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.

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.'

A glassblowing studio ready to serve the public in Belfast

Volume 90%

 

Author: Peggy Keyser (NEWS CENTER Maine)

Published: 11:01 AM EDT October 14, 2021

Updated: 11:03 AM EDT October 14, 2021

 

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. 

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.

BY FRAN GONZALEZ

Ames Elementary School students view a model of the USS Independence Oct. 12. Photo by Fran Gonzalez

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.

Belfast Area High School to move to remote learning for Oct 14 & 15

 October 13, 2021

Dear RSU 71 Families,

At BAHS, we are finishing the school day in person today, but there will be no practices, competitions after school today, tomorrow, and Friday.  Due to the increasing number of positive coronavirus cases at BAHS, we will need to go remote for two days, Thursday, October 14, and Friday, October 15. Therefore, all athletic and extra-curricular activities are postponed through Friday. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up curbside at BAHS between 9 and Noon on Thursday and Friday. 

We know of 13 positive cases at BAHS and are waiting to see the test results of several other students. At the moment, we have over 50 BAHS students in quarantine, with the likelihood that this number could climb considerably higher over the next few days. Our goal is to interrupt the number and frequency of classroom exposures. All students will have their 1:1 devices and attend school remotely, following the same synchronous bell schedule.  We currently intend to return to in-person instruction on Monday, October 18. All other schools will remain in school in person.

This message will be Robo-emailed to all staff at 10:20am and students, families, and the community after 10:30am.

As always, please feel free to be in touch with our administrators, school nurses, and me. 

-Mary Alice McLean, Superintendent of Schools RSU 71

Mary Alice McLean

Superintendent of Schools, RSU 71

(207) 338 - 1960

Game Loft kids help Belmont Boatworks retrieve winch from bay

 A group of teenagers were enjoying ice cream when they were approached by someone from Belmont Boatworks who was having trouble getting a winch out of the bay while removing a sunken skiff.

BY KENDRA CARUSO

From left, Ethan Bryant, Jesse Cowan, Shi McLellan, Sylis Littlefield and Desmin Littlefield pull on a rope Oct. 2 to help Belmont Boatworks pull a winch in. from Belfast Bay. Courtesy of Ray Estabrook

BELFAST — Sylis Littlefield, 15, was eating Wild Cow Creamery’s Mexican hot chocolate ice cream along the Harbor Walk Oct. 2 when he and other students in The Game Loft and its sister program I Know Me were approached by an employee of Belmont Boatworks.

The worker was having trouble pulling a winch out of the bay while hauling out a sunken skiff with a machine from a truck. He asked  the teenagers, who were dressed in period clothing, to pull on the rope connected to his winch to get it out, Sylis said.

Earlier that day, the students had been volunteering at Grove Cemetery, dressed as historic Belfast figures for a tour organized by the cemetery’s trustees. Most costumes were modeled on outfits from the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. Sylis was dressed as a famous congressman associated with Belfast, he said.

When asked, the kids did not hesitate to lend a helping hand. Sylis said it was difficult pulling on the line, but he was glad he could help. “It was really heavy and you couldn’t make it go faster. It only went as fast as it went,” he said.

It is unclear why the boat sank, but the Harbormaster’s Office verified that it was a skiff associated with a fishing boat.

I Know Me program director Patricia Estabrook said the students’ behavior was in line with the organization’s mission to promote community involvement and positive youth development. The Game Loft and I Know Me serve kids from Regional School Unit 71 and Regional School Unit 3, respectively.

“People were really impressed,” she said. “It was exciting there were kids in uniforms and fancy dress and beautiful costumes and they were ready to pitch right in and help out wherever they needed help. That’s what we hope that we will inspire in kids, both as they are in their youth and when they become adults. Always ready to volunteer, always ready to do positive things for their community.”

The organization helps kids figure out who they are by teaching them about the community they come from so they can determine where they are going in life, she said. Kids gather to play non-electronic games after school.

One onlooker was concerned about the children pulling on the line. Nautilus staff member Shawna Aitkins said she was working when she noticed the kids pulling on the rope. She thought it was dangerous and said if the rope had broken the children could have been hurt.

But for Sylis it did not feel unsafe. He said the line was strong and he never felt like it was going to break. After their assistance, the kids received appreciation from Belmont Boatworks.

Belfast Area High School holds mostly ‘normal’ homecoming this year

 After losing out on many traditional events over the past two school years, students threw themselves into a beloved fall ritual.

BY KENDRA CARUSO

The seniors' Hollywood-themed hallway at Belfast Area High School waits to be judged Oct. 4 for homecoming. Photo by Kendra Caruso

BELFAST — Belfast Area High School students enjoyed the return of homecoming during the week of Oct. 3 this year after it was canceled due to COVID-19 last year. There was no parade and Friday’s football game and dance were postponed because of active coronavirus cases in the school.

Each class competed against the others in a number of categories, including hallway decoration, dress-up day participation and attendance at sports and other homecoming events. Seniors came in first place with 475 points, according to Student Senate Adviser Molly Ross. “All in all, I was thrilled with the week, especially in light of past COVID restrictions on school activities,” she said.

There was a bonfire and outdoor viewing of the movie “Shrek 2” Wednesday attended by well over 200 students, she said. Going into the event, she was pleased with the energy and effort that students had put into their hallways, which were completed and judged by Oct. 4.

Seniors’ hallway theme was Hollywood, juniors’ theme was ’80s, sophomores’ theme was Halloween and freshmen’s theme was Wizard of Oz. Each hallway had to incorporate school pride and was judged by an anonymous panel of school staff.

Sophomores at Belfast Area High School decorated their homecoming hallway with a Halloween theme. Photo by Kendra Caruso

The varsity and junior varsity football games had to be postponed at the last minute because there were a number of team members in quarantine due to possible COVID-19 exposures. The dance was also postponed.

As of Oct. 8, the high school had three positive coronavirus cases and several students in quarantine due to possible exposure, Superintendent Mary Alice McLean said in a weekly newsletter.

Student Senate President Grace Hall felt that it was important to hold a homecoming this year because this year’s freshmen and sophomores have never had a homecoming and juniors have only had one homecoming.

She said it seemed like there were more people participating in decorating class hallways this year compared to previous years. “I think the more people you have excited about it, the more you get excited about it,” she said.

The event is a chance to encourage healthy competition among school peers in a positive and fun atmosphere, she said.

Belfast Area High School juniors decorate their hallway with an ’80s theme for homecoming. Photo by Kendra Caruso

Belfast Area High School’s freshmen class decorated its homecoming hallway with a “Wizard of Oz” theme. Photo by Kendra Caruso

Halloween at the Y

 

Heidi O'Donnell receives District Award of Merit for Scouting work

 Mon, 09/27/2021 - 6:15pm

Heidi O'Donell, seated center, received the District Award of Merit. Present to stand with her as she received the honors were her daughter Taylor and son Matthew. (Courtesy photo)

Luanne Chesley, Advancement and Recognition Chair, presented the District Award of Merit to Russell Cahn. (Courtesy photo)

Troop 200 Camden table at the District dinner. Taylor Clayton, Heidi O'Donnell and Matthew Clayton. John Wood, Ed and Susan Weber. (Courtesy photo)

BELGRADE — Heidi O'Donnell of Camden Troop 200 received the highest award a local Scouting District can bestow upon a volunteer Scouting on Saturday, September 25 when she was presented the District Award of Merit during the annual District Scouters' Recognition Dinner held at Camp Bomazeen.

O'Donnell has been involved as a leader with both Girl Scouts and Scouting since her son Matthew Clayton was a Tiger Cub Scout in 2011 and her daughter Taylor Clayton first registered with Girl Scouts. Both joined her at Camp Bomazeen to receive the award. Matthew is currently working towards his Eagle Scout rank and Taylor has submitted her Gold Project award. Overall, Heidi has 42 years of service with the Girl Scouts USA program after starting as a Brownie in first grade.

Heidi has been involved at various levels of both programs and has also served on Camp Bomazeen staff and worked at several Merit Badge colleges. Like Cahn, she was a member of the 2017 National Jamboree staff and also attended the 2019 World Jamboree. O'Donnell was co-trek leader for Philmont in 2019.  Outside of Scouting, Heidi has been involved with the YMCA and was awarded its Volunteer of the Year in 2016.

"I love being part of the scouting program – both Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts,” said Heidi, in a news release. “It is my hope that my involvement in scouting has made a positive impact on many. I know it has had a significant effect on myself and my two children and I am grateful that they were both there to celebrate with me. I look forward to many more years in scouting and encourage others to consider helping to make scouting strong in their communities as it is fulfilling work on so many levels."

John Wood, a long-time Scouting volunteer from Hope said, "Scouting has been this young lady's life. She is well deserving of this award."

District Chair Joe Shelton said, "We are very blessed to have so many outstanding volunteer Scouting leaders in Kennebec Valley. They make this program happy and it is only fitting that we take the opportunity to recognize those who have given so much." 
 
Also receiving the District Award of Merit was Russell Cahn who currently serves as Scoutmaster of Troop 631 Augusta. His Scouting career began when he joined Cub Scouts as a leader in New York Pack 349 where he served as Den Leader for Tigers, Wolf, Bear and Webelos dens. He was also Little League Coach from 2009-2014 in Forest Hills, NY.  When the family moved to Maine, he and his family quickly got involved in Augusta's Cub Scout Pack serving as Assistant Cubmaster and Den Leader. When his son Tyler was old enough to cross over, Russel joined Troop 631 in Augusta as an Assistant Scoutmaster and became Scoutmaster in 2020. Russell also served as the Cub Scout Rangemaster for Kennebec Valley District and served as Rangemaster for Pine Tree Council since 2017. Cahn teaches several merit badges and was a member of various Merit Badge Colleges. He also was a member of the 2017 National Jamboree Staff and the 2019 World Jamboree contingent. 

Julie McKenney, Cub Day Camp Director at Bomazeen and Kennebec Valley District Activities Chair, praised Cahn. "Russell's knowledge from his previous unit in New York helped shift the way the Kennebec Valley District holds their Pine Wood Derbies. His guidance has molded the derbies into a far more enjoyable format for our Scouting families." 

Cahn's wife, Tracy, is a member the Chair of the Troop Committee and their son Tyler is working on his Eagle Scout project. Both were present when the award was presented to him by District Advancement & Recognition Chair Luanne Chesley of Vassalboro. 

"Scouting allows me to share knowledge about the outdoors and the values of Scouting that they otherwise would not receive,” said Cahn. “Scouting gives them outstanding experiences that will help them develop into leaders."