November 10, 2025 • 30 mins
General assignment reporters Ali Juell, Christina Wallace, and Claire Taylor discuss the top headlines from the week. In the second segment, Christina Wallace sits down with Christina Belknap, the executive director of the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta to discuss their recent renovations and reopening gala.
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Thank you for listening to "Beyond the Broadsheet: A Podcast by The Lincoln County News." Beyond the Broadsheet is produced by Lucas McNelly and Maia Zewert. Production support provided by Tyler Davis of Tyality Productions. Theme music by Stu Mahan and Sherwood Olin.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:09):
Welcome to Beyond the Broadsheet, a podcast by the
Lincoln County News. We are a community newspaper
based in Mid Coast Maine and we provide the most comprehensive,
in depth coverage available anywhere of the 18 towns and 1
plantation that make up Lincoln County.
My name is Allie Jewell and I'm a reporter here at LCN covering
the towns of Newcastle, Damariscotta, Whitefield and
(00:30):
Edgecombe. And my name is Christina
Wallace. I'm also a reporter here at LCN,
covering the towns of Bristol, South Bristol, Bremen and
Nobleborough. And my name is Claire Taylor,
and I'm a general assignment reporter here.
Last week, general assignment reporters Claire Taylor and
Christina Wallace talked throughsome exciting local business
(00:51):
updates. After reading off this week's
headlines, Christina will chat with Christina Belknap, Lincoln
Theatre's executive director, about the theatre's recent
renovations. But first, here are some of the
top stories from the Thursday, November 6th edition of the
paper. Even though it's, you know, one
(01:12):
week behind the times, we did cover Halloween events last
Friday and also just, you know, in the lead up to October 31st.
So how are y'all's Halloween events?
What were the highlights? They were really fun.
Yeah, it was. I feel like I got a good range
(01:35):
of like I feel like I got to do a trick.
Or treat. In Dan Roscotta, which was
really fun, very cute, lots of kids in costumes.
And then I also got to go to theOpera House at Booth Bay Harbor
and go to their potluck and scary stories event, which was
very fun. So I feel like I kind of got
like an all ages kind of range of.
(01:57):
Events totally. The potluck and scary stories
sounds so much fun it. Was really fun.
It was, Oh my gosh, Kevin Kiley,the director, the technical
director there just like goes all out on the decor.
And it was, it's really. That's awesome.
I got to go to South Bristol Schools annual Halloween party,
(02:18):
which is hosted by their 8th grade class to raise funds for
their yearly trip to Washington,DC So they spend the whole week
there, and they make it a super educational trip.
And Lori Stiles, the principal of South Bristol Schools, said
that the 8th grade class raised over $1000.
Yeah, so they did really good, but they had a dunk tank and the
(02:40):
8th grade class took turns beingdunked and dunking each other,
which is really sweet. They had like a haunted maze in
the school. And they also do a cakewalk.
So every year parents from the 8th grade class bake cakes and
they do like a musical chairs game with the cakes and all of
that. So it was really cute.
Lots of cute kids in costumes, which made me really happy.
(03:01):
So yeah. That's sweet.
Yeah, I went to the Wiscasset parade on Friday and that was
when my mom was in town, so I had her tag along for.
For that. Reporting assignment and it was
really sweet to base the parade was mostly just like kids in
their families and trick or treaters of all ages just like
(03:23):
walking down the street. So it was just fun to get to see
like everyone's costumes at onceand yeah, just see all the
spooky spirit. Yeah, it was really sweet.
Some kids had some really creative costumes too.
What what were some of like the best costumes you saw?
(03:43):
I would say for me, an entire family of kids dressed as
minions. Was.
Super cute and I really appreciated that.
There was a there was some pretty elaborate ones or like
elaborate and creative in ways that I like feel like I would
never have been able to go up with.
There was a kid who is dressed up as a cuckoo clock like he had
(04:06):
a full constructed cuckoo clock like with the and he was the
little bird in the. That's awesome.
Dang, I, the one that has like stuck in my head for whatever
reason was one of those, you know, like the inflatable ones.
(04:26):
It looks like the person is likeriding some kind of creature.
There was one, there was a womanin one that was a Unicorn and I
had never seen that one before. So I was, I was very intrigued.
But very sweet. The classic indeed, indeed.
But yeah, even though it's a week late, it's it was a good
(04:49):
Halloween and good to celebrate.It's fun to see all the
different ways that the community does celebrate, yeah.
100% Well, in other news. Well, moving on to the next
holiday, I suppose, veteran's day.
We have a story this week about a veteran couple for whom
(05:15):
service comes in many forms. If not for tradition, the
Bailey's might not have enjoyed the life they've shared for the
past 61 years. James Jim and Nancy Bailey of
Dan Roscotta met while they wereboth serving in the US Air
Force. They married a few months after
(05:35):
Nancy mustard out in 1964. The pair lived together in
Shreveport, LA, before moving toNew Maine, where Nancy grew up.
Nancy worked as a nurse and Jim worked in construction and as a
mail sorter for the US Postal Service before they both
retired. They now spend their time
volunteering and finding ways tohelp others.
(05:58):
We are the happiest when we can find, when we, pardon me, we are
the happiest when we can do something to help someone else,
Nancy said. Very sweet, sorry.
OK, new owners of Edgecomb Christmas Tree Farm prepare for
first holiday season. Riley and Brian Dunn hadn't
(06:20):
planned on opening or owning a farm, but when Green Acre Tree
Farm in Edgecomb went up for sale previously, the pair
couldn't pass up the chance to own a Christmas tree business.
The pair, along with their two kids, an extended family, moved
from Arizona in March to start the year round process of
Christmas tree farming. Planting, trimming, mowing 17
(06:42):
acres of land, the whole shebang.
And it's been a long lead up, but it's finally time for the
selling season. Green Acre Tree Farm opens to
customers or already did open onFriday, November 7th and will
stay open until Sunday, December21st.
That's. Super exciting.
(07:04):
Yeah. Boy, I bet the the jumped from
Arizona to Maine in March. That's been a little bit of a
rough start. Yeah, yeah.
When I was kind of asking them just like in general what some
of the lessons have been, they're like, no season is
permanent. So but they were saying it's
(07:26):
it's been like a lifelong dream to move to Maine.
So they're. Well, and what a way to do it
too. That's so, yeah, absolutely.
Yeah, that's awesome. I walked around the farm with
them and one of their kids was with us and I was like, this is
like a dream childhood growing up on a Christmas tree farm.
Like, yeah. That's awesome.
That's awesome. In news out of Jefferson,
(07:47):
Jefferson residents validated the town's third education
proposal with a vote of 667 to 510 during the Tuesday, November
4th referendum election. The revised budget totals
$9,369,346.88, which is a decrease of 677,470 and 98
(08:10):
cents, or 3.97%, from the secondversion.
Residents failed to validate both of the previous iterations
of the budget at the polls, withthe second version failing on
August 12th, the vote of 279 to 152.
The latest figure marks an increase of $818,950.30 or 9.58%
(08:34):
from the fiscal year 2025. Danielle Bernier, the chair of
the Jefferson School Committee, said.
I want to thank the committee and the administration for their
hard work with this budget. Together, we were able to reduce
the final budget while keeping the needs of all of Jefferson
students at the as the top priority.
So, so glad that they were finally able to validate that
(08:55):
after three attempts. Yeah, looking forward to
hopefully business as usual for the Jefferson School Committee
moving forward. Totally, Yeah.
Well, I mentioned this earlier, but I did get to go to the
potluck and storytelling event at the Opera House at Boothbay
(09:17):
Harbor. They lured guests in with tasty
treats and chilling tales on thenight of Wednesday, October
29th. With hanging skeletons, leering
Jack O lanterns and flickering candles, the Opera House was
transformed. Amid the spooky scenery, guests
enjoyed a potluck dinner. Readers took to the stage to
(09:38):
tell every kind of spooky story,including Stephen King excerpts
and Yuri Reddit tales. Host Kevin Kiley of East Booth
Bay said he hoped the event provided a place where people
could enjoy Halloween and not feel like an.
Outsider that sounds. Like a really fun event it.
Was it was a really lovely senseof community.
(10:00):
Did you bring something to the Pollock?
I did. I brought pumpkin chocolate chip
muffins. That sounds really good.
Were they all gone by the time you left?
We got to take a couple of them home, but it was like enough of
them were gone that I felt good about myself.
That's. Good.
That's it. Perfect in some county news
Commissioners way DA allocation following $1.00 advisory
(10:24):
committee vote After a near 0 allocation recommendation and
concerns around criminal justicein Lincoln County, the Board of
Commissioners must decide how much the District Attorney's
office will get in the next county budget.
District Attorney Natasha Irvingattended a budget workshop on
Thursday, October 30th and the Commissioners Tuesday, November
(10:46):
4th meeting to address the Advisory Committee's $1.00
recommendation and possible budget cuts related to her
prosecutory success. Advisory Committee members in
attendance said they did not have any ill intent when making
the protest recommendation. Richard Powell of Noble Borough
said there are community concerns surrounding repeated
(11:07):
offenders and during that meeting the commissioners asked
Irving to come to their Tuesday,November 4th meeting to discuss
what was most critical from her office's budget.
She went to the meeting and basically told them that in her
(11:28):
opinion, it's a no frills budgetask of $519,000.
And yeah, they said that they will work on determining where
to go between the $1.00 recommendation and the $519,000
request. So we'll see what happens.
(11:50):
Hope they can find. Some middle ground, yes.
Descendants and dictators are spotlighted in Monhegan artist
latest book. This is a story by Sarah
Masters. Artist and author Asher Bryant,
who is a part time on Hagen resident, recently released a
new book about visual artists working under oppressive regimes
(12:11):
and the Descendants draftsman Bryant primarily uses
illustrations to tell the stories of real historical
artists who suffered under authoritarian regimes in an
imagined singular tale. The book features words and
images on artists like Margot Frank, older sister of diarist
Anne Frank, and Latvian Russian painter Alexander Draven.
(12:35):
Even though the stories did not initially make him hopeful or
happy, Bryant said he believes readers can take away hope from
the book. Very cool.
Yeah, looking at some of the images that Sarah Masters
included, it looks very beautiful.
And yeah, I love seeing words and images come together to
(12:56):
create a tale like that. That's very cool.
Yeah, Wiscasset residents approve local referendum
questions. So during the Tuesday, November
4th election, Wiscasset residents approved all three
local ballot questions. On top of state measures, voters
decided whether or not the town should appropriate up to
(13:18):
$325,000 from the undesignated fund balance to to secure a $4
million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The grant would be used for updates to wastewater
infrastructure. Residents also said the town's
solar and zoning regulations could be adjusted.
So, yeah, all right. And in other news, our character
(13:45):
of the county this week is Paul Mosley, who always wanted to be
a builder. I am born and raised in Maine.
self-employed handyman Paul Mosley knows he's been dealt a
lucky hand. Before settling in the mid
coast, Mosley spent his 22 year career in the US Navy as a
builder, working all over the world on projects big and small.
(14:06):
Mosley was set on becoming a builder before he was drafted
into the Vietnam War. In January of 1971, he enlisted
on the condition of joining the Seabees as a builder.
To learn more about Mosley, pickup a copy of the paper or go to
lcnlcnme.com. And now Christina and Christina.
(14:28):
Will chat. About the Lincoln Theatre.
Spelled the same as well. It's awesome.
(14:50):
All right, and we are back. I am joined with Christina
Belknap, who is the Executive Director from the Lincoln
Theater. Christina, thank you so much for
being here with me today. Hi, thank you so much for having
me. I'm thrilled to be able to to do
this. I love talking about the
theater. So recently the Lincoln Theatre
underwent some pretty major renovations and you had a
(15:10):
reopening gala. We did, yeah.
So at the end of August, we closed for some renovations to
the theatre lobby. So the theatre itself is 150
years old this January, and thatis a really exciting milestone.
So we want to make sure that we celebrate her birthday with a
nice makeover, setting her up for her next 150 years.
(15:32):
We also had a executive prior tome, Andrew Fenniman, who did
amazing things for the theater. The theater had mortgages and it
wasn't open for a lot of programming.
And he came in and he worked with people to get rid of the
mortgages. He developed a membership
program. So this lobby is really in
(15:55):
dedication to him. We'll have some sort of special
dedication event with him hopefully in January, but at
some point in 2026, so we can celebrate all of the incredible
things that he did. But part of the lobby
renovation, this first phase, wedid a lot of cosmetic work.
So the theatre lobby used to be a baby blue color with a dark
(16:18):
blue carpet, and it was lovely, but it didn't really meet the
same feeling of the auditorium, which is a gorgeous space.
It's got these silk brocade panels on the walls, red seats,
you know, the black stage and the dark proscenium opening to
the stage. And we really wanted to make it
feel like a more cohesive space and have that nice warm theater
(16:40):
feeling when you first walk in. So the first phase of
renovations really was most of that cosmetic work.
We did some alterations to the floor so we could level it out
and new paint, new light fixtures.
And then we have some plans for phase two that are coming up
next year. That's awesome.
(17:01):
So when did the discussion for these renovations start?
It's. Been going on for a very long
time. That's an interesting question.
I have learned a lot about renovations and how long
everything takes. We started talking about this in
2021 and that was the year that he and I were transitioning.
(17:24):
So we were spending a lot of time focusing on just how he was
going to step out and I was going to step in.
And then that first year that I was running the theater on my
own, his advice was don't put too much time into thinking
about this renovation. So while we were getting ideas
and sort of putting things into motion, nothing really started
(17:46):
moving is until 2022. And that was when we brought in
an architect and they were terrific.
But some of the initial plans ended up being things we
couldn't do and getting a contractor and then
subcontractors. So all together, it's been about
three years until we actually saw something finally happen,
(18:09):
which was very stressful and very exciting once they actually
were in there tearing up the floor.
I can imagine that would be sucha good feeling like finally
seeing that progress happening. Yes, yes.
So can you kind of go in depth over specifically like what the
renovations were and really yourreasoning behind having those
(18:29):
specific renovations done for the first phase of it?
Yeah, sure. So there are some things.
The building, like I said is 150years old.
So if you stand in the lobby, you can see where there are
spots that are not level and youcan still see some.
But one of the things with pulling up the floor was we were
able to fix some of the spots where it was sinking a little
(18:50):
bit here and there. And there was a, you know,
pretty significant ramp connecting one portion of the
building that's fairly new, probably about 20 years old that
connects to the 150 year old building.
And we really wanted to make that a safer space, level it out
the best that we could. So that was one of the most
(19:10):
important things. And then really just updating it
so that it felt more like a welcoming theater space.
The second part of the renovation, which will involve
more of this concessions area, that we're getting a new popcorn
machine. It's not here yet, but it'll be,
they keep telling me it's comingagain.
You hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait.
(19:32):
That is a larger popcorn machineand it's got more of a vintage
look to it, which will be reallynice.
But we have events that are incredibly busy.
I just left the theater. We had Classic Film Club and it
was the first one of the season.Last night we had about 170
people and this afternoon we had150.
That's a lot of popcorn and it'shard to keep up.
(19:54):
So this new popcorn machine willhelp.
That's huge. It seems like not a big deal,
but it's huge. We also put cup holders on all
the seats. Which it's really fun when
you're in the auditorium and youhear people going, Oh my gosh,
these cup holders are great because we used to have drinks
kicked over everywhere. Again, doesn't seem like a big
deal, but it's huge for us and it's a really nice bonus for the
(20:15):
patrons. We're also getting a self-serve
refrigerator, which we're hopingwill help speed things up for
patrons so that they can grab their Coca-Cola while they're
standing in line. They don't have to ask for it
and wait for us to get it. We'll keep beer and wine behind
the counter. We'll continue to be in charge
that, but it's going to be really nice and it'll just have
(20:36):
that newer look to it, new new cabinets and we've done a little
bit of cosmetic work back there,but it's going to be, it's going
to be nice. The concessions really could use
some sprucing up. That's really exciting.
So talk to me about the reopening gala that happened,
yeah. That was really fun and thank
you for coming. It was so nice to see you there.
(20:57):
So we worked with Jim Drum from Drum and Drum Real Estate, who's
wonderful and he was so excited about this.
So the two of us together, we came up with a plan for having
these grand flowers and his friend Charles Harris had, I
think it's in 1928. I apologize if I'm getting the
year wrong. Packard Speedster that they
(21:19):
brought, which is this incredible car.
And they had that parked out front.
So as soon as when people arrived, the first thing I saw
was this old antique car. Very cool.
So then they came in and we had people dress up.
People were dressed as, you know, upstairs cut them like the
Crawley family or downstairs more like Mrs. Hughes.
So we had a real variety of Downton Nabby esque outfits.
(21:41):
We had Prosecco to serve and youknow, popcorn and snacks of
course. And then we had little treats,
little brownies and cupcakes andthings for people to eat.
And everyone got to just mill around and visit and see the new
space and enjoy being together again after we had been closed
for two months. It was really, really fun.
(22:02):
Everyone had a great time. I still have people coming into
the office telling me what a great time they had and how
wonderful it was. So I think it means I have to
throw another party. Of course, What was the reaction
to the renovations that happened?
Because the lobby looks completely different, yeah.
Yeah, You know, it's been reallypositive, which is nice.
It's it's a community where whenyou have something that has been
(22:24):
the same for a really long time,it's hard when somebody comes in
and changes it. But so far, what I've heard for
feedback is that the lobby feelswarmer and that it fits with the
theater itself better. You know, when you're in the
space and you look out, it really just starts to feel all
like a theater. And I think that's really,
(22:46):
really nice. So, so far so good.
That's good. And you also had the return of
the opera, the Met live in HD, which is exciting.
How did that? Go it was terrific.
So we it was it was a Bellini opera and we had a pre opera
talk from Doctor Morton actor who has been with us doing that
(23:06):
for a couple of decades and he is fantastic.
So we always have a number of people that come out to learn
from him. And the opera itself weighed
over 100 people there, which wasgreat because it was an encore.
I didn't know if anyone would really come or if they would
have seen it already. But, you know, people love the
theater. I think they waited so that they
could see it with us, which is is really special.
(23:29):
It's it's nice to know we have that community support.
Yeah, absolutely. And that's one of the things I
noticed the most when I was there is just like the community
rallying around the theater and how big of a part the theatre
plays here in Demroscotta. It was incredible.
I was talking to our friends andneighbors at King Eiders Pub,
(23:50):
and they said that they had beenreally busy for lunch.
And I went, oh, yeah, That's because we reopened.
And I think that, you know, the theater brings people to the
community. They shop in the stores.
They eat at the restaurants. You know, we try to give back
not just to the people in town, but, you know, to all the
businesses. And we all help each other
thrive. And you know, one of the reasons
(24:11):
that's why Damer Scott is such an amazing place is because
we're so lucky to have all of these things.
Amazing restaurants, the cutest little shops where you can buy
pretty much anything for yourself or for a gift.
And then you can swing over to the theater and see a show.
I mean, it's, it's perfect. You don't find places like that
in rural Maine. So it's really, it's, it's a
(24:31):
lovely place to be. That's incredible.
So can you talk to me a little bit about your upcoming season
at the theater? Yes.
So we this time of year is when we really kick things off.
So we just started like I said, the classic film club and that
is 6 movies. So it spans 6 months.
And we have a guest who comes upto speak.
(24:53):
She's a historian, Jeannie McDonald's from Portsmouth, NH.
She does an introduction and then she sticks around after to
answer some questions. So we just started that.
That gets us through the winter.We also have the opera.
We have National Theatre Live, which is recorded theatre from
London that then they get to show around the country and
(25:13):
those performances are amazing. I'm also really excited because
they just have released open captions for those which they
never had before. And we have a lot of people that
want to be able to hear or be able to read the the words on
the screen. And it's nice that we can offer
that now. So I'm excited about that.
I'm working on the next season of Talking Art in Maine.
(25:37):
That is, we bring artists from around the state who have had an
impact on just art and the impact that it's had not just in
Maine necessarily, but around the country.
So we bring people in and we sometimes hang their work in the
lobby if we're able to get it. And they have a nice
conversation with Emily Sabino, who's our host of Talking Art in
(26:00):
Maine. It's a it's a free event, so it
brings in another variety of people.
We're working on a live Christmas show, so that's the
best Christmas pageant ever. It's mostly children that are in
it, which is really fun. They're working really hard and
they're adorable and it's going to be great.
And tickets for that are $10 and50% of all the proceeds will go
(26:21):
to help the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle.
So that's another way that we can give back at the holidays.
And then in January we've got the big birthday, so we'll have
a big party. I'm hoping.
I've got to put the details together on that to be
continued. And then we've got a lot of
ideas for programming. I've been talking to a gentleman
(26:42):
who does silent film accompaniment.
So we're talking about maybe doing a three or four part
series for that, doing a celebration of Hollywood through
the years, maybe through the decades.
I'd like patrons to get a chanceto vote on what they'd like to
watch, which I think would be fun, getting more speaker series
in. You know, there's so many
incredible people in the community that have a lot to to
(27:05):
share with everybody, whether it's they've written a book or
they are working for another nonprofit or, you know, they
have some sort of scientific knowledge that the rest of us
don't know. There are really great
opportunities to bring people in.
Have more free events. Yeah.
It never ends. There's always something.
And for the screening of DowntonAbbey that you had, for those
(27:28):
who aren't aware, theatergoers received a free ticket if they
came in costume, which was superexciting.
So do you think you could do anything like that with the old
Hollywood style? Yeah.
Well, we're talking about doing days where we kind of do a
throwback to the old prices. So back then, you know, things
were pocket change, which now I think will make everything a
(27:48):
dollar because I don't really want to be dealing with nickels
and Dimes. That's that's a lot, but I think
we'll have time where we show a historical film and have
historical prices or try to do more free events.
Jim Drum at Drum and Drum Real Estate had sponsored those
tickets. So if we can find more community
businesses or community members who want to help make things
(28:11):
like that possible, that's always great.
But yeah, there'll be a year of,you know, lots of different ways
to just celebrate the incrediblehistory of the theater and the
community, too. There are a lot of organizations
that are having birthdays. I know Skidompa is celebrating
an anniversary. I wish I could remember what
(28:31):
year it was, but I can't. But there are, there are a lot.
And then, of course, the countryis 250.
So yeah, there's a lot going on,yeah.
There is a lot going on coming up.
Yeah. Well, Christina, thank you so
much for sitting down with me. Absolutely.
It's my pleasure. This has been really fun.
Thank you for having me of. Course, and if anyone would like
to get more information on the theater, where can they go?
(28:51):
Oh, you can call me at 563-3424 or you can e-mail me at
eitherinfo@lincolntheater.org oryou can just stop by.
I'm at the theater pretty much every Tuesday, but then I'm
often just there. I don't have necessarily office
(29:12):
hours on the other days of the week, but if you walk by and the
lights on, I'm in there, come onin and say hello.
I love getting to chat with people just about who you are
and why you love the theater. And I also love answering
questions people have about programming.
I love hearing people's ideas. You know, often times we'll be
playing something at the theater, and it's because
somebody stopped me on the street and said, hey, you know,
(29:33):
have you heard of this movie? I'd really like to see this.
I can't think of everything on my own so I really love hearing
what the community wants. That's amazing.
I know. I'm really excited for the
theaters upcoming season as a newcomer so.
We have a lot of fun stuff. I hope everyone else is looking
forward to it as well and we will see you next week.
Great. Thank you so much.
(29:54):
Thank you for listening to Be onthe Broadsheet, a podcast by the
Lincoln County News. This podcast is produced by
Lucas McNally and Maya Ziebert. Tyler Davis of Tiality
Productions provides production support.
Our theme music is by Stu Mahan and LCN associate editor slash
bassist Sherwood Olin. The Lincoln County News hits
(30:15):
news stands across the county every Wednesday afternoon, and
you can also access our work online at lcnme.com.
If you have a question, comment,or suggestion, please e-mail us
at info@lcnme.com. As always, we're grateful for
the support of our readers and listeners in Lincoln County and
beyond. It's been great catching up
(30:37):
today and we'll talk with you again soon.
Welcome to Beyond the Broadsheet, a podcast by the
Lincoln County News. We are a community newspaper
based in Mid Coast Maine and we provide the most comprehensive,
in depth coverage available anywhere of the 18 towns and 1
plantation that make up Lincoln County.
My name is Allie Jewell and I'm a reporter here at LCN covering
the towns of Newcastle, Damariscotta, Whitefield and
(00:30):
Edgecombe. And my name is Christina
Wallace. I'm also a reporter here at LCN,
covering the towns of Bristol, South Bristol, Bremen and
Nobleborough. And my name is Claire Taylor,
and I'm a general assignment reporter here.
Last week, general assignment reporters Claire Taylor and
Christina Wallace talked throughsome exciting local business
(00:51):
updates. After reading off this week's
headlines, Christina will chat with Christina Belknap, Lincoln
Theatre's executive director, about the theatre's recent
renovations. But first, here are some of the
top stories from the Thursday, November 6th edition of the
paper. Even though it's, you know, one
(01:12):
week behind the times, we did cover Halloween events last
Friday and also just, you know, in the lead up to October 31st.
So how are y'all's Halloween events?
What were the highlights? They were really fun.
Yeah, it was. I feel like I got a good range
(01:35):
of like I feel like I got to do a trick.
Or treat. In Dan Roscotta, which was
really fun, very cute, lots of kids in costumes.
And then I also got to go to theOpera House at Booth Bay Harbor
and go to their potluck and scary stories event, which was
very fun. So I feel like I kind of got
like an all ages kind of range of.
(01:57):
Events totally. The potluck and scary stories
sounds so much fun it. Was really fun.
It was, Oh my gosh, Kevin Kiley,the director, the technical
director there just like goes all out on the decor.
And it was, it's really. That's awesome.
I got to go to South Bristol Schools annual Halloween party,
(02:18):
which is hosted by their 8th grade class to raise funds for
their yearly trip to Washington,DC So they spend the whole week
there, and they make it a super educational trip.
And Lori Stiles, the principal of South Bristol Schools, said
that the 8th grade class raised over $1000.
Yeah, so they did really good, but they had a dunk tank and the
(02:40):
8th grade class took turns beingdunked and dunking each other,
which is really sweet. They had like a haunted maze in
the school. And they also do a cakewalk.
So every year parents from the 8th grade class bake cakes and
they do like a musical chairs game with the cakes and all of
that. So it was really cute.
Lots of cute kids in costumes, which made me really happy.
(03:01):
So yeah. That's sweet.
Yeah, I went to the Wiscasset parade on Friday and that was
when my mom was in town, so I had her tag along for.
For that. Reporting assignment and it was
really sweet to base the parade was mostly just like kids in
their families and trick or treaters of all ages just like
(03:23):
walking down the street. So it was just fun to get to see
like everyone's costumes at onceand yeah, just see all the
spooky spirit. Yeah, it was really sweet.
Some kids had some really creative costumes too.
What what were some of like the best costumes you saw?
(03:43):
I would say for me, an entire family of kids dressed as
minions. Was.
Super cute and I really appreciated that.
There was a there was some pretty elaborate ones or like
elaborate and creative in ways that I like feel like I would
never have been able to go up with.
There was a kid who is dressed up as a cuckoo clock like he had
(04:06):
a full constructed cuckoo clock like with the and he was the
little bird in the. That's awesome.
Dang, I, the one that has like stuck in my head for whatever
reason was one of those, you know, like the inflatable ones.
(04:26):
It looks like the person is likeriding some kind of creature.
There was one, there was a womanin one that was a Unicorn and I
had never seen that one before. So I was, I was very intrigued.
But very sweet. The classic indeed, indeed.
But yeah, even though it's a week late, it's it was a good
(04:49):
Halloween and good to celebrate.It's fun to see all the
different ways that the community does celebrate, yeah.
100% Well, in other news. Well, moving on to the next
holiday, I suppose, veteran's day.
We have a story this week about a veteran couple for whom
(05:15):
service comes in many forms. If not for tradition, the
Bailey's might not have enjoyed the life they've shared for the
past 61 years. James Jim and Nancy Bailey of
Dan Roscotta met while they wereboth serving in the US Air
Force. They married a few months after
(05:35):
Nancy mustard out in 1964. The pair lived together in
Shreveport, LA, before moving toNew Maine, where Nancy grew up.
Nancy worked as a nurse and Jim worked in construction and as a
mail sorter for the US Postal Service before they both
retired. They now spend their time
volunteering and finding ways tohelp others.
(05:58):
We are the happiest when we can find, when we, pardon me, we are
the happiest when we can do something to help someone else,
Nancy said. Very sweet, sorry.
OK, new owners of Edgecomb Christmas Tree Farm prepare for
first holiday season. Riley and Brian Dunn hadn't
(06:20):
planned on opening or owning a farm, but when Green Acre Tree
Farm in Edgecomb went up for sale previously, the pair
couldn't pass up the chance to own a Christmas tree business.
The pair, along with their two kids, an extended family, moved
from Arizona in March to start the year round process of
Christmas tree farming. Planting, trimming, mowing 17
(06:42):
acres of land, the whole shebang.
And it's been a long lead up, but it's finally time for the
selling season. Green Acre Tree Farm opens to
customers or already did open onFriday, November 7th and will
stay open until Sunday, December21st.
That's. Super exciting.
(07:04):
Yeah. Boy, I bet the the jumped from
Arizona to Maine in March. That's been a little bit of a
rough start. Yeah, yeah.
When I was kind of asking them just like in general what some
of the lessons have been, they're like, no season is
permanent. So but they were saying it's
(07:26):
it's been like a lifelong dream to move to Maine.
So they're. Well, and what a way to do it
too. That's so, yeah, absolutely.
Yeah, that's awesome. I walked around the farm with
them and one of their kids was with us and I was like, this is
like a dream childhood growing up on a Christmas tree farm.
Like, yeah. That's awesome.
That's awesome. In news out of Jefferson,
(07:47):
Jefferson residents validated the town's third education
proposal with a vote of 667 to 510 during the Tuesday, November
4th referendum election. The revised budget totals
$9,369,346.88, which is a decrease of 677,470 and 98
(08:10):
cents, or 3.97%, from the secondversion.
Residents failed to validate both of the previous iterations
of the budget at the polls, withthe second version failing on
August 12th, the vote of 279 to 152.
The latest figure marks an increase of $818,950.30 or 9.58%
(08:34):
from the fiscal year 2025. Danielle Bernier, the chair of
the Jefferson School Committee, said.
I want to thank the committee and the administration for their
hard work with this budget. Together, we were able to reduce
the final budget while keeping the needs of all of Jefferson
students at the as the top priority.
So, so glad that they were finally able to validate that
(08:55):
after three attempts. Yeah, looking forward to
hopefully business as usual for the Jefferson School Committee
moving forward. Totally, Yeah.
Well, I mentioned this earlier, but I did get to go to the
potluck and storytelling event at the Opera House at Boothbay
(09:17):
Harbor. They lured guests in with tasty
treats and chilling tales on thenight of Wednesday, October
29th. With hanging skeletons, leering
Jack O lanterns and flickering candles, the Opera House was
transformed. Amid the spooky scenery, guests
enjoyed a potluck dinner. Readers took to the stage to
(09:38):
tell every kind of spooky story,including Stephen King excerpts
and Yuri Reddit tales. Host Kevin Kiley of East Booth
Bay said he hoped the event provided a place where people
could enjoy Halloween and not feel like an.
Outsider that sounds. Like a really fun event it.
Was it was a really lovely senseof community.
(10:00):
Did you bring something to the Pollock?
I did. I brought pumpkin chocolate chip
muffins. That sounds really good.
Were they all gone by the time you left?
We got to take a couple of them home, but it was like enough of
them were gone that I felt good about myself.
That's. Good.
That's it. Perfect in some county news
Commissioners way DA allocation following $1.00 advisory
(10:24):
committee vote After a near 0 allocation recommendation and
concerns around criminal justicein Lincoln County, the Board of
Commissioners must decide how much the District Attorney's
office will get in the next county budget.
District Attorney Natasha Irvingattended a budget workshop on
Thursday, October 30th and the Commissioners Tuesday, November
(10:46):
4th meeting to address the Advisory Committee's $1.00
recommendation and possible budget cuts related to her
prosecutory success. Advisory Committee members in
attendance said they did not have any ill intent when making
the protest recommendation. Richard Powell of Noble Borough
said there are community concerns surrounding repeated
(11:07):
offenders and during that meeting the commissioners asked
Irving to come to their Tuesday,November 4th meeting to discuss
what was most critical from her office's budget.
She went to the meeting and basically told them that in her
(11:28):
opinion, it's a no frills budgetask of $519,000.
And yeah, they said that they will work on determining where
to go between the $1.00 recommendation and the $519,000
request. So we'll see what happens.
(11:50):
Hope they can find. Some middle ground, yes.
Descendants and dictators are spotlighted in Monhegan artist
latest book. This is a story by Sarah
Masters. Artist and author Asher Bryant,
who is a part time on Hagen resident, recently released a
new book about visual artists working under oppressive regimes
(12:11):
and the Descendants draftsman Bryant primarily uses
illustrations to tell the stories of real historical
artists who suffered under authoritarian regimes in an
imagined singular tale. The book features words and
images on artists like Margot Frank, older sister of diarist
Anne Frank, and Latvian Russian painter Alexander Draven.
(12:35):
Even though the stories did not initially make him hopeful or
happy, Bryant said he believes readers can take away hope from
the book. Very cool.
Yeah, looking at some of the images that Sarah Masters
included, it looks very beautiful.
And yeah, I love seeing words and images come together to
(12:56):
create a tale like that. That's very cool.
Yeah, Wiscasset residents approve local referendum
questions. So during the Tuesday, November
4th election, Wiscasset residents approved all three
local ballot questions. On top of state measures, voters
decided whether or not the town should appropriate up to
(13:18):
$325,000 from the undesignated fund balance to to secure a $4
million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The grant would be used for updates to wastewater
infrastructure. Residents also said the town's
solar and zoning regulations could be adjusted.
So, yeah, all right. And in other news, our character
(13:45):
of the county this week is Paul Mosley, who always wanted to be
a builder. I am born and raised in Maine.
self-employed handyman Paul Mosley knows he's been dealt a
lucky hand. Before settling in the mid
coast, Mosley spent his 22 year career in the US Navy as a
builder, working all over the world on projects big and small.
(14:06):
Mosley was set on becoming a builder before he was drafted
into the Vietnam War. In January of 1971, he enlisted
on the condition of joining the Seabees as a builder.
To learn more about Mosley, pickup a copy of the paper or go to
lcnlcnme.com. And now Christina and Christina.
(14:28):
Will chat. About the Lincoln Theatre.
Spelled the same as well. It's awesome.
(14:50):
All right, and we are back. I am joined with Christina
Belknap, who is the Executive Director from the Lincoln
Theater. Christina, thank you so much for
being here with me today. Hi, thank you so much for having
me. I'm thrilled to be able to to do
this. I love talking about the
theater. So recently the Lincoln Theatre
underwent some pretty major renovations and you had a
(15:10):
reopening gala. We did, yeah.
So at the end of August, we closed for some renovations to
the theatre lobby. So the theatre itself is 150
years old this January, and thatis a really exciting milestone.
So we want to make sure that we celebrate her birthday with a
nice makeover, setting her up for her next 150 years.
(15:32):
We also had a executive prior tome, Andrew Fenniman, who did
amazing things for the theater. The theater had mortgages and it
wasn't open for a lot of programming.
And he came in and he worked with people to get rid of the
mortgages. He developed a membership
program. So this lobby is really in
(15:55):
dedication to him. We'll have some sort of special
dedication event with him hopefully in January, but at
some point in 2026, so we can celebrate all of the incredible
things that he did. But part of the lobby
renovation, this first phase, wedid a lot of cosmetic work.
So the theatre lobby used to be a baby blue color with a dark
(16:18):
blue carpet, and it was lovely, but it didn't really meet the
same feeling of the auditorium, which is a gorgeous space.
It's got these silk brocade panels on the walls, red seats,
you know, the black stage and the dark proscenium opening to
the stage. And we really wanted to make it
feel like a more cohesive space and have that nice warm theater
(16:40):
feeling when you first walk in. So the first phase of
renovations really was most of that cosmetic work.
We did some alterations to the floor so we could level it out
and new paint, new light fixtures.
And then we have some plans for phase two that are coming up
next year. That's awesome.
(17:01):
So when did the discussion for these renovations start?
It's. Been going on for a very long
time. That's an interesting question.
I have learned a lot about renovations and how long
everything takes. We started talking about this in
2021 and that was the year that he and I were transitioning.
(17:24):
So we were spending a lot of time focusing on just how he was
going to step out and I was going to step in.
And then that first year that I was running the theater on my
own, his advice was don't put too much time into thinking
about this renovation. So while we were getting ideas
and sort of putting things into motion, nothing really started
(17:46):
moving is until 2022. And that was when we brought in
an architect and they were terrific.
But some of the initial plans ended up being things we
couldn't do and getting a contractor and then
subcontractors. So all together, it's been about
three years until we actually saw something finally happen,
(18:09):
which was very stressful and very exciting once they actually
were in there tearing up the floor.
I can imagine that would be sucha good feeling like finally
seeing that progress happening. Yes, yes.
So can you kind of go in depth over specifically like what the
renovations were and really yourreasoning behind having those
(18:29):
specific renovations done for the first phase of it?
Yeah, sure. So there are some things.
The building, like I said is 150years old.
So if you stand in the lobby, you can see where there are
spots that are not level and youcan still see some.
But one of the things with pulling up the floor was we were
able to fix some of the spots where it was sinking a little
(18:50):
bit here and there. And there was a, you know,
pretty significant ramp connecting one portion of the
building that's fairly new, probably about 20 years old that
connects to the 150 year old building.
And we really wanted to make that a safer space, level it out
the best that we could. So that was one of the most
(19:10):
important things. And then really just updating it
so that it felt more like a welcoming theater space.
The second part of the renovation, which will involve
more of this concessions area, that we're getting a new popcorn
machine. It's not here yet, but it'll be,
they keep telling me it's comingagain.
You hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait.
(19:32):
That is a larger popcorn machineand it's got more of a vintage
look to it, which will be reallynice.
But we have events that are incredibly busy.
I just left the theater. We had Classic Film Club and it
was the first one of the season.Last night we had about 170
people and this afternoon we had150.
That's a lot of popcorn and it'shard to keep up.
(19:54):
So this new popcorn machine willhelp.
That's huge. It seems like not a big deal,
but it's huge. We also put cup holders on all
the seats. Which it's really fun when
you're in the auditorium and youhear people going, Oh my gosh,
these cup holders are great because we used to have drinks
kicked over everywhere. Again, doesn't seem like a big
deal, but it's huge for us and it's a really nice bonus for the
(20:15):
patrons. We're also getting a self-serve
refrigerator, which we're hopingwill help speed things up for
patrons so that they can grab their Coca-Cola while they're
standing in line. They don't have to ask for it
and wait for us to get it. We'll keep beer and wine behind
the counter. We'll continue to be in charge
that, but it's going to be really nice and it'll just have
(20:36):
that newer look to it, new new cabinets and we've done a little
bit of cosmetic work back there,but it's going to be, it's going
to be nice. The concessions really could use
some sprucing up. That's really exciting.
So talk to me about the reopening gala that happened,
yeah. That was really fun and thank
you for coming. It was so nice to see you there.
(20:57):
So we worked with Jim Drum from Drum and Drum Real Estate, who's
wonderful and he was so excited about this.
So the two of us together, we came up with a plan for having
these grand flowers and his friend Charles Harris had, I
think it's in 1928. I apologize if I'm getting the
year wrong. Packard Speedster that they
(21:19):
brought, which is this incredible car.
And they had that parked out front.
So as soon as when people arrived, the first thing I saw
was this old antique car. Very cool.
So then they came in and we had people dress up.
People were dressed as, you know, upstairs cut them like the
Crawley family or downstairs more like Mrs. Hughes.
So we had a real variety of Downton Nabby esque outfits.
(21:41):
We had Prosecco to serve and youknow, popcorn and snacks of
course. And then we had little treats,
little brownies and cupcakes andthings for people to eat.
And everyone got to just mill around and visit and see the new
space and enjoy being together again after we had been closed
for two months. It was really, really fun.
(22:02):
Everyone had a great time. I still have people coming into
the office telling me what a great time they had and how
wonderful it was. So I think it means I have to
throw another party. Of course, What was the reaction
to the renovations that happened?
Because the lobby looks completely different, yeah.
Yeah, You know, it's been reallypositive, which is nice.
It's it's a community where whenyou have something that has been
(22:24):
the same for a really long time,it's hard when somebody comes in
and changes it. But so far, what I've heard for
feedback is that the lobby feelswarmer and that it fits with the
theater itself better. You know, when you're in the
space and you look out, it really just starts to feel all
like a theater. And I think that's really,
(22:46):
really nice. So, so far so good.
That's good. And you also had the return of
the opera, the Met live in HD, which is exciting.
How did that? Go it was terrific.
So we it was it was a Bellini opera and we had a pre opera
talk from Doctor Morton actor who has been with us doing that
(23:06):
for a couple of decades and he is fantastic.
So we always have a number of people that come out to learn
from him. And the opera itself weighed
over 100 people there, which wasgreat because it was an encore.
I didn't know if anyone would really come or if they would
have seen it already. But, you know, people love the
theater. I think they waited so that they
could see it with us, which is is really special.
(23:29):
It's it's nice to know we have that community support.
Yeah, absolutely. And that's one of the things I
noticed the most when I was there is just like the community
rallying around the theater and how big of a part the theatre
plays here in Demroscotta. It was incredible.
I was talking to our friends andneighbors at King Eiders Pub,
(23:50):
and they said that they had beenreally busy for lunch.
And I went, oh, yeah, That's because we reopened.
And I think that, you know, the theater brings people to the
community. They shop in the stores.
They eat at the restaurants. You know, we try to give back
not just to the people in town, but, you know, to all the
businesses. And we all help each other
thrive. And you know, one of the reasons
(24:11):
that's why Damer Scott is such an amazing place is because
we're so lucky to have all of these things.
Amazing restaurants, the cutest little shops where you can buy
pretty much anything for yourself or for a gift.
And then you can swing over to the theater and see a show.
I mean, it's, it's perfect. You don't find places like that
in rural Maine. So it's really, it's, it's a
(24:31):
lovely place to be. That's incredible.
So can you talk to me a little bit about your upcoming season
at the theater? Yes.
So we this time of year is when we really kick things off.
So we just started like I said, the classic film club and that
is 6 movies. So it spans 6 months.
And we have a guest who comes upto speak.
(24:53):
She's a historian, Jeannie McDonald's from Portsmouth, NH.
She does an introduction and then she sticks around after to
answer some questions. So we just started that.
That gets us through the winter.We also have the opera.
We have National Theatre Live, which is recorded theatre from
London that then they get to show around the country and
(25:13):
those performances are amazing. I'm also really excited because
they just have released open captions for those which they
never had before. And we have a lot of people that
want to be able to hear or be able to read the the words on
the screen. And it's nice that we can offer
that now. So I'm excited about that.
I'm working on the next season of Talking Art in Maine.
(25:37):
That is, we bring artists from around the state who have had an
impact on just art and the impact that it's had not just in
Maine necessarily, but around the country.
So we bring people in and we sometimes hang their work in the
lobby if we're able to get it. And they have a nice
conversation with Emily Sabino, who's our host of Talking Art in
(26:00):
Maine. It's a it's a free event, so it
brings in another variety of people.
We're working on a live Christmas show, so that's the
best Christmas pageant ever. It's mostly children that are in
it, which is really fun. They're working really hard and
they're adorable and it's going to be great.
And tickets for that are $10 and50% of all the proceeds will go
(26:21):
to help the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle.
So that's another way that we can give back at the holidays.
And then in January we've got the big birthday, so we'll have
a big party. I'm hoping.
I've got to put the details together on that to be
continued. And then we've got a lot of
ideas for programming. I've been talking to a gentleman
(26:42):
who does silent film accompaniment.
So we're talking about maybe doing a three or four part
series for that, doing a celebration of Hollywood through
the years, maybe through the decades.
I'd like patrons to get a chanceto vote on what they'd like to
watch, which I think would be fun, getting more speaker series
in. You know, there's so many
incredible people in the community that have a lot to to
(27:05):
share with everybody, whether it's they've written a book or
they are working for another nonprofit or, you know, they
have some sort of scientific knowledge that the rest of us
don't know. There are really great
opportunities to bring people in.
Have more free events. Yeah.
It never ends. There's always something.
And for the screening of DowntonAbbey that you had, for those
(27:28):
who aren't aware, theatergoers received a free ticket if they
came in costume, which was superexciting.
So do you think you could do anything like that with the old
Hollywood style? Yeah.
Well, we're talking about doing days where we kind of do a
throwback to the old prices. So back then, you know, things
were pocket change, which now I think will make everything a
(27:48):
dollar because I don't really want to be dealing with nickels
and Dimes. That's that's a lot, but I think
we'll have time where we show a historical film and have
historical prices or try to do more free events.
Jim Drum at Drum and Drum Real Estate had sponsored those
tickets. So if we can find more community
businesses or community members who want to help make things
(28:11):
like that possible, that's always great.
But yeah, there'll be a year of,you know, lots of different ways
to just celebrate the incrediblehistory of the theater and the
community, too. There are a lot of organizations
that are having birthdays. I know Skidompa is celebrating
an anniversary. I wish I could remember what
(28:31):
year it was, but I can't. But there are, there are a lot.
And then, of course, the countryis 250.
So yeah, there's a lot going on,yeah.
There is a lot going on coming up.
Yeah. Well, Christina, thank you so
much for sitting down with me. Absolutely.
It's my pleasure. This has been really fun.
Thank you for having me of. Course, and if anyone would like
to get more information on the theater, where can they go?
(28:51):
Oh, you can call me at 563-3424 or you can e-mail me at
eitherinfo@lincolntheater.org oryou can just stop by.
I'm at the theater pretty much every Tuesday, but then I'm
often just there. I don't have necessarily office
(29:12):
hours on the other days of the week, but if you walk by and the
lights on, I'm in there, come onin and say hello.
I love getting to chat with people just about who you are
and why you love the theater. And I also love answering
questions people have about programming.
I love hearing people's ideas. You know, often times we'll be
playing something at the theater, and it's because
somebody stopped me on the street and said, hey, you know,
(29:33):
have you heard of this movie? I'd really like to see this.
I can't think of everything on my own so I really love hearing
what the community wants. That's amazing.
I know. I'm really excited for the
theaters upcoming season as a newcomer so.
We have a lot of fun stuff. I hope everyone else is looking
forward to it as well and we will see you next week.
Great. Thank you so much.
(29:54):
Thank you for listening to Be onthe Broadsheet, a podcast by the
Lincoln County News. This podcast is produced by
Lucas McNally and Maya Ziebert. Tyler Davis of Tiality
Productions provides production support.
Our theme music is by Stu Mahan and LCN associate editor slash
bassist Sherwood Olin. The Lincoln County News hits
(30:15):
news stands across the county every Wednesday afternoon, and
you can also access our work online at lcnme.com.
If you have a question, comment,or suggestion, please e-mail us
at info@lcnme.com. As always, we're grateful for
the support of our readers and listeners in Lincoln County and
beyond. It's been great catching up
(30:37):
today and we'll talk with you again soon.
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