years, the state title.

Lions, Mustangs 'tackle' 7-on-7 rivalry play under lights

 Game tied 7-7 early on, but more experienced, host Belfast pulls away for win

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By Mark Haskell | Oct 12, 2020

Photo by: Zack MillerScene from Mount View at Belfast on Oct. 9 in high school football. Lion Keegan McGowan, left, and Mustang Rayon Kirby. The host Lions beat the Mustangs 44-7.

BELFAST — The Belfast and Mount View football teams squared off on the gridiron in 7-on-7 action on Friday night, Oct. 9, which saw the more experienced Lions emerge with a 44-7 under-the-lights victory over the undermanned Mustangs at Dennis “Bear” Bryant Field.

The Lions improved to 2-1 on the young season, while the Mustangs, playing their first 7-on-7 game, dropped to 0-1.

Keegan McGowan threw for six touchdown passes on the day, one each to Kadin Bonin (45 yards), Cole Martin (70 yards), Drew Abelon (60 yards), Chris Kelley (15 yards), Tanner Veilleux (65 yards) and Steven Friel (45 yards).

Zepherin Leppanen also booted five extra points and converted a 31-yard field goal.

Rayon Kirby scored the lone touchdown for the Mustangs, while Wyatt Evensen booted the extra point.

Belfast held a 27-7 halftime edge.

Friday also was senior recognition night for Belfast. Lion coach Brian Goff said: "I was happy for all the seniors that suited up and played."

“We did a lot of good things,” he said. “We dressed 23 players and they all saw reps and saw some good things, so we’ve got a lot to build on for sure.”

The Lions got on the board first with a touchdown pass to Bonin, but Mount View responded when Sam Valleau fired a touchdown pass to Kirby — followed by an Evensen extra point — to tie the score.

Belfast got touchdown receptions from Martin, Abelon and Kelley to take a 27-7 lead at halftime, while the Lion defense racked up four interceptions by Matt LeBlanc, Quinten Roberts, McGowan and Connor Fournier — as the hosts pulled away with the win.

Mount View had only 11 players dress for the game and “hardly any skill players” as many opted not to come out for the team after the Maine Principals’ Association announced only 7-on-7 football would be permitted for the fall season due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We ran out of gas [in the second half],” said Leary. “Sammy threw a couple interceptions. He’s never played QB before, but he’s got a strong arm and threw the ball well. We dropped a lot of passes, but the kids played hard.”

“Tip of the hat to coach Leary,” Goff said. “They came down here undermanned, low in numbers and they gave it 110 percent the whole time and did it with great sportsmanship and effort. If you’re a Mount View Mustang fan, you have a lot of to proud of.”

Mike Cole also got an interception in the loss for Mount View.

Who's Behind The Masks at THMS?

Click the link below to see the THMS staff masked and unmasked!

 THMS Masked & Unmasked!

My (virtual) visit with Mrs. Nickerson's class (from the Republican Journal)

By Sarah E. Reynolds | Oct 08, 2020

BELFAST — When Nancy Nickerson, a fourth grade teacher at Capt. Albert Stevens School, contacted me recently on behalf of her class, I was excited. Her students wanted to share their experiences of attending school during the pandemic with our readers. Equally exciting, they wanted to talk to me about newspapers and reporting.

If most people like to talk about themselves and what they spend a big chunk of their lives doing — their work -— journalists are perhaps especially pleased to be asked, because our profession has a mixed reputation. To some, we are cynical traders on the tragedies of others for the sake of newspaper sales, or biased reporters bent on tearing down the duly elected government. To others, though it seems they are fewer in number these days, we are the guardians of democracy, doggedly pursuing the truth and shining a light on matters the powerful would prefer remained in the shadows.

In any case, I'm always delighted when youngsters show an interest in what I do, and I was quite impressed with the range of questions Mrs. Nickerson's students came up with. They asked everything from how do we come up with stories to how often do we publish the paper; from what was the most interesting story I've worked on to have I, as an editor, ever rejected a story. They wanted to know how to become good reporters, and gamely engaged with me in a discussion of why freedom of the press is important.

A couple of their comments about this were spot-on: "When the press is free to write about what it wants to, then it can tell people ... what's going on and the government won't tell the newspaper 'You can't write about that.'"

Freedom of the press is important "so you can let other people in the world know what you think is wrong and what needs to be fixed."

They said they want to start a class newspaper to let people outside the school know what is happening there. Their paper will be called "COVID Classroom Chronicle."

I told them what I remembered about the first story I reported, about 30 years ago, a few more recent stories I have gotten satisfaction from, how reporting is different now than before the pandemic, and how journalists use the 5 W's and 1 H — who, what, when, where, why and how — to interview people and structure stories.

There was a lighter side to our conversation, too. The kids asked me if there was "drama" in the newsroom. I said no, it's not like TV shows such as "The Newsroom." They also wanted to know if I write any fiction for the newspaper. Again, I said no, no fiction for the paper, but I sometimes write poems outside of work.

Talking to these students was not only fun; it gave me hope. I loved their curiosity, their willingness to admit what they don't know, their receptivity. It was truly a shot in the arm, for which I'm grateful to each one of them.

All in all, this was perhaps the best half-hour I've spent as a reporter. I wish Mrs. Nickerson's class good luck with their class newspaper, and I hope I get to talk to them again.

Sarah Reynolds is editor of The Republican Journal.

Belfast, Oceanside, Midcoast individuals earn state berths

 Five Lions, Mariners, one Windjammer to participate in team and/or individual events

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By Ken Waltz | Oct 07, 2020

VASSALBORO — The Midcoast certainly will be well represented at the state high school golf championships on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10 at Natanis Golf Club.

That is be because two area teams — Belfast and Oceanside of Rockland — and 11 local individuals played well enough in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference state qualifiers on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the same course to earn another round — this one for all the state championship marbles.

For area teams, Belfast, Oceanside and Medomak Valley of Waldoboro participated in the league's Class B qualifier and Camden Hills of Rockport in the league's Class A qualifier.

In Class B, Leavitt of Turner won the league crown with a strong performance, while the Hornets, Waterville, Belfast, Oceanside and Gardiner qualified for the state Class B championship event.

In Class A, Mount Ararat of Topsham, Messalonskee of Oakland and Edward Little of Auburn qualified for the state Class A event. The Eagles finished at +33 to finish first. Camden Hills did not qualify.

At Tuesday's event, golfers looked to qualify for the states as members of their qualifying teams or as individuals. This year, the Maine Principals' Association decided golfers could earn spots in the state individual tourney, as usual, but also gave spots in the individual state event to each member of the qualifying teams.

Thus, all Belfast Lions and Oceanside Mariners earned spots in the state team and individual competitions.

Belfast's Thomas Parker, Tommy Walker, James Ritter, K.J. Payson and Hagen Chase, as well as Oceanside's Austin Chilles, Noah McLellan, Rhys Jones, Bryson Mattox and Darik Johnson, will play in the state team and individual competition.

In Class B, the cutoff to qualify as an individual was 90, thus, even if their teams had not qualified, Lions Walker, Ritter and Parker, as well as Mariners Chilles and Johnson, would have qualified as individuals.

In Class A, the cutoff to qualify as an individual was 88. Camden Hills' Parker Hilchey also qualified for the Class A individual tourney.

The girls individual state qualifying cutout was 100 or lower.

The Class A tourney will be Friday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. and the Class B event on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., both at Natanis.

Jim Leonard, athletic director at Maine Central Institute and longtime KVAC Class B golf coordinator, said the "MPA allows the conferences to send forward the same number of individual boys as there are teams in the conference. Thus, we had 13 teams involved in the B qualifier yesterday. That meant we could send 13 golfers (outside of those who qualified as individuals through the team competition) on to the states — provided they scored 90 or below. After entering the names of the golfers who qualified for individual states through the team competition, we only had one other golfer who shot a 90 or better."

The KVAC Class B team scores, with the low four-golfer, 18-hole scores compiled in relation to par, were: Leavitt +39; Waterville +62; Belfast +85; Oceanside and Gardiner +86; Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield +119; Erskine Academy of South China +121; Spruce Mountain of Jay +128; Nokomis of Newport +138; Medomak Valley +147; Morse of Bath +178; Lawrence of Fairfield +185; and Lincoln Academy of Newcastle +186.

Leavitt, Waterville, Belfast, Oceanside and Gardiner qualified for the states.

The KVAC Class A team scores, with the low four-golfer, 18-hole scores compiled in relation to par, were: Mount Ararat +33; Messalonskee +50; Edward Little +57; Cony of Augusta +60; Brunswick +64; Camden Hills +65; Lewiston +66; Individual girls from Lawrence of Fairfield, Leavitt of Turner, Maine Central Institute, Oxford Hills of South Paris, Morse of Bath, Skowhegan and Messalonskee +90; and Skowhegan +95.

Mount Ararat, Messalonskee and Edward Little qualified for the states.

The following are the individual scores — 64 golfers in Class B and 49 in Class A — for the four area teams from the KVAC state qualifier:

Belfast — Tommy Walker, 83 (tied 4th); James Ritter, 87 (tied 8th); Thomas Parker, 88 (tied 10th); K.J. Payson, 115 (45th); and Hagen Chase, 119 (tied 49th).

Camden Hills — Parker Hilchey, 81 (tied 5th); Aiden O'Connell, 89 (tied 19th); Bryler Fisher, 91 (tied 24th); Liam O'Dwyer, 92 (tied 28th); and Jordan Peasley, 97 (tied 35th).

Oceanside — Austin Chilles, 88 (tied 10th); Darik Johnson, 88 (tied 10th); Bryson Mattox, 98 (tied 23rd); Noah McLellan, 100 (tied 28th); and Rhys Jones, 103 (tied 32nd).

Medomak Valley — Sean Sebrey, 91 (16th); Tyler Metcalf, 99 (tied 26th); Natalie Stewart, 119 (tied 49th); and Noah Crosby, 126 (tied 57th). Matthew Sirois withdrew.

Festival of Champions subdued due to pandemic, but still fleeting fun

 Nineteenth annual event held with COVID-19 safety protocols in place

By Ken Waltz | Oct 05, 2020

Photo by: Mark HaskellScene from the 19th annual Festival of Champions high school cross-country meet on Oct. 3 at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast. Lion Miles Cannon, middle, takes off from the start with his wave of runners.

BELFAST — While certainly the pandemic created a much more subdued 19th annual Festival of Champions high school cross-country meet on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Troy Howard Middle School, the spirit of the event was not completely dampened as student-athletes from 10 schools made their much anticipated, appointed treks across the leaf-strewn course amid spectacular fall colors.

Despite the lack of spectators — the event usually draws hundreds of fans and runners — the festival of distance running proved a rousing success in the face of COVID-19 safety protocols, which included face coverings, social distancing and races that began in waves over the 5-kilometer, or 3.1-mile, course.

Watch video and see 60 photos below.

This year, Belfast, Brewer, Bangor, Hampden Academy, Orono, George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill, Bucksport, Ellsworth and Old Town participated.

Why those 10 teams? Well, those were the only schools that have participated in the event each year since its start in 2001. They are, in fact, the originals.

Typically, Midcoast runners from Camden Hills of Rockport, Medomak Valley of Waldoboro, Oceanside of Rockland, Searsport and Islesboro also participate in the event, but not this year.

The festival typically attracts 50 to 75 schools and 1,500 young runners from New England and Canada who look to test their mettle and late-season form. That was not possible this year due to COVID-19.

This year, in light of pandemic safety protocols, the event featured about 140 runners.

Belfast and Brewer again were co-hosts of the event, known for his loud, upbeat music, festive atmosphere, elite teenage distance runners and tons of fans. However, this year, no spectators were allowed on site. There were no concessions and no building access, with porta-potties brought in for those who needed restroom access.

"We wanted to provide the kids with something,” said Lion coach Joann Nealey, now in her 22nd year, before the event. “And this is something and we hope to be back to our regular festival next year.”

In order to comply with the state’s ordinance of no more than 100 people for outdoor events, the girls runners congregated on the track at Belfast Area High School and were bused to THMS at the conclusion of the boys race.

Team tents, typically closer in proximity, were at least 20 feet apart to ensure safe social distancing.

The starting line also had a different look. Typically, each school's runners have their own “box” to wait in at the starting line. However this year, races were run in two waves, one minute apart.

Race personnel and volunteers wore masks for the event. Runners also were masked in all situations other than while competing in the race.

In the end, on Saturday, Bangor’s Erin McCarthy won the 62-runner girls race in 19:21.55, with a 6:13.9 mile pace, while Hampden Academy’s Abbott Valentine was first in the 66-runner boys race at 16:05.37, and a 5:10.8 mile pace.

Bangor finished first in the team competitions.

Belfast saw its girls place ninth and boys seventh. The top Lion individuals were Juniper Fowler in 13th at 21:58.96, and a 7:04.6 mile pace, while Miles Cannon finished seventh in 17:22.49, with a 5:35.6 mile pace.

The girls team scores were: Bangor 40, Mount Desert Island 69, George Stevens Academy 111, Orono 125, Brewer 128, Old Town 148, Hampden Academy 154, Ellsworth 174 and Belfast 197. Bangor put its five scoring runners in the first, sixth, eighth, ninth and 16th spots, with a total time of 1:45:05.42 and average individual time of 21:01.09.

The boys team scores were: Bangor 45, Hampden Academy 66, Mount Desert Island 73, Orono 129, Brewer 162, George Stevens Academy 168, Belfast 171, Old Town 182, Bucksport 190 and Ellsworth 220. Bangor put its five scoring runners in the second, third, fifth, 17th and 18th spots, with a total time of 1:26:06.85 and average individual time of 17:13.37.

The individual Belfast girls results were: 13, Juniper Fowler, 21:58.96; 35, Jordan Kulbe, 24:38.69; 42, Lilly Robbins, 25:37.30; 56, Lillie Mitchell, 28:41.49; and 57, Cora Littlefield, 29:04.21.

The individual Belfast boys results were: 7, Miles Cannon, 17:22.49; 30, Eamon Goscinski, 19:10.60; 36, Wesley Dyer, 19:25.76; 47, Pietro Bacconi, 20:19.51; 51, LaDerrick Roberts, 20:36.99; 52, Zachary Armstrong, 20:37.31; and 57, Gabe Kelley, 21:26.05.

Student interns keep garden project growing

 Oct 06, 2020

Student interns Levi Farrell, Jazmyn Dodge and Madison Resh and Troy Howard Middle School garden coordinator David Wessels, from left, maintain the middle school garden during the summer.

BELFAST — The Belfast Garden Club’s Scholarship Committee looked for an opportunity last summer to support a paid internship for a local teenager with an interest in environmental science. They found it in Belfast at the Troy Howard Middle School’s Garden Project.

What began as a pumpkin patch in the mid-’90s is now a living garden classroom that comprises not only extensive gardens and an orchard, but also a 35-by-48-foot, four-season greenhouse and a small outbuilding with a kitchen and cob pizza oven. Orchestrated and managed by David Wessels, the Garden Project provides experiential learning for middle school students that is tied into the regular school curriculum. Students participate in all aspects of the program, from growing, planting, tending and harvesting the plants and learning about soil building and pest control to marketing and selling their produce.

The Garden Project also sells 1,000-plus pounds of produce each year to the school for use in cafeteria meals, which helps to fund the project. Because the school closed last spring due to COVID-19, it didn’t need the food and the produce is being offered as CSA shares.

Another consequence of the pandemic was there were no students to tend the project’s gardens and help run the marketing and distribution of the produce. Belfast Garden Club contacted Wessels about the possibility of a paid summer internship, and Wessels worked with teachers and guidance counselors to identify internship candidates.

According to a press release from the Garden Club, the program turned out to be a "great success." Wessels reports that after hearing about the initial internship idea, several teachers and community members pitched in to fund two additional interns. He said they worked hard all summer, weeding, mulching, planting — and picking potato beetles — all of which was an initial physical adjustment for them after months of relative inactivity at home.

“Popsicles were important to our success!” Wessels told the Garden Club. By chance, all three of the interns are artists, so Wessels bought them sketch books and they took daily sketching breaks. The interns also learned about the business side of the project, including how to open bank accounts and fill out tax paperwork. As a bonus, they got to bring home fresh produce, allowing them to try some new foods.

Also notable, according to Wessels, was a visit in August from plant breeder and agroecologist John Navazio. “We strolled through the garden talking about plant breeding, genetics, and the coevolution of humans and plants,” Wessels said. “I think it was valuable for the interns to see how botanical/horticultural knowledge can lead to good, interesting careers right here in Waldo County, and especially how qualities like curiosity, perseverance, and close observation are just as important as technical knowledge.”

As for Wessels, he said he “really valued and learned from their conversations about the students’ lives, their challenges.”

The Belfast Garden Club said its members are "extremely grateful" to Wessels "for giving these interns a good introduction to environmental stewardship," and the club plans to invest in the Troy Middle School Garden Project again next year.

The Belfast Garden Club has promoted public gardens and stimulated the knowledge and love of gardening for more than 90 years. Proceeds from fundraising support local public gardens and several scholarship funds. For more information, visit BelfastGardenClub.org.

Art & Crafts Yard Sale at Waterfall Arts

Waterfall Arts is having an Art Supply Yard Sale Saturday, October 10 - paint, drafting tools, fabric, frames, beads and more!  Click on the link below to see the flyer!

The Great Sale 

High school field hockey Lions, Mustangs cage shutout victories, Mariners drop opener

 Belfast too strong for Oceanside on turf field, Mount View continues solid start

By Staff | Oct 02, 2020

Photo by: Zack MillerScene from Oceanside at Belfast on Oct. 1 in high school field hockey at Point Lookout in Northport. Mariner Madolin Ripley, left, knocks the ball ahead of Lion Abby Donnelly. The host Lions won 10-0.

Whether playing their first game of the season or settling into an early-season groove, the Oceanside, Belfast and Mount View field hockey teams were in action on in recent days, with the Waldo County squads securing shutout wins.

The Lions have outscored teams 28-0 through four games after their 11-0 win over Erskine Academy of South China Saturday, Oct. 3 and their 10-0 win over the Mariners at Point Lookout in Northport Thursday, Oct. 1, while the Mustangs collected a 6-0 road victory over Erskine Academy Thursday.

Watch video and see 65 photos from the Belfast and Oceanside below.

The Lions are 4-0 and Mustangs 2-0, while the Mariners are 0-1.

The following is a recap of recent contests:

Belfast 11, Erskine Academy 0

At South China Oct. 3, the Lions scored nearly at will in a shutout victory over the Eagles. Belfast led 3-0, 6-0 and 8-0 at the quarter breaks.

Leading the potent Lion scoring attack was Chelsea Gaiero (3 goals), Reilly Nickerson (2 goals, assist), Grace Hall (2 goals, assist) Kiara Doolan (goal), Audra Faulkingham (goal, 2 assists), Reagan Seekins (assist), Emily Woods (goal, 2 assists), Sadie Wheeler (goal, assist) and Kara Richards (assist).

The Lions led 60-0 in shots and 20-0 in corners. Belfast played the majority of the second half with players out of position and sat their starters for the entire fourth quarter.

Emily Woods made 36 saves in goal for the Eagles, while Madison Shored played in goal for the Lions.

In a 10-minute, 7v7 jayvee game, Erskine Academy emerged with a 1-0 win.

Belfast 10, Oceanside 0

At Northport Oct. 1, the Lions turned out their highest scoring output of the season — while holding their scored-against streak intact — in a lopsided win over the Mariners. Belfast led 2-0 at the end of the first quarter, 5-0 at halftime and 7-0 after three quarters.

Sarah Woods led the Lion scoring attack with a three-goal effort, while Grace Hall (2 goals), Audra Faulkingham (goal, assist), Chelsea Gaiero (2 goals, assist), Reilly Nickerson (2 goals), Kiara Doolan (4 assists), Reagan Seekins (assist) and Hailey Lindelof (assist) also chipped in on offense for the hosts.

Belfast held a lopsided 34-2 edge in shots and 7-1 advantage in penalty corners.

Madison Shorey made two saves in goal for the Lions, while Alexa Barstow turned away 19 shots in the cage for the Mariners.

Mount View 6, Erskine Academy 0

At South China Oct. 1, the Mustangs galloped past the host Eagles. Mount View led 2-0 after the first quarter and 4-0 at the end of halftime and three quarters.

Macy Fowler caged five of the Mustangs’ six goals in the victory, while Alexa Coffin added a late unassisted score. Sophia King, Kate Bourgeois and Coffin logged assists.

Ella Sawyer made four saves on four shots in goal for Mount View, while Emily York made 14 saves on 20 shots in the cage for Erskine Academy.

Mount View also won the jayvee game 1-0, as Dakota Jones scored the lone goal of the game.

Courier Publications' sports staff can be reached by email at sports@villagesoup.com or by phone at 594-4401

High school girls soccer Vikings, Lions work overtime, still fit to be tied

 Waldo County neighbors Searsport, Belfast settle for 3-3 early-season deadlock

By Staff | Oct 02, 2020

Photo by: Mark HaskellScene from Belfast at Searsport on Oct. 1 in high school girls soccer. Lion Natalie Hamlin, middle, and Viking Kyla Perkins (6) vie for the ball as teammates Abby Donnelly, left, and Emma Waldron push down the field. The host Vikings and Lions tied 3-3 in overtime.

SEARSPORT — Traditionally, the Searsport and Belfast girls soccer teams would not face each other during the high school regular season. The schools — separated by the Passagassawakeag River and about 6.5 miles — typically see their lone action of the year against one another in preseason contests.

However, 2020 is no typical year as the Vikings and Lions converged at Searsport District High School for a rare, regular-season border battle on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 1.

And after two 40-minute halves — and two eight-minute overtimes — nothing was resolved as the squads battled to a 3-3 stalemate.

Watch video and see nearly 35 photos below.

Belfast is a Class B school of about 500 students and Searsport a Class D school of about 150.

On Thursday, Searsport held a 1-0 lead at halftime before the opponents turned up the offensive intensity in the second half, as the Vikings found the net twice and the Lions thrice.

Makenzie Alley got the Vikings on the board with 17:36 remaining in the first half.

Alley added a second goal with 26:09 left in the second half and Lily Nadeau rounded out the Searsport scoring with a goal with 15:11 to play in regulation.

Summer Deans, Natalie Hamlin and Anna Schortz netted second-half goals for Belfast.

Sarah Gent minded the net for the hosts and made 12 saves on 15 shots, while Stella Collins had one save on four shots in goal for the visitors.

The Lions held an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Courier Publications' sports staff can be reached by email at sports@villagesoup.com or by phone at 594-4401.

Rainy, slick fun under Friday night lights for Lions, Mariners

 Visiting Belfast leaves town with 24-0 win in 7-versus-7 play at Wasgatt Field

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By Ken Waltz | Oct 03, 2020

Photo by: Ken WaltzScene from Belfast at Oceanside on Oct. 2 in high school football at Wasgatt Field in Rockland.

ROCKLAND — The much-needed rain began to fall about game time, which, ultimately, made for slick footballs and difficulty throwing and catching. However, that did not stop Oceanside and Belfast student-athletes from their appointed fun during another, much different installment of Friday night lights.

In the end, the visiting Lions enjoyed a bit more fun than the Mariners en route to a 24-0 victory at damp Wasgatt Field.

It was Belfast's second 7-versus-7 game of the fall, while Oceanside took the field for the first time for official play.

On Friday night, the rain fell hard at times, but there were pockets of air dryness. Despite playing under tough weather conditions and a variety of safety protocols — as well as an entirely different format — due to the pandemic, the young athletes appeared happy to be back on the field.

Watch video and see more than 70 photos below. Additional information will appear later with this story.

The scene was a bit weird, however, from traditional football. There were no pads and only game shirts, shorts and, often, face coverings, worn by the players. And there were no spectators, as fans of the teams watched from outside the field in their cars or sitting on or standing beside them.

The handful of parents allowed into the game were honored by their Mariner senior student-athletes in a pregame ceremony.

The typical electric atmosphere of a a high school football game with hundreds of spectators and hard-hitting action was not there and the overall scene was a bit subdued, but still a fun, competitive, athletic activity for the teenagers.

Ultimately, this was not your grandfather's, father's or even brother's football.

It is different. Much different. Many players got to play quarterback and even went out on pass routes to catch balls. The skill players came in all sizes, meaning, the larger stature players did not get relegated to line play because there was no blocking.

Once in a while there was a run play, but passing was the name of the game. And all players got involved. The 7-on-7 game is more inclusive instead of exclusive for those able to catch and throw passes — or enjoy playing the "skill" positions.

When the game started the opponents had a bit of trouble making connections, as the tough, wet conditions was not as conducive to passing the ball, which is what the majority of the 7-on-7 touch/flag football is about.

Belfast took a 6-0 lead into halftime and extended that over the course of the second half.

The Lions had played the week prior, losing at home to visiting Bucksport 13-12.