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Friday, September 2, 2022
Volume 18 • Issue No. 35
Matt Rosenberg By Gina Carbone, Staff Writer YORK / WELLS Rock stars? Pro athletes? Dime a dozen. The coolest, most exclusive job one can have – or rather, can’t have – is Nubble Lighthouse keeper. Matt Rosenberg, 48, of Wells, has been the official lighthouse keeper and Sohier Park caretaker for the past 10 years, making him one of the few people on the planet allowed at the iconic Maine lighthouse. Maine Open Lighthouse Day is September 10, but Nubble Light is not participating, Rosenberg said, because it is too difficult to get people to the island. He does get help with various tasks on the island as needed, but otherwise to head out there one has to win one of the raffles the run twice a year for a picnic,
Nubble Lighthouse Keeper
with tickets sold at the gift shop. The Nubble, also known as Cape Neddick Light, opened in
1879. For more than 100 years, lighthouse keepers lived on the island with their families. Coast
Guard Petty Officer Russell Ahlgren was the last keeper to live at the lighthouse. His family left 35 years ago in 1987 when the light was automated. Rosenberg said if he had the opportunity he would live at the Nubble like the keepers used to. “I’d have to talk my wife into it, though.” When he isn’t working at the Nubble, Jim is an English teacher at York High School. His unique skills helped set him apart from other applicants for the York Parks and Recreation job. “Rowing to the island is challenging in rough seas,” he said. “I was a whitewater raft guide for 10 summers. I’ve also worked as labor in the trades, mostly plumbing and landscaping. They also needed someone who could talk to the public, and
I’ve been a teacher for twentythree years.” Rosenberg’s job is to mow the lawn and do maintenance work at the lighthouse, and he’s also responsible for the Sohier Park grounds. The seasonal schedule is from early April to early January. During the school year, he works about 15 hours a week. In the summer, he works around 35 hours a week, splitting time between the island and the park. It may sound pretty simple, but one cannot drive or walk to the Nubble. Murphy’s Law is immune to the lighthouse’s charm. “I think the key to this job is being resourceful,” Rosenberg said. “Things usually do not See ROSENBERG on page 8 . . .
OPA Presents 30th Annual Capriccio Festival OGUNQUIT On Saturday, September 10, Ogunquit Performing Arts (OPA) opens its 30th Annual Capriccio Festival with ever yone’s favorite event, the Capriccio Festival of Kites at Ogunquit Beach. Returning to provide high-f lying music for this event is Portland violinist, fiddler, singer Andy Happel.
Local Average Tide Chart Date High Low Sat
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Wed 7
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Sun Rise Sun Set Sat
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Tue
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Wed
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Andy will perform two concerts during the day, one at 10 a.m. and one again at 2 p.m., serenading beachgoers, spectators, music lovers, and hundreds of kite flyers. Andy plans to bring along some musician friends to join in the fun, playing selections from his repertoire of exotic tunes and lilting rhythms. In addition to Andy’s performances, festival activities will be scheduled throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This delightful annual festival
when the sky will be filled with all the day’s kites. It’s a spectacular sight!
A well-known festival faSee CAPRICCIO on page 2 . . .
8th Annual Wild Blueberry Fest in Eliot ELIOT First Congregational Church of Eliot continues to connect in sweet ways. The joy of being able to get together again for good, sweet fun has the church excited to invite everyone to their annual Wild Blueberry Festival on Saturday, September 10 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The congregation’s “Fun-raising” team is raising the tent and raising hope for a wonderful turnout as they raise funds for the mission and ministry of the church. Feeding the hungry, sharing stories of love and keeping
Arts & Entertainment 11-16
Library News
Calendar of Events
Obituaries
24
4-7
features professional kite flying demonstrations, with multiple and oversized kites filling the sky. Children will be provided with free blank canvas kites, along with colorful markers and crayons. They can decorate their own kites, which can then be entered in a contest with multiple categories and many prizes to be awarded. Kites are also available for sale at the beach, so that no one is left out of the fun. The finale scheduled at 2 p.m. is the “Grand Ascension”
9-10
Classifieds
29-30
Pets
22
Dining
20-21
Puzzles
31
Home & Business
26-28
Real Estate
22-23,32
PAGES
the doors of fellowship open for all who seek acceptance in community are the church’s goals. The Blueberry Fest brings out support for mission work from people far and wide. The connections made are the sweetest! Local crafters and artisans will have their goods on display for sale. Retailer Upscale Resale opens their sale tent bright and early for those one-of-a-kind vintage treasures. Craft tables, baked goods tables, a wine raffle booth and the now-famous Blueberry See BLUEBERRY on page 16 . . .
Health & Fitness
A section concerning your health . . .
17-19
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