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AUGUST 9, 2000

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TOP BLUEGRASS ARTISTS TO PERFORM AT MACHIAS FOLK FESTIVAL
Vassar Clements and Northern Lights August 19th at UMM

The 2nd Annual Machias Folk Festival will feature traditional bluegrass and old-time dance music in a
Stage Front presentation at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 19, at UMM.  The program in the Performing Arts
Center will coincide with the 25th Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival and the UMM Alumni Reunion
on the college campus.
Northern Lights, a popular New England bluegrass band that has delighted audiences across the U.S.
since 1975, will be joined by Vassar Clements, one of the world’s most versatile fiddle players. The
band has had three albums in the National Bluegrass Survey’s top 10.
Northern Lights was formed in 1975 in southern New England. Members who appeared in Machias last
year were mandolinist Taylor Armerding and fiddler Jake Armerding, both of Ipswich, Mass.; guitarist Bill
Henry of North Stonington, Conn.; master banjoman Mike Kropp of Richmond, R.I.; and bassist Chris Miles
of Georgetown, Mass.
Collectively, Northern Lights evolved from a good-time bluegrass bar band called How Banks Fall to one
of the premier ensembles in the progressive end of the music today. They appear at major festivals and
concert venues from New England to California, sharing billings with acoustic artists such as Peter Rowan,
Jonathan Edwards, Clements and Maine’s Dave Mallett.
Clements, the acclaimed "Father of Hillbilly Jazz", began his career in music with Bill Monroe when he was
only 14 years old, becoming a regular in 1949. He performed with bluegrass stalwarts Jim and Jessee
McReynolds from 1957 to 1961. Later, he toured with country legend Faron Young and participated in
the production of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1972 landmark album,
"Will the Circle be Unbroken."
Clements also recorded or performed with Jerry Garcia, the Allman Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Paul McCartney
and others. In 1992 he recorded "Grass Routes," his only straight bluegrass recording for Rounder Records.
He has been described by contemporaries as "the quintessential American musician, being well versed in
bluegrass, country, rock, blues, jazz and swing."
The program at UMM will open with music by the Black Socks String Band.  The seven local musicians
provide their own brand of folk and traditional old-time dance music throughout Maine.  Their easy
style has appealed to audiences for more than 15 years. They hold an ongoing, open and free jam
session from 6 to 9 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month at the
Whiting Bay Store.
Ellen Farnsworth, director of Stage Front: The Arts Downeast said tickets for the Machias Folk Festival
may be reserved by calling 255-1384. Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.

UMM TO HOLD INFORMATION SESSION FOR
ADULT STUDENTS AUGUST 10

An information session for nontraditional students-those who desire to return to education
after a few years or even many years, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 10,
at the University of Maine at Machias. The meeting will be held in the Portside Lounge of
Kimball Hall.
The adult student information session will open with words of welcome and presentations
by Sally Daniels of the Maine Educational Opportunities Center, and Jennifer Cole, an
admissions counselor with UMM.
Campus tours will follow and prospective students will be offered information about financial
aid.  A panel of nontraditional students will be available to answer questions on all aspects
of college life for adult students, Cole said.
For additional information about courses of study and to register call UMM Admissions
Office. The toll free number is 1-888-468-6866 and the local number is 255-1318.

UMM ALUMNI PLAN ANNUAL REUNION AUG. 18-20 ON MACHIAS CAMPUS
Tours of New Campus Facilities, Mac Sennett Lobster Feed are Highlights of Gathering

Graduates of UMM are expected to return to the Downeast campus from across the country August 18-20
for the annual Mac Sennett Lobster Feed and Alumni Reunion.
Guided tours planned for Saturday, August 19 will feature traditional campus landmarks familiar to
older returnees along with the University’s new Center for Lifelong Learning and the George Simpson
Murdock Bookstore. The Center for Lifelong Learning includes a new fitness facility, aquatics center,
expanded bookstore, and an Internet café, bold 21st century facilities that complement the
historic backdrop.
The reunion will open with registration from 2 to 5 p.m., Friday, August 18, in Powers Hall. In conjunction
with the initial registration period, UMM’s Art Galleries will be open to feature "The Years on the Barrens,"
a photography exhibition by David Stess. Pieces in UMM’s new Diversity Collection, a permanent exhibit of
Native American basketry will also be available for viewing on the first floor of Powers Hall.
The new bookstore and Internet café will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. and the main fitness and aquatics
complex at the Center for Lifelong Learning from 4 to 8 p.m.
The alumni association will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m., in Portside. From 7 to 9 p.m., a reception
will be hosted by Dr. John Joseph, UMM’s new president, and his wife, Marlene.
In addition to campus events, UMM alumni will have an opportunity to take part in the 25th annual Machias
Wild Blueberry Festival running through the weekend in community’s downtown district.
The campus will be a beehive of activity Saturday, August 19, starting with registration at 9 a.m. and
continuing to 1 p.m. in Kimball Hall. Afternoon registration for late arrivals will be from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
in Kilburn Commons. Guided tours will be offered every half-hour between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and again
at 1:00 p.m.
The CLL will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
From noon to 1:30 p.m., honored classes will gather for lunch in the Galley at Kimball Hall. This year’s
honored classes are 1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1990 and 2000.
President Joseph will welcome alumni and guests at 1:45 p.m. in Kilburn Commons. A folk art auction
and a traditional auction with all proceeds benefiting the alumni scholarship program will follow his
brief address.
The UMM Alumni Association will conduct its award and recognition program in Kilburn Commons, beginning
at 4 p.m. Scholarships will be presented, distinguished alumni and honored classes will be recognized and
class photographs will be taken.
The annual Mac Sennett Lobster Picnic will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in Kilburn Commons. The event is named
after the late Dr. Lincoln A. "Mac" Sennett who served from 1946 to 1971 as the University’s
fourth president.
The evening’s entertainment will be the second annual Machias Folk Festival. Beginning at 7 p.m.,
in the Performing Arts Center, the Stage Front presentation will feature bluegrass and traditional old-time
dance music.
The Black Socks String Band, a popular local group, will open the program for the lush harmonies and lightning-fast instrumentals of Northern Lights. Vassar Clements, a five-time Grammy nominee and
well-known fiddler, will join the featured bluegrass performers.
Please call (207) 255-1384 for Folk Festival Ticket reservations or more information. A special ticket price
for alumni and their families is being offered.
The reunion program will conclude with a continental breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Sunday, August 20.
UMM Alumni and families may arrange to stay in campus residence halls one or two nights and pay for
their lobster meal or a chicken barbecue by contacting Barbie Holmes at the university’s business office
in Machias. The number is (207) 255-1312.

RECORD NUMBER OF CAMPERS ATTEND
MAINE CONSERVATION CAMP AT GREENLAND POINT CENTER

Over 270 campers attended Maine Conservation Camp at the Greenland Point Center (GPC) in Princeton
this summer. The Greenland Point Center is an educational outreach center operated by UMM. Starting
in late June, University of Maine at Machias students and members of the professional staff welcomed a
record number of youngsters to a series of encampments during which an appreciation for nature
was cultivated.
This is the most number of children to attend a conservation education camp since the program began
in 1995. This summer also saw a record number of camperships being offered by conservation
organizations throughout Maine. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provided one
hundred and fifty camperships funded through the auctioning of five moose hunting permits this past
spring. The Penobscot County Conservation Association sponsored another sixty campers this summer
from the greater Bangor/Brewer area. At least fifteen other conservation organizations have sponsored
from one to ten campers each.
The increase in children participating in conservation education programs and the willingness of people
to fund these programs is a clear indication of the high value Maine people place on preserving their
natural resources.
The Greenland Point Center staff have been most effective in teaching land and water conservation ideals
 to young people. The staff is made up of highly motivated students from UMM majoring in either Recreation Management, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Education.
Conservation topics like wildlife and fisheries management, ecology, and forestry are interwoven with
outdoor recreation activities such as canoeing, swimming, sailing, camping, fishing, and hunting. Campers discover the adventure of the Maine outdoors, which creates a strong desire to preserve its
natural resources.
Maine Conservation Camp also includes gun handling safety and riflery programs. Through the firearm
safety program each camper is taught how to handle firearms safely and how to recognize a person who
is not handling a firearm safely. The knowledge these campers acquire at Greenland Point Center may be
able to help avoid firearm tragedies.
To compliment the funds raised to send children, several organizations have contributed to support
the improvement of the outdoor recreation facilities at Greenland Point Center. The Penobscot Fly Fishers
started a fund raising campaign to improve the aquatic area at the Center. The new and improved aquatic
area will be named in memory of Francis Montville, a PFF member who devoted much of his time and
energy in teaching young people fly fishing and other conservation ideals.
The American Legion Post #9, in Machias has made several large contributions to support the facilities
at the Greenland Point Center and recently made a significant contribution to the aquatic area project.
Any organization or person wishing to contribute to the Francis Montville Aquatic Area may do so by
contacting Greenland Point Center at (207) 796-5186.
Other recreational facilities improvements include an expanded sports area and a new multi-use sand
volleyball area. The facilities were built by University of Maine at Machias students with the aid of Dick
Parker, a local volunteer who donated his time and the use of his equipment in the construction of the
two facilities.
Work is continuing on a recreation trail that will link all the Center facilities together and make them
accessible to individuals who may be physically challenged. The handicap accessible trail is the second
project funded by a grant from the Maine Recreation Trail fund. The first project, completed last summer,
was a multi-use recreation trail that linked Greenland Point with the Princeton and State of Maine
trail systems.
Other major contributions this last year included an increase in the Greenland Point boating fleet.
The camp received several boat donations including a 21-ft sailboat, a gift from John and Susan Loyd
of Harpswell. The sailboat will be used during the summer at Greenland Point and for sailing instruction
on Gardner Lake during the fall semester.
Although Maine Conservation Camp is over for this summer season, Wet n’ Wild, the conservation
program for children aged eight to twelve is just starting. This program still has openings and
camperships are available. Maine Waterways Adventure, a teen program that takes young people on
one-week long canoeing or sea kayaking trips, will be operating for several more weeks this summer.
Camperships are still available for each program. So if you have a Wet n’ Wild type of youngster or a
teen who looking for a Maine Waterways Adventure, call the Greenland Point Center at (207) 796-5186
to register for this season’s summer programs. For more information visit the Greenland Point Center
web site at www.umm.maine.edu/gpc/html.

The USAF
SILVER WINGS
Chief Master Sergeant James K. Queen, Leader

The United States Air Force Silver Wings Band will be performing at UMM beginning at 6:00 PM on
August 11, 2000. This concert is offered FREE to the public and will be held rain or shine.
Silver Wings, The United States Air Force Band’s newest performing unit, presents the finest in country
music Formed in 1993, the group has firmly established itself in the Washington, D.C. area music scene
and beyond.
From country’s classics to the hot new sounds of today’s artists, Silver Wings has excited audiences
from The Nashville Network’s "Prime Time Country" show, Opryland Themepark and the Grand Palace
and Remington Theatres in Branson, Missouri. At home, Silver Wings is regularly featured at the U.S.
Capitol, Pentagon and The White House.
In a protocol setting, Silver Wings is the band of choice for many of Washington’s senior military and
civilian leaders. The band’s special brand of American music is the highlight of the evening as dignitaries
host their counterparts from countries such as China, Austria, France, Kuwait and Lebanon.
Silver Wings also provides world-class support for The USAF Band’s highly acclaimed Guest Artist Series
where they have performed as a featured act, opened for Ricky Skaggs, and backed-up stars like
Roy Clark, Jennifer Wilson and Tom Wopat. Silver Wings plays the music that America
wants to hear.
Silver Wings features leader Chief Master Sergeant Jim Queen on fiddle, guitar, banjo, keyboard and
vocals; Senior Master Sergeant Chip Clemmer on drums; Master Sergeant Chris Kosky on bass and
vocals; Technical Sergeant Marie Mindnich on lead vocals; Technical Sergeant Travis James Humphrey
on lead vocals and guitar; and Technical Sergeant Matthew Ascione on lead guitar.

NEW $600,000 GEORGE SIMPSON MURDOCK BOOKSTORE
OPENS AT UMM
Donor Recognition, Ribbon Cutting Highlight Day-long Event on Downeast Campus

The doors of the George Simpson Murdock Bookstore at UMM were opened to the public in a festive
daylong ceremony held on Saturday, July 29. The joint commitment of community and campus to raise
funds to fill a local educational need was praised by speakers at the event.
Approximately 250 to 300 people attended the program in the bookstore and the CLL, of which the new
facility is a component. A children’s story hour led by Linda Cross Godfrey, creator of "The Quoddy Kids
Come Along Adventures," opened the festivities and was well attended.
Maine authors Philmore B. Wass, Kathleen M. Brandes, Sara Graves, Karlene K. Hale and Melissa
MacCrae were on hand throughout the day to display their works and sign books for buyers.
Hosts of the program were Dr. John Joseph, campus president; Barbara and Kenneth Manchester, co-chairs
of the highly successful Capital Campaign for the CLL; and the Murdock family, led by George Simpson
Murdock’s widow, Marilyn. The Murdocks were dedicated supporters of the effort to
create the center.
In addition to the donor-recognition program the grand opening featured the Washington County Children’s Chorus, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. A complimentary lunch was served at noon in the Reynolds
Center and the swimming pool and fitness area was open to the public free of charge for
several hours.
The successful completion of a $600,000 fund-raising effort to construct the bookstore was announced
May 15. The fund drive was a continuation of a community-campus partnership that resulted in the
construction and opening of the first phase of the Center for Lifelong Learning last year. The $3 million
complex has a competition-size swimming pool, fitness center and support facilities.
College Bookstores of America operates the George Simpson Murdock Bookstore for the university and
Sue Derickson of Machias is bookstore manager. For more information please contact the Bookstore at
(207) 255-1232.

Send feedback on any of these stories to
ummfeedback@hotmail.com
Submit articles to
umm_events@hotmail.com

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