This is the story of the seed of an idea and the field where it was planted. Eventually the story leads to a harvest that feeds a community. But before all of this, Alain Ollier went for a run.

Hearty Roots, a nature-based resilience program that supports youth in building confidence, connection, and emotional wellbeing through outdoor experiences, is proud to sponsor Thrive Together: How Creativity & Connection Build Youth Resilience, a free, daylong event blending art, teen-led conversations, and family-friendly activities. Presented by Studio B as part of the Puddle Dock Village Festival, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alna Meetinghouse in Alna with lunch included. 

Step into a topsy-turvy world of whimsy and wonder at Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library’s 2nd annual Storybook Ball: "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" happening Saturday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Carousel Music Theater. This event is generously presented by Ryder Systems, Inc. and R.M. Davis Private Wealth Management.

Your ticket includes a festive cocktail hour with charcuterie for grazing, a catered dinner with wine service, dancing, dessert, and a lively live auction, plus the joy of supporting free library services for our region. The Storybook Ball is a 21+ event.

With the coming of 2026, Around Boothbay Harbor will have seen the arrival of 25 new years. That has to be a record!  

Unique to each calendar is a letter from photographer and publisher Robert Mitchell with personal observations; news of his busy, close-knit family; and a photo (this year’s by Kevin Kiley shows them all, bundled up as they take in a New Year’s Eve sunrise from the rocks at Ocean Point).

This year’s St. Giles church fair in Jefferson promises to be a lot of fun, with an auction, kid’s events, craft tables, music, and food.

The event takes place Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the church grounds under the tall pine trees at 72 Gardiner Road in Jefferson.

The fair will include a live auction offering a three-day stay at a charming waterfront cottage with dock on Arrowsic Island, a two-night stay at ComfyDome glampsite in Jefferson, horseback riding, and a lovely handmade quilt.

Maine State Credit Union is bringing its Shred-It event to the Rockland community, Friday, July 25, 2025, at its branch located at 168 Camden Street. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Shredding On-Site will be securely disposing of personal and sensitive documents — free of charge.

 After a short break in 2024, Bigelow Laboratory’s annual Open House is back next month! Visitors of all ages are invited to visit the institute’s East Boothbay campus on Friday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet researchers and engage in a day of fun science activities. The staff is especially excited to welcome people this year to explore the brand-new Harold Alfond Center for Ocean Education and Innovation, which opened this spring and represents a 40% increase in Bigelow Laboratory’s footprint.

Organizers of the 12th annual OBD Williams-Fossett Vintage Car Show announced that registrations of all types will be free once again this year, provided by Bristol Township.  

Saturday. June 28 turned out rainy and windy but, thanks to St. Philip's 71st Strawberry Festival, a pleasant day nonetheless. Enjoy these moments captured by Wiscasset photographer Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio. 

People’s Perseverance for Palestine, a local group distressed at the continuing devastation in Gaza, is collaborating with others to host speakers who will address this escalating crisis.

The topic, “Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, What is There to Know and Learn?” will be held Saturday, July 5, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church, 51 Main Street, Newcastle. Open to the public and admission is free.

Healthy Kids’ 20th annual Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle 5k/Walk will run again this year! The event will be held July 5 at the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta. An out and back course is well marked, and the race is professionally timed. All runners and walkers will receive 20th Anniversary wicking T-shirts and custom lip balm with sunscreen. There will be homemade strawberry shortcake for all! Prizes and recognition will be given out by age categories.

Mark your calendars and get your appetites ready. The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) invites all community members to its annual Family Fun Day Lobster Bake on Sunday, Aug. 3, from noon to 3 p.m. at the beautiful Cider Hill Farm, 785 Main Street, Waldoboro.

Now in its 40th year, this summer tradition brings together year-rounders and seasonal residents alike for an afternoon of fun, camaraderie, and fantastic food. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just curious to meet your neighbors and local leaders and candidates, this event is open to all.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences will soon open its doors to community members, supporters, and ocean enthusiasts for its annual Café Sci series of science talks. This year, talks will take place on Wednesdays from July 16 through Aug. 6. People can join virtually or in-person at the Bigelow Laboratory campus in East Boothbay.

2025 marks forty-five years of Boothbay Region Land Trust protecting and providing access to the cherished natural areas of the Boothbay peninsula. To celebrate this special anniversary, the land trust will be going back to when it all began—1980. On Friday, July 11 from 5 to 9:30 p.m., BRLT will be holding an epic flashback fundraiser that will be the party of the summer! So, puff up your shoulder pads and press those linen suits for an elegantly eighties evening.

The Shortridge Coastal Foundationfrom Bates College will be the topic at the Thursday, July 10 “Summer Series” talk at the Popham Beach Library.In concert with the Bates Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Shortridge Coastal Center has served faculty, students, and resea

It’s not too late to take a chance on six spectacular raffle prizes, in Heartwood Theater’s annual Raffle Fundraiser, available at www.raffle.heartwoodtheater.org. Ticket sales closing June 28, and the odds of winning each prize is updated online daily.

The most popular and unique of the prizes is a 7-night stay in an original 200 year old thatched roof cottage, lovingly restored and modernized interior, in rural Northern Ireland. The offer is good for 2 years, and photos are available at raffle.heartwoodtheater.org. 

Plans are underway for another fun-filled Summerfest on Wiscasset Common. For over 40 years, First Congregational Church, UCC, Wiscasset has held its all-church fair on the fourth Saturday in July. Now called Summerfest + More, it will be better than ever.

On July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Common will be alive with music, homemade baked goods, food, treasures, jewelry, a silent auction, handmade crafts, children’s games and the always popular dog parade.

The educational schooner Harvey Gamage was in Wiscasset June 22 welcoming people aboard to check out the vessel at the center of a partnership with the school department on the Marine Learning Project. Photographer Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio shared these photos from the event. 

Wiscasset school committee members June 19 said they want to cut no employees as they prepare the next budget offer. They also urged caution if any cuts in maintenance spending are considered. Members were asking questions and commenting as they start budget work. The first budget offer lost at the polls June 10, under the prior school committee.