Machias’ Porter Memorial Library will offer a screening of “Lobster War: The Fight Over the World’s Richest Fishing Grounds” on Saturday, March 30. The showing will take place at the University of Maine at Machias Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m.
“Lobster War” is an award-winning feature film about a climate-fueled conflict between the United States and Canada over waters that both countries have claimed since the end of the Revolutionary War. The disputed 277-square-miles of sea, known as the “Gray Zone”, were traditionally fished by U.S. lobstermen. But as the Gulf of Maine has warmed faster than nearly any other body of water on the planet, the area’s previously modest lobster population has surged. As a result, Canadians have begun to assert their sovereignty, warring with the Americans to claim the bounty. The gray zone stretches from Cutler to Jonesport, and the film features interviews with some local fishermen.
The event will also feature a lobster raffle and a bake sale. All proceeds from those items and ticket sales will go to support the library’s annual operating fund. Tickets are $5 per person, and may be purchased online here or by visiting the library at 92 Court Street, Machias. Call 207-255-3933 for more information. To learn more about the film, visit lobsterwar.com.
Student Art Shows Spring Up at Porter
Porter Memorial Library will hold two art shows for local youth this spring. Starting April 9 and continuing through April 30, student art from Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School (RMG) will be on display at the library. The show will be curated by RMG Art Teacher Becky Lee. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Family and friends of the artists are welcome to attend.
The following month, from May 1 through May 31, artwork by area home school students will be featured in an exhibit at the library. The home school student art show is open to any home-schooled students from Machias and the surrounding area. Opening reception for the home school student art show is planned for Saturday, May 11 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Make arrangements to participate in the show by calling the library at 255-3933, or stopping in during hours Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Martin Irons author of “Phalanx Against the Divine Wind”. Twelve crew members died including Hobart MacLaughlan Seaman First Class of Machias. Reading & Book signing. Meet the author.
A workshop for kids on visualizing sound. What does sound look like? We will explore different ways of looking at sound and experiencing how we hear.
Book Delivery Service Call 255-3933
Snack & Stories from EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program) w/Rita Stephenson & Sandy Parsons, Community Education Assistant, UMaine Cooperative Extension. Ages 4-8.
Our 2nd Annual Porter Memorial Library Easter Egg Hunt inside the library. Ages 3-9. Hunters will go in two groups, 3-6 get a 10 minute head start before being joined by older children. Donations of candy & eggs are welcome for this, just drop off at the library front desk.
Porter Hosts Mountain Man John Colter LIVE!
On Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m., Porter Memorial Library will host a talk by mountain man John Colter, as portrayed by historian Charles Parker. John Colter was recruited by Meriwether Lewis in 1803 as a member of what became the Corps of Discovery under Captains Lewis and Clark. Parker’s live presentation at the library on April 20 is one of several special events for youth and families scheduled for school vacation week.
Parker will be dressed as Colter, in deerskin, with implements of the fur trade by his side; and will speak in the first person, as if he really is Colter. This style of presentation is sometimes called living history, or Chautauqua format. When you meet Mountain Man Colter at Porter Memorial Library, imagine that the year is 1810, and Colter has just arrived in St. Louis by canoe.