Out and About for the Sanford/York Lakes Region of Maine Apr. 6-12

Out and About for the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine Apr. 6-12
April 5, 2017
Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Apr. 6-12
Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Apr. 6-12
April 5, 2017

Out and About for the Sanford/York Lakes Region of Maine Apr. 6-12

“Woodcock Watch,”  Wells Reserve, Laudholm Farm, Wells

Apr. 6, Thursday, 10:30am, “York History Series: Revolutionary War (Part 2),” York historian James Kences will discuss York’s experiences during the four phases of the war, from the earliest phase of the New England armies, to the onset of Washington and Continental army in the autumn of 1775, to the winter of 1778, and the alliance with France and the European involvement, to the final years after Cornwallis and Yorktown and the Peace of 1783. Life in the town during the war and the lives of soldiers from the town will be examined, free, 15 Long Sands Road, York. FMI: 207-363-2818, www.york.lib.me.us.
Apr. 6 and 7, Thursday and Friday, 7pm, “Woodcock Watch,” Woodcock enthusiast Paul Dest leads this walk in search of the famed timberdoodle. Paul is well versed in the woodcock’s life history, conservation status, and management, and is an engaging presenter. In early spring, just before dawn or just after sunset, landscapes of field and young forest come alive with the unique sounds of the American woodcock. This migratory bird is a sure sign of spring, but is not so obvious as the robin or the red-wing. These woods-dwelling shorebirds begin to claim their territories around the middle of March. Over just a few weeks, the male performs a display that impresses both female woodcocks and lucky human observers. The bird spirals high above the earth while creating a high-pitched twittering with its wing feathers. The display, soon cloaked by darkness, can last many seconds. Back on the ground, the woodcock repeats nasal “peent” notes as it prepares for another flight. The reserve manages grasslands and early-succession forests with woodcocks in mind, so it’s a great place to experience this fascinating ritual of spring, $7, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. FMI: 207-646-1555, www.wellsreserve.org.
Apr. 7, Friday, 5-10pm, “Annual Brain Fair,” features many hands on and interactive activities for everyone. Come see how amazing your brain is! We will have free ice skating, neuroanatomy demonstrations, virtual reality tours of the brain, skills competitions with our UNE scholar athletes, helmet giveaways, information about concussions, Lyme Disease awareness, crafts and PRIZES! Hope to see you there, free, Biddeford Campus, University of New England, Alfond Forum, 630 Pool Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207-602-2517, www.une.edu.
Apr. 7, Friday, 8pm, “Juston McKinney Comedy Show,” a night of hilarious comedy with the very talented Juston McKinney. Juston has been featured on The Tonight Show with both Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, in his own half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central, in another special called Middle Class-hole, and appearances at multiple venues around New England and the US, $23, Sanford Elks, 13 Elm Street, Sanford. FMI: 207-324-8184, www.justonmckinney.com.
Apr. 8, Saturday, 10am-12pm, “Woodworking: Small Wall Shelf,” Come learn basic woodworking techniques used for building a wall hung or free standing shelf for decorative or utility use. Design options will be explained and you will leave with your very own shelf. All materials are included. About the Instructor: Chuck Devine is a furniture maker and carver, holding certificates in Furniture Making and Architectural Millwork & Cabinetmaking from Palomar Community College in San Marcos, California. He offers woodworking instruction to individuals and groups ranging from teaching the basics of setting up a shop, solving individual project problems to navigating advanced designs. He has broad experience using a multitude of hand tools and power tools and has instructed on a variety of subjects. Chuck recently moved from Oregon where he taught woodworking for Central Oregon Community College from 2007 to 2015, $45, Compass Project Boatshop, 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford. FMI: 207-391-6830, www.compassproject.org.
Apr. 8, Saturday, 10am-2pm, “Old House Doctor,” Old houses were built to last. Find out how, with a little TLC, yours can stay in good condition for many years to come. Meet staff members of Historic New England and Preservation Timber Framing, as well as representatives from the South Berwick Historic District Commission and Old Berwick Historical Society. Find the answers to questions about your old house, including preventive maintenance, caring for older double-hung windows, identifying architectural style, choosing paint colors, restoring old barns, rules for homeowners in a historic district, and researching the history of the families who once lived in your home. Feel free to bring photos of your house along with your questions, $5, Sarah Orne Jewett House Museum and Visitor Center, 5 Portland Street, South Berwick. FMI: 207-384-2454, www.historicnewengland.org.
Apr. 8, Saturday, 11am-1pm, “April Still Life Painting Session,” join artist Amanda Hawkins for a 2-hour session of still life painting. This is a group, not a class. Light instruction, coaching, advice, and encouragement will be provided, but not a formal lesson. All levels welcome from beginner to advanced. Some experience is helpful, but complete novices are welcome too. A still life will be provided or bring a photo or object that you’d like to work from. A relaxed, informal atmosphere. Any medium allowed. Bring all your own supplies. If you have a field easel, bring it, as we have limited tables, $10, Engine, 128 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207-370-9130, feedtheengine.org.

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