Belfast theater company without a home to go on hiatus:
Stay up to date with all of the current news from Regional School Unit # 71 in Belfast, ME. >> Robert England, Superintendent -- bengland@rsu71.org
December 7, 2021
November 16, 2021
Belfast high school students apply maritime archeology skills to old shipwreck
Fri, 11/12/2021 - 1:30pm
Normal low tide would have exposed more of the vessel for measurements but recent nor'easters made that a challenge. (Photo courtesy Chip Lagerbom)
Even with higher than normal water level, measurements were made and water tests such as temperature and salinity were conducted. (Photo courtesy Chip Lagerbom)
BELFAST — Students in the Belfast Area High School Marine Studies Class spent time in late October and early November investigating an old intertidal shipwreck on the Passagassawakeag River, measuring the vessels’ planks, submerged at high tide and covered in seaweed.
With a focus on maritime archaeology, students conducted an in-depth analysis for their required scale drawing of the vessel.
To that goal, students needed to accurately measure the length, width and thickness of timbers, futtocks and keel pieces of the vessel while also noting any iron spikes or hardware, saw marks or wooden trunnels.
Various artifacts were also collected to be cleaned and analyzed back at the school as to their association or not with the vessel. Students were tasked with developing and testing hypotheses regarding the kind of vessel, its use, its age, and its fate. They will all also prepare a detailed scaled map of the site and a site report.
BAHS Marine Studies instructors are Lisa White, Dave Thomas and Chip Lagerbom
November 10, 2021
RSU 71 board creates new ad hoc committees, approves extracurricular COVID guidelines
The committees will help inform board members about options to address three district issues.
BELFAST — Regional School Unit 71 Board of Directors on Nov. 8 approved the formation of three new ad hoc committees to look into regionalization, transportation, and athletic fields and track. Board members also approved a final draft of COVID-19 winter sports and performing arts guidelines that differ slightly from the draft approved at the previous meeting.
The committees will each have nine members who can be from the public, district staff, or anyone the board will consider. The board chairman will appoint committee members to one-year terms, with the superintendent and finance director acting as advisory members.
The first ad hoc committee will look into regionalizing the district’s elementary schools. District officials have been floating the idea for a while. Superintendent Mary Alice McLean has said that among other benefits, it would reduce district operating costs without eliminating any teaching positions.
The committee will consider several options, including full regionalization, repairing current schools, building a new school for the tri-towns and other ideas.
The transportation ad hoc committee will look at several options for busing, including upgrading and securing the existing bus garage, vehicles and buses; partnering with the city of Belfast to move into a space it creates; building a new garage; and outsourcing transportation.
The final ad hoc committee will consider options for reconfiguring the district’s track and athletic fields, including conducting a needs assessment, hiring a firm with money budgeted for this fiscal year, and keeping existing athletic infrastructure.
AdvertisementThere was some discussion about how many members of the public should be allowed on the committees and other issues regarding the committees’ development.
Board members had also discussed forming the ad hoc committees during an Oct. 12 meeting, where they directed district staff to create a draft to be approved at a future meeting.
Previously, the board had considered tasking the Long Range Planning Committee with addressing the three issues, but several board members thought it would be better to break the work up among three groups of people in committees.
In other business, board members approved a final draft of the Mid-Coast Superintendents’ Region Indoor Sports and Performing Arts 2021-22 COVID-19 Guidelines. At the last meeting Oct. 25, the board had approved a draft of the guidelines, which included allowing masked spectators at sporting and performing arts events, letting away teams use locker rooms and making masking optional for benched athletes.
The final draft differs slightly from the previous one in that benched players must wear masks during indoor games. Officials participating in sporting events may remove masks during games. McLean floated the idea of mandatory pool testing for all athletes and performers, but board members shot down the idea.
McLean has been in discussions with other area superintendents to create similar guidelines for athletes and spectators since the Maine Principals’ Association decided not to issue COVID-19 guidelines for winter games this year, leaving it up to individual districts.
AdvertisementThere is little guidance coming from the organization, which oversees high school sports. It is considering requiring wrestlers to have the COVID-19 vaccine in order to compete, which concerns RSU 71 Board Member Cory Seekins, who thinks vaccinations should be optional.
Seekins also doubled down on his preference for sidelined athletes to have the option not to wear a mask during games. Apparently compromising, he conceded the issue, considering the decision not to require athletes and performers to be in pool testing, though it is highly recommended.
“I’ve heard the idea that a good compromise is when both sides are unhappy,” he said, at which board members shared a laugh.
Board members discussed the guidelines for over 40 minutes. The draft passed with two board members voting against it. The guidelines also apply to middle school winter sports and performing arts shows.
November 4, 2021
RSU 71 Board allows spectators to games, performances, approves in-person meetings
Spectators will have to follow COVID-19 guidelines to attend games, and meetings will continue to have a Zoom option, with board members meeting in person.
BELFAST — Regional School Unit 71 Board of Directors decided to allow masked spectators into indoor sporting events and performances over the winter. It also decided to let participating student athletes and performers choose whether or not to wear masks. And members agreed to meet in person.
The Maine Principals Association is not issuing guidance this year on how districts should handle sporting events, so Superintendent Mary Alice McLean has been in contact with superintendents in area towns the school usually competes with to develop a set of mostly uniform rules regarding events and performances.
She presented a draft of the Midcoast Superintendent Agreement for Sports and Performing Arts to baord members Oct. 25. Board members agreed that spectators should only be allowed in school buildings outside of regular school hour,s so visitor restrictions will still be in place during the school day.
Board member David Crabiel had reservations about students taking admissions who might have to enforce the mask mandate for spectators. Finance Director Chandra Hodgdon said the school’s mask supply is low, but she thinks most people have reusable masks that they will probably wear to events.
Chairman Ryan Otis said he was apprehensive about approinge the plan in draft form when it could change at McLean’s next meeting with the other Midcoast superintendents.
Board Member Cory Seekins also expressed concerns over the mental health toll required quarantining is having on children. McLean said the district must follow state guidelines on quarantining requirements.
AdvertisementStudent athletes from other schools will also be allowed to use the locker rooms during games and competitions, which was not permitted last year.
In addition, board members agreed to start having meetings in person. Some board members were apprehensive about meeting in schools and talked about finding a large enough place to hold board members and members of the public.
Board meetings will be held in the Belfast Area High School band room with a Zoom option for people who want to attend virtually. Members of the public are asked to wear a mask if attending in person. The next meeting is Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
November 1, 2021
WCTC’s new go-kart program teaches more than just mechanics
A pilot program at Waldo County Technical Center is building go-karts while students get a taste of several programs available at the school.
WALDO — Students in a new go-kart building program at Waldo County Technical Center are learning physics, fractions, angles and torque without even knowing it. The course also builds confidence and basic trade skills, according to Ryan Stackpole, automotive tech instructor at the Tech Center.
The Go-Kart Initiative, or just Go-Kart, as it is known, is a collaboration between Gilman Russell, who teaches auto collision and composites, and Stackpole, with the goal of introducing younger students to the tech school and giving them a taste of several trades.
Matthew Gray, left, and Jaxon Maglaras, both ninth graders at Belfast Area High School, work on assembling a go-kart Oct. 28 at the Waldo County Technical Center. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Last year, Stackpole’s class did a mock-up of a go-kart, complete with custom bumpers and exhaust. This year, he said, ”is our first real year” as a collaboration between the two trade classes. “These guys are our guinea pigs,” Russell added.
“It gives them an opportunity to figure out what they really enjoy, or an understanding of what they like,” Stackpole said. All the students in the class, according to Russell, get a chance to weld, pipe bend and paint, along with designing a roll-bar, bumpers and an exhaust.
The metal tubing for the go-karts comes disassembled as a kit with everything but an engine and roll bar. Gilman said the engines are purchased from Harbor Freight and students design their own roll bar and weld it to their kart. They can also paint the frame and engine to their liking.
The carts come with no instruction manual, Stackpole said. “We built a mock-up last year to give them a reference.” They assemble the pieces and make sure it all fits together. All the mountings are the same, he said, but the students can design and customize bumpers and exhaust. “They are all slightly different.”
AdvertisementA Texas company provides the frames in the kit, and when assembled, Stackpole said, it looks similar to a Manco-style go-kart.
Stackpole said when they first received the engines, they tore them apart, then pieced them back together to familiarize students with the different components in a motor. The class also installed steering and suspension parts on each cart before bringing them to Russell’s class for painting and refinishing. “They have total artistic freedom on these,” Gillman said.
“You take a student that’s never turned a wrench, tearing down a motor,” Stackpole said. “It builds confidence.” The course also teaches students the importance of being organized, putting parts in plastic bags and labeling everything, he said.
Using the pipe-bending machine, Russell said the students learn about angles, measurements and spring-back — when the pipe retracts from the original measurement. They learn they have to go beyond the measurement to hit it right on, he said.
Russell said after the go-karts are assembled, the students will go back to his class to design composite bodies, which will go over the frames. Once the four go-karts are completed they hope to have students race them in timed trials around the parking lot at the Tech Center after Christmas. “Best time wins,” he said.
Another set of timed trials will take place in the spring with the completion of second semester go-karts. Stackpole said the response so far has been incredibly positive. “We’ve got seven students from the freshmen class,” he said. “It is a half-year course, so potentially we could have another seven students (next semester), which is unheard-of.”
AdvertisementWhen you ask a kid, “You want to learn welding or how to bend a pipe?” you might not get as good of a response as if you asked, “You want to build a go-kart?” Stackpole said.
Dana Harriman, a tenth grade student at Mount View High School, stands next to a go-kart he is working on at the Waldo County Technical Center Oct. 28. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Dana Harriman, a sophomore at Mount View, is bending roll bars in class today and said his favorite part of the class is welding. “My dad is a welder, and I would like to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
Matthew Gray, a Belfast Area High School freshman, said making the roll bar was his favorite part of the building process. “Today I’m going to do some welding,” he added.
Student Services Coordinator Bonnie Kein said Go-Kart includes aspects of many programs at WCTC, including auto tech, auto collision/composites, small engines, graphic design, welding and lots of math. Students earn half a math credit, half a fine art credit, and one elective credit through this one-semester course.
“Our hope is, with this taste of WCTC, Go-Kart students realize our school is a place they want to return to during their junior and senior year and will plan accordingly with their school counselor,” she said.
The program targets ninth and tenth graders, she said, with the second semester of the year starting Jan. 18. “We still have a couple spots available for interested students,” she said, and encouraged students to speak with their school counselor to sign up.
AdvertisementKein added, “WCTC is always willing to accept donations to support the valuable programs we offer.”
Stackpole said, “All of this stuff is transferable at some point. They will learn about hand tools, how to take stuff apart and put it back together.
“These guys may never do this again, or maybe they will find themselves on the side of the road (with a break-down) and be able to figure out what to do.”
For more information, visit waldotech.org/.
A go-kart prototype shows a custom-designed bumper Oct. 28 at the Waldo County Technical Center. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
October 20, 2021
Belfast Area High School Marine Studies students participate in discovery scuba experience
Prior to entering the water and to keep masks from fogging, BAHS Marine studies students Izik Marriner, Jesse Cowan and Paige Rollerson apply some de-fogger to their masks from Aqua Diving Academy dive master, while Marine Studies teacher Dave Thomas looks on. (Photo by Charles H. Lagerbom)
Before heading to the deep end of the pool, BAHS Marine studies students practice submerging themselves and clearing their masks. (Photo by Charles H. Lagerbom)
Tue, 10/19/2021 - 1:00pm
BELFAST — Some Belfast Area High School students in the Marine Studies class recently participated in a discovery scuba experience at the school pool.
Coordinated by Marine Studies teachers Dave Thomas, Lisa White and Chip Lagerbom, students were able to experience breathing underwater and learn about the sport, its safety and its equipment. Aqua Diving Academy of Portland traveled to the school and provided equipment and supervision with professional instructors.
“Such an experience may prompt students to pursue actual basic scuba certification and then possibly on to higher levels such as Scientific Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Dive Master and Rescue Diver,” said the instructors, in a news release.
October 18, 2021
Glassblowing heats up in a new studio at Waterfall Arts
It’s magical,' says founder David Jacobson. 'What makes it unique is that it’s captivating.'
BELFAST, Maine — Before the COVID-19 pandemic, David Jacobson owned a glassblowing studio in Montville.
"One man shop, making glass, giving lessons, and then COVID really impacted me, basically had nothing left," Jacobson said.
With little left of his business, he approached Waterfall Arts in Belfast to see if he could bring his talents there. The arts center already offered ceramics, photography and printmaking.
Chris Battaglia is the marketing manager for Waterfall Arts.
"I think there’s such a universal interest in glass right now that this capitalizes very randomly and luckily for us in that way," Battaglia said.
Jacobson offered to donate the equipment from his studio, teach classes, and in return he’d have a place to work on his own art.
Friend and fellow glass artist Carmi Katsir came on board. Together, they led the renovation of this former fallout shelter.
"We want people to experience this – we have so much fun with it and we just want to share that," Katsir said.
They opened the doors a few months ago.
"Now it’s grown in to the only school of its kind in the state of Maine, community based, we’re burning used vegetable oil as one of our heating sources, totally cutting edge. It’s just grown into a huge fantastically exciting project," Lacobson said with a smile.
No one is more excited about the studio than a group of Belfast Area High School students. Senior Emily Martell has taken other art classes, but this one is satisfying in a different way.
"There’s something about the 3-D medium of glass that’s like really fun to work with – and like heating it up and stuff, it’s just very exciting!" she said.
The process of glassblowing moves quickly – once you start, you can’t stop.
"You’re focused, you’re in it, and you’re going," Jacobson said, speaking from experience.
Katsir explained it this way: "We start out with a guided experience so we can have someone make something in a safe way but then each part of the process takes years and years to perfect, a glass, a bowl those are great starting points."
100 pounds of clear, liquid glass rests in the furnace set at over 2100 degrees. The rods and blow pipes are kept warm – in the pipe warmer – so the molten glass sticks to the metal when it is gathered. Color can be added by rolling the clear glass in colored glass on a thick, steel table that shapes and cools the glass. Each time the glass is reheated in the forge – which runs at 2300 degrees – it is rotated to keep it centered. Out of the forge, they can bring it back to the bench where they change the shape, blow it out, and use the shears or tweezers to manipulate the glass.
"This is like the glassblower’s office," Katsir said of the glassblower's bench. "We have all our tools here, we sit down at the bench here and we’re rolling the rods back and forth."
The students are each making a glass pumpkin. The molten glass goes in a mold which adds some lines to the design. They also use a wooden paddle to flatten the bottom of the glass.
"Like any art from that you want to become good at it just takes a lot of time and commitment," Jacobson said of the art form. "And the thing about glass is – I just wanna say – is it’s magical! What makes it unique is that it’s captivating and you fall in to two camps. Either you’re sucked in and you wanna learn more of it, or you’re very intimated by the heat, the process, all that it entails, and you say 'no thank you'.
Jacobson envisions that years from now, this will become a very influential glass center in New England.
"It’s all silver lining and I feel extremely fortunate and I have to say a lot of it was never on my radar, never part of my plan to do something this large and to be teaching like this and teaching the high school kids ... but everything just started to move in that direction," he said. "I was thinking, 'Who am I to stop this? Who am I to say no to something that’s just… bigger than me?' and here we are. And it’s gonna keep growing."
The glassblowing studio is open to the public, and people have come to take classes from across the state. If you would like to learn more about Waterfall Arts, click here.
October 15, 2021
Model aircraft carrier delights Ames students
A model of the aircraft carrier USS Independence brought smiles to many Ames Elementary school students Tuesday, Oct. 12. The event marked the kickoff of the Hygiene for Heroes drive, which collects items for veterans at Togus VA Medical Center.
SEARSMONT — Clyde Wellman, a Belmont native and local veteran who served in the Navy for 20 years, built a 40-foot-long replica of the aircraft carrier USS Independence in his spare time, according to his widow, Verlesta.
“He was a farmer and only worked on the ship in the wintertime,” she said. “He had said when he got through showing it, he wanted to donate it to the Veterans of Foreign Wars — it was a wish of his.”
After his death in June, Verlesta presented Wellman’s vessel to Randall Collins VFW Post 3108 in Belfast. Post Operations Manager Jim Roberts has been caring for it ever since.
The vessel has been in numerous parades, Verlesta recalled. “It was a labor of love,” she said. “He would be very pleased.”
Excited students at Ames Elementary School in Searsmont view a model of the USS Independence Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Students at Ames Elementary School got a close-up view of Wellman’s handiwork Oct. 12 when Roberts brought the vessel, along with one member from each branch of the military, to the school for a kickoff event for Hygiene for Heroes. The program collects items like soap, shampoo and toothpaste for veterans in need at Togus VA Medical Center and military nursing homes.
Ames Elementary School fourth grade teacher Sarah Nelson, gesturing, foreground, introduces special guests at the launch of the Hygiene for Heroes drive. From left are Waldo County Sheriff Jeff Trafton, Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Onnalee Blackledge and VFW Operations Manager Jim Roberts. Not pictured are Rob Adamski of the Army Reserves and First Sgt. Damiene Roberts of the Air Force. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
The items are stored in a “Comfort Closet,” Roberts said, along with combs, toenail clippers, baby powder, reading glasses, disposable razors, instant coffee, tea, white socks and gift cards to Walmart and Walgreens. The school collects the items and “We load up our trucks and bring them there,” he said.
Ames Elementary students ask questions about the model aircraft carrier visiting their school Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Roberts said the day’s message was all about community service and highlighting members who served not only their country, but also their community, and are still serving today. Roberts himself served in the Navy and said now manages all operations at the VFW.
Waldo County Sheriff Jeff Trafton said what is important to him is service. He started in the Marines out of high school and later served in the National Guard. He has served in his local fire department and is currently on the Select Board in Thorndike. He added that his wife serves on the Parks and Recreation Committee in the town. He encouraged students to consider ways they can support their community.
Waldo County Sheriff Jeff Trafton hands out flags to Ames Elementary students Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Rob Adamski is in the Army Reserve, where he is a part-time soldier and a full-time civilian, he said. He is an Army veteran who just returned from volunteering at the Boston Marathon as a medic. In his current job he helps organize civilians such as doctors, bankers, judges and teachers, to aid the Army in its work.
He has been a paramedic for 30 years and also a wildlife medic. “I get to work with eagles and turtles,” he said. “There are tons of different easy ways to give back. Maine needs people like you to do the really cool stuff.”
All of the intricate details, including the wooden planes, were made by Clyde Wellman, a local veteran who served in the Navy for 20 years. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Originally from Michigan, Onnalee Blackledge is a petty officer second class in the Coast Guard, where she has helped communities rebuild after hurricanes and other disasters. Anytime the government needed help with border control or building a home with Habitat for Humanity for a family in need, serving at food banks or blood drives, Breckenridge was there.
The day took on a special meaning for Roberts, whose son, on leave from the Air Force for a few days, was able to take part in the school event. First Sgt. Damiene Roberts said he has previously served as a network infrastructure section chief.
Ames Elementary students admire the model of the USS Independence Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
“I’m here until tomorrow,” he said, adding, “it has been four years since I’ve been home.” Damiene said every time he returns, he lends a hand where he can. “Last time I think we built the baseball field at Belfast City Park.”
In his current role he has helped with hurricane evacuations and with Thanksgiving meals for those in need, he said.
Fourth grade teacher Sarah Nelson said Ames is all about “Paw Pride,” which includes the qualities of respect, responsibility, cooperation, positive outlook and showing grit. Paw Pride, she said, “is also all about helping our communities.”
Details of the deck of the USS Independence aircraft carrier made by Clyde Wellman Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
Students were able to view the intricate workmanship built into the model ship while filing past where it was displayed on a trailer.
Student questions brought out some interesting facts — the ship is made out of anything Clyde could find, including wallpaper for the sides, he built everything by hand, including all the small airplanes; it took three to four years to complete and the ship does not float.
This is the 40-foot-long replica of the aircraft USS Independence built by Navy veteran Clyde Wellman. His widow, Verlesta, donated the vessel to the VFW after Clyde’s death in June. Photo by Fran Gonzalez
The school event presented an opportunity for kids to realize that everyone can make a difference, even at their age. Donations for the Hygiene for Heroes campaign can be dropped off at the front entrance of Ames Elementary School by Nov. 1 and will be presented for Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
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