LETTERS: Voter suppression is beneath us!

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To the editor:

I urge Mainers to Vote No on Referendum Question 1. Please say “NO” to this voter suppression effort. But don’t just take it from me. Chris Potholm – an expert on Maine politics and former campaign manager – condemns the modern assault on voting rights in his book How Maine Decides: An Insider’s Guide to How Ballot Measures Are Won and Lost

“In 40 years in Maine politics, with all types of political groups, I can’t ever remember anyone talking about suppressing the opponent’s turnout. That line of thinking today is most antidemocratic and very corrosive to the body politic. It’s a shame, and those currently advocating it should be ashamed.”

Maine has one of the highest voter turnouts in the country. Let’s keep it that way! Restricting voting rights – by limiting housebound seniors’ and disabled Mainers’ access to absentee ballots – is beneath us.

Livka Farrell
Rockland

Conservation District seeks nomination for Board of Supervisors

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has one opening on its five-member Board of Supervisors. The volunteer board, which is responsible for guiding the District’s business affairs and operations in it’s mission to provide assistance to the community in conservation of land and water resources, is comprised of three elected and two appointed supervisors, who each serve overlapping three-year terms. This year we are seeking nominations for one elected position.

Anyone interested in 1) running for the office of supervisor, or 2) voting in the election must be a registered voter within the boundaries of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). Candidates need have only an interest in conservation and a willingness, at a minimum, to participate in a monthly board meeting at the District office or online. To run for an elected position, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by 25 Knox or Lincoln county residents.

In addition, the SWCD Board welcomes Associate Supervisors, non-voting members appointed by the Board, who may have an interest in the general activities of the District or a specific area of interest or expertise to share.

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the District office. The completed election document must be received at the District office by 2:30 pm on October 24th, after which candidates will be posted on our website, https://www.knox-lincoln.org/board-of-supervisors. Completed Ballots must be received at the District office no later than 9 a.m on November 19, 2025, and will be counted at the board meeting tentatively scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.; public is welcome to attend.

To receive nomination papers or a ballot, or for more information, contact Election Superintendent, at 893 West Street (Route 90), in Rockport, 596-2040 or julie@knox-lincoln.org.

EVENTS: Erosion Control workshop slated for November

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring an in-person day-long training in Basic & Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification for contractors on Thursday, November 6, at the Wiscasset Community Center, located on 242 Gardiner Road. The training will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments.

If you are an excavation contractor, landscaper, well driller, or other individual involved with soil disturbance within the shoreland zone and have not yet taken a class, sign up now so you won’t have to turn away jobs! The course is geared for, and of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal codes enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, and public works employees.

In this eight-hour course, participants learn why erosion control practices are important; be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation; learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs); and become familiar with regulations requiring Erosion and Sediment BMPs. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of ESC practices in accordance with Maine DEP’s “Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.”

John Maclaine of Maine DEP will facilitate this course, which is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Department.

Pre-registration with payment of $95 (mail-in registration) / $98 (online registration) is required by Tuesday, November 4. Attendees may register and pay at the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website at https://www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops/basic-and-advanced-erosion-control-practices-certification-nov or for more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

EVENTS: Erosion Control workshop slated for November

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring an in-person day-long training in Basic & Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification for contractors on Thursday, November 6, at the Wiscasset Community Center, located on 242 Gardiner Road. The training will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments.

If you are an excavation contractor, landscaper, well driller, or other individual involved with soil disturbance within the shoreland zone and have not yet taken a class, sign up now so you won’t have to turn away jobs! The course is geared for, and of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal codes enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, and public works employees.

In this eight-hour course, participants learn why erosion control practices are important; be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation; learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (ESC) Best Management Practices (BMPs); and become familiar with regulations requiring Erosion and Sediment BMPs. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of ESC practices in accordance with Maine DEP’s “Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.”

John Maclaine of Maine DEP will facilitate this course, which is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Department.

Pre-registration with payment of $95 (mail-in registration) / $98 (online registration) is required by Tuesday, November 4. Attendees may register and pay at the Knox-Lincoln SWCD website or for more information, contact Knox-Lincoln SWCD office at 596-2040, louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Conservation district seeks nominations for board of supervisors

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has one opening on its five-member Board of Supervisors. The volunteer board, which is responsible for guiding the District’s business affairs and operations in it’s mission to provide assistance to the community in conservation of land and water resources, is comprised of three elected and two appointed supervisors, who each serve overlapping three-year terms. This year we are seeking nominations for one elected position.

Anyone interested in 1) running for the office of supervisor, or 2) voting in the election must be a registered voter within the boundaries of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). Candidates need have only an interest in conservation and a willingness, at a minimum, to participate in a monthly board meeting at the District office or online. To run for an elected position, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by 25 Knox or Lincoln county residents.

In addition, the SWCD Board welcomes Associate Supervisors, non-voting members appointed by the board, who may have an interest in the general activities of the district or a specific area of interest or expertise to share.

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the District office. The completed election document must be received at the District office by 2:30 pm on September 20, after which candidates will be posted on our website, https://www.knox-lincoln.org/board-of-supervisors. Ballots must be received at the District office no later than 8:30 am on November 20, 2024 and will be counted at our Board meeting tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 9 a.m.; public are welcome to attend.

To receive nomination papers or a ballot, or for more information, contact Election Superintendent at 893 West Street (Route 90) in Rockport, 596-2040 or julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

EVENTS: Announcing annual wildflower seed fundraiser

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District has announced their autumn fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth. Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden, filling in a side yard, or planting across acres of land, wildflowers are an easy-to-grow solution and supportive of pollinators.

They offer three seed mixes:

Showy New England Wildflower & Grasses Mix, New England Annual & Perennial Mix and Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

For a list of plants included in seed mixes and to purchase seeds, check out our website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/wildflower-seed-sale. Orders can be picked up at their office, located at 893 West Street (Rte. 90), Rockport, or mailed for an additional fee to cover postage and handling. Seed mixes are for sale until supplies last. FMI, please email info@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District spring plant sale set for May 11, 2024

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Don’t miss the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District Spring Plant Sale, at Union Fairgrounds, on Saturday, May 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plants have been chosen for their value as windbreaks, lakeshore buffers, bank stabilization, erosion control, and wildlife habitat – including songbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects. Individual varieties were selected for productivity, pest and disease resistance, a variety of soil and light conditions – and to provide beauty and color in the home landscape from spring through fall. Many plants that we will have available are responsibly grown by Crystal Lake Farm & Nursery, in Washington, and from Rebel Hill Farm, in Liberty. They accept credit card, checks and cash payment methods.

They will also have available their Backyard Compost Bin and Rain Barrel items, including Systern rain barrels, Earth Machine and Trap-Wire compost bins, compost turners and thermometers. For description and prices, refer to: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/backyard-sale.

For more information, visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale or email info@knox-lincoln.org, or call 207-596-2040. Proceeds of the sale benefit the conservation district’s education and outreach programs. Thanks for your support.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln SWCD launches annual plant sale

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2024 Spring Plant Sale Catalog is now available in print and online! Plants are available for pre-order, either online or by mail through Tuesday, April 16, 2024. They are offering curbside pick-up of your orders on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, and “Cash and Carry” on Saturday, May 11, at Union Fairgrounds. Quantities are limited so order early for the best selection!

This annual spring fundraiser provides more than 180 varieties to choose from: bareroot fruit trees and berries for the home orchard and garden; native conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for conservation, wildlife, and landscape enhancement; and native, organic, Maine-grown perennials and herbs in one-gallon pots for pollinators. The plant list includes new varieties in all categories and returning favorites. As always, the print catalog offers descriptions of the plants and cultural requirements to aid in choosing the right plant for the right place. Plant care fact sheets are available on our website.

The proceeds of this fundraiser support the youth and adult conservation programs throughout the year.

They are dependent on volunteers to help pack orders and distribute to customers. Volunteers receive some perks as a thank you for helping. If interested, please contact louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Don’t wait to place your order, visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale to download a catalog or to shop online; call 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org to receive a catalog by USPS – and, think spring!

EVENTS: KLS&WCD to present award

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The community is invited to Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s Conservation Awards Celebration on Wednesday, August 23, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. The banquet will be held at Beaver Lodge, in Hope.

This year’s Conservation Award Recipients are:

  • Brodis Blueberries, in Hope, will be awarded the Conservation Farm of the Year for 2023. Brodis Blueberries has been recognized recently from many achievements. Gwen Brodis and her husband Dick, purchased the farm from their parents in 1967. Ron and Sonja Howard are helping to manage the farm after Dick Brodis passed in 2016. Knox-Lincoln SWCD recognizes their achievements in conservation efforts ensuring soil health, water quality, moisture retention and a healthy habitat for wildlife. • Sharon G. Chadwick’s work with KLSWCD will be acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 1996, Sharon G. Chadwick served on the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Board of Supervisors at first as an associate and then as a supervisor. Sharon lives with her husband, Gerald, at BenEva Farm, in Warren, and still operate as a conservation farm, raising commercial Black Angus beef. For several decades, Sharon helped with judging the Annual Poster Contest and at our Conservation Fair and Plant Sale. (See attached photo)

  • Shelby Chadwick

    Shelby Chadwick will be recognized with the 2023 Excellence in Conservation Education Award. Shelby, a second grade teacher at Camden-Rockport Elementary School (CRES), worked alongside the District to develop and offer our Pollinator Party program, which engages students through hands-on, place-based outdoor activities with pollinators and pollination.

 

 

Golf Fore Kids Sake to be held at Samoset Resort in May

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Photo by Monica Charette

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s 2023 Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, at Samoset Resort, presented by Dover Ford and Union Fair Auto, welcomes teams to participate in its May 26 tournament to support one-to-one youth mentoring.

The annual spring golf tournament is expected to raise over $50,000 for community and school-based mentoring programs across seven counties served by BBBS of Mid-Maine.

“We are excited to welcome a full course of supporters back on the green this spring to help raise critical funding for local youth,” said BBBSMM Interim Executive Director Mae Slevinsky. The tournament is limited to the first 28 teams to register.

In addition to Dover Ford and Union Fair Auto, Golf Fore Kids’ Sake is supported by Colby & Gale and Machias Savings Bank (Major Sponsor); Austin Associates, P.A. (Lunch Sponsor) and Scoreboard Sponsors: PDQ Door, Maine Coast Orthodontics, Rockland Hannaford, and Cape Air.

To sponsor, or to donate to the Golf For Kids’ Sake auction, email info@bbbsmidmaine.org or call 207.236-BBBS (2227). For more information about Golf Fore Kids’ Sake, visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine will hold a second Golf Fore Kids’ Sake tournament on Friday, September 1, at Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank. Team space is limited. To register, or sponsor, please call 207.236-BBBS (2227).

Big Brother’s Big Sister’s long-standing, successful mentoring programs pair children, ages 5-16 (Littles) with caring, responsible role models (Bigs) in one-to-one friendships in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. By partnering with parents, volunteers and local organizations, children in the program have higher aspirations, greater confidence, develop better relationships, avoid risky behaviors, and achieve educational success.

For information about enrolling a child in our mentoring programs, or becoming a volunteer or mentor, please call 236-BBBS (2227) email info@bbbsmidmaine.org, or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.