February 2010 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 9.
ATLANTIC CHALLENGE'S NEW MANAGER GEORGE SPRAGUE Waterfront News
ROCKLAND – Atlantic Challenge is pleased to announce the appointment of George Sprague as its new Apprenticeshop Manager.
Sprague is no stranger to the Apprenticeshop community. He was a 2008 graduate of the Apprentice program and has worked in support of AC’s waterfront programs since that time. In his new role as Apprenticeshop Manager, George will supervise the shop programs and waterfront operations of Atlantic Challenge. “I am very pleased that George has agreed to join our team,” said Eric Stockinger, Executive Director. “Having been through the program, George understands our philosophy of experiential education. He also has a natural leadership quality and a “get it done” attitude that will benefit all of us.”
George brings a varied background to his new role at Atlantic Challenge. Since moving to the midcoast three years ago, he has worked on the Rockland waterfront in many capacities: as a crew member on commercial vessels such as the Penobscot Bay Pilot Boat and a local day-sailing schooner, as well as supporting several traditional wooden boat-building projects in the region, including the recent rehabilitation of the Schooner Timberwind
out of Rockport. Prior to coming to Maine to pursue his Apprenticeship at Atlantic Challenge, he worked in the steel construction industry.
George’s background also includes 11 years of military service where he served as an active duty Marine and in the New Hampshire Army National Guard. His service included 15 months of active duty in Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom. George credits his leadership skills and passion for finding innovative solutions for managing and organizing small groups to his training as a Marine Corps sergeant.
“I can’t think of a better time to be joining the staff at Atlantic Challenge,” George said. “The combination of long-time employees such as our Lead Instructor Kevin Carney, and new leadership with Executive Director Eric Stockinger, plus 16 enthusiastic Apprentices, makes this an exciting era for the Apprenticeshop. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
In addition to his work at the Apprenticeshop, Sprague is also pursuing a degree in small business management at the University of Maine and teaching courses at The Woodturning School in Damariscotta. George and his family make their home in Bath, Maine.
Eastport's Pirate Festival Adds Lobster Boat Race
EASTPORT – The Eastport Pirate Festival Committee has announced that the dates for the 2010 Fifth Annual Pirate Festival will happen September 10, 11 & 12, the weekend after Labor Day. The Eastport Pirate Invasion of Lubec will happen the weekend before. “We are proud of the fact that The Eastport Pirate Festival has become one of the biggest attractions on the Coast of Maine and The Canadian Maritimes for people of all ages in five short years,” says festival creator and founder John Miller. “It is truly a wonder- ful family event that we have been able to take up a notch each year to attract more visitors to our historic island community.” Over 125 local businesses and numer- ous individuals contributed last year to keep 95% of the events free for public enjoyment and participation. The Pirate Festival actually takes place the first two weekends of Septem- ber, starting with the Invasion of Lubec which has become a major day of colorful family events in itself. The Pirate Festival also attracts thousands of visitors to the region thanks to the tremendous support of news- papers, radio and TV stations on both sides of the border.
“The number of contributors in a down
economy speaks loud and clear of the impor- tance this event has for the local business community,” says Eastport Pirate Festival treasurer Christopher Wadsworth Brown.” It is a real shot in the arm for Eastport’s economy before we all hunker down for the long cold winter that follows.”
Many local businesses report that they do as well or better financially during Pirate Festival Weekend as they do over Eastport’s historic 4th of July Celebration. Some events at last year’s Eastport Pirate Festival at- tracted an estimated 10,000 people to the island community.
“We are proud of the fact that The Eastport Pirate Festival is home grown and rooted in the volunteer efforts of over 100 individuals on the island with many having family history that goes back to when Pirates actually sailed these waters,” says festival chairman Ross Furman. “The entire event happens as a result of people contributing and volunteering thousands of hours and dollars. We receive no public or Chamber funding and the festival pumps a small for- tune into the local economy at every level of
Continued on Page 10. LOBSTER BOAT RACE PHOTO CD
George Sprague
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