New priest at St. Peter’s Church in Rockland

The Rev. Lael Sorensen has accepted a call to become the of St. Peter's Church's new priest. She will start work January 6 (Epiphany) and will celebrate Holy Eucharist Sunday, Jan. 11, at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Lael Sorensen has been a hospital chaplain in Wilmington, Del., and is currently a regular supply priest for a small parish in Claymont, Delaware.

Before that, she served for three years as the assistant rector and chaplain to the Day School at Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Prior to entering the priesthood, she taught medieval and early modern European history at the college level.

A native Californian, Lael was raised in New Jersey, educated in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Michigan but entered into her spiritual formation in Maine. It was the Diocese of Maine that sponsored her for ordination. She holds a master’s degree of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and diploma in Anglican Studies from The Berkeley Divinity School at Yale.

She is especially interested in theology as it is lived in every day life, liturgy and music, and has a lifelong commitment to social justice. During her free time, Lael likes to cook, read, walk, go to the movies and is learning to love the ballet. She has lived for 20 years with Katherine Adams; they were married in a civil ceremony in the District of Columbia in 2012.

In the Episcopal Church, the process of discerning a new rector is very prayerful and deliberate, sometimes taking more than a year, according to a news release.

St. Peter's has had two interim priests-in-charge during this process. Parishioners recently held a Gratitude Dinner for the Rev. John Van Siclen of Newcastle who has been with members for nearly a year.

Camden Public Library earns five-star rating

CAMDEN — Camden Public Library has again been judged a "Five-Star Library" by the Library Journal, its highest possible rating. The rating is based on the per-capita use of the library, compared to peer libraries across the country.

"We are pleased to be recognized in this way," said Nikki Maounis, library director, in a news release. "It is a recognition of our continued work to be an anchor and a center for the community."

The Library Journal Index which is used to create the Star Library ratings focuses on four interrelated measures: Library visits, circulation, public access computer use, and program attendance.

"We are grateful that we have a public that reads, that nurtures its children, and that values its library," Maounis said. "It is an honor to be among the select libraries in the country. Thank you Camden. We would not be as successful without the great community support we have here."

The Camden Public Library, Southwest Harbor Public Library, and the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta received Five-Star ratings; the only other star-rated libraries in Maine were the Lubec Memorial Library and the Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport.

Apprenticeshop launches new website, announces renovations

ROCKLAND — The Apprenticeshop has just launched a new website, apprenticeshop.org, designed by Wheredoyougoto, in collaboration with the Steel House.

The new site will provide visitors with information about Apprenticeshop programs and upcoming events, such as launching of small craft in December and toboggan workshops throughout the winter. The site will serve as a portal to information about partnerships with local organizations such as the Hurricane Island Foundation, afterschool programs, and other collaborations.

In an news release, longtime lead instructor Kevin Carney said: "The staff, apprentices, and board of trustees of the shop are continuing to put our energies into running an outstanding apprentice program — using the craft of wooden boatbuilding to develop manual and interpersonal skills in a community that shares a passion for boats, working with your hands, traditional skills, and seamanship.

“Well into our fall building season we are preparing to launch two Susan skiffs in the coming weeks, followed by a Columbia dinghy later in December, when we will also be graduating one two-year apprentice and two 12-week interns. We are excited to come back after break in the new year, re-energized and ready to start the spring building season, which will include an 18-foot rowing wherry and other small boats."

The Apprenticeshop is also planning a renovation of its street level space on Main Street in Rockland. Joe Godfrey Construction is overseeing the building of two new offices, a maritime library, and conference/class space, scheduled for completion in late February.

The Shop is now accepting applications for the two-year Apprenticeship program with January and July start dates, and the 12-week Internship program, which runs year-round with start dates in September, January, April, and July.

Toboggan workshops run in December and January.

For more information, contact the Apprenticeshop at info@apprenticeshop.org, visit www.apprenticeshop.org, or call 207-594-1800.

Angela Russ joins the staff of New Hope for Women  

ROCKLAND — New Hope for Women has hired Angela Russ to its staff as a school-based advocate at Oceanside East High School in Rockland.

Russ is responsible for implementing age and developmentally appropriate intimate partner violence prevention and intervention programming for students, staff, and community members associated with Oceanside East High School.

Prevention and awareness initiatives surrounding teen dating violence will be a focus of Russ' work as well as providing individual advocacy to students who are either experiencing teen dating violence, or are concerned about a friend.

For students who are living with domestic violence at home, Russ will help them develop a safety plan, build a strong support network, and access other New Hope for Women support services for other family members. Russ will also be collaborating with community partners to enhance student support networks and to integrate support services that help prevent and respond to intimate partner violence.

Russ feels fortunate to have found such a great fit with New Hope for Women. "This position gives me the opportunity to work with teens promoting healthy relationships — one of my professional passions."

The school-based advocate position is funded by a three year grant through the Worthington Charitable Fund.

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

Learn more about New Hope for Women at newhopeforwomen.org; 800-522-3304.