Blackhawk no mystery

Those of you in the area of Gorham may notice some Blackhawk helicopter activity today between 9:00 and 11:00 am. The chopper is part of a series of pre-planned ROTC exercises taking place near the University of Southern Maine campus.

Sorry, no Men in Black this time!

Image from http://www.wallpaperbase.com/

Osprey on campus?

USM's Portland campus is playing host this afternoon to a very dapper raptor! Photos courtesy of Stacy Stewart, snapped on the scene. This large fellow perched himself in a tall pine between Payson-Smith Hall and the Science Building, and surveyed the scene haughtily. All the robins who had been littering the campus with their happy spring chirpings seem to have disappeared, as a result.

The guest raptor is quite sizeable, at least 2 1/2 feet tall and waving a mighty wingspan when the mood takes him. Local crows have attempted divebombing the osprey, to no avail. "He didn't even flinch!" reported an eyewitness. The guest has created a controversy over identification. Osprey? Hawk? Any guesses? Back view provided for avian sleuths among our readers. Please click on the images below for larger versions of them.

Pagan Informational Series at USM

(NOW with CORRECTIONS!) Sorry I'm catching up on this series' existence so late in the game, I'm just now getting a grip on all my mailing list volumes after my schedule changes at New Year's! Better late than never, and there are still two installments left in the series, so read on:

"Divination"
Installment 5 of the "Who Are the Pagans and What Do They Do?" series
Tuesday April 3
6:45 - 8:30 PM
Boiler Room, Woodbury Campus Center, Portland

"Who are the Pagans and What Do They Do?" is an informational series that is designed to dispel some of the most common myths about Pagans and Witches, while also teaching about the authentic practices of neo-Pagans. This series is presented by USM's Pagan Chaplain, Cynthia Jane Collins, and the local Silver Cauldron Coven.

All sessions begin by presenting a myth and the actual Pagan practices that it has been confused with. Following, there will then be time for hands-on activities and a concluding discussion. This series is free and designed for everyone; Pagans and non-Pagans are welcome.

The remaining schedule of topics and dates appears below. All sessions are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 - 8:30 PM in the Boiler Room of the Woodbury Campus Center, Portland.

April 3: Divination
April 17: Spellwork for Healing. Health and Happiness

For more information, please contact the Chaplaincy Office at 228-8284 or Pagan Chaplain Cynthia Collins at 282-1491 or
oldelucy[at]maine.rr.com