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Friday, September 8, 2023
Volume 19 • Issue No. 36
Third Annual Bridge-A-Thon, Super Raffle KITTERY On Sunday, September 10, the Third Annual Bridge-AThon and Super Raffle will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Four Tree Island, Peirce Island Road, in Portsmouth. Join nonprofit “I Got Bridged” (IGB) and walk across the Memorial Bridge into Kittery, to help bridge the gap for those in need on the seacoast. Enjoy live music from Unnamed Colors, refreshments, face painting, and a super raff le with $30,000 in prizes. This event is free to attend, but raffle tickets can be purchased online. IGB Fou nd e r Fr e d dy Petrone, of Portsmouth, went blind in 2018 at the age of 45 due
to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a rare genetic disorder. It was originally a devastating blow, exacerbated by his drug and alcohol addiction. After several years of struggling, Petrone was forced to look deeper into himself, at existence, purpose, and spirituality. “The loss of my vision quite literally made me walk
by faith and not by sight, and forced me to reevaluate my life,” he wrote. He is now three years sober and proud to be part of the 2019 graduating class of the Carroll Center for the Blind. Petrone also learned that helping others takes the focus off the self. He wrote, “My long daily walks have helped me cope by clearing my mind and restoring
some sense of freedom. Often, though, I’m stopped in my tracks before crossing Portsmouth’s Memorial Bridge when it lifts for passing boats. I’ve dubbed this experience ‘getting bridged,’ which has become a metaphor for the unexpected obstacles life throws at us. But the metaphor doesn’t end there.” He then explained that ‘getting bridged’ does not mean one is necessarily stuck, but can instead use the time as an opportunity to pause and reflect. IGB was created for people from all walks of life to ultimately help each other. The mission for the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is to help those in need by utilizing a network of volun-
teers, sponsors, and contributors, recognizing that everyone is fighting a battle. Petrone and IGB raise funds through the annual walka-thon, sponsors, donors, contributors, and selling merchandise on smile.amazon.com, www.igotbridged.com/shop-local, and area markets. Petrone and IGB provide free transportation to and from Gather Portsmouth via the Bridgemobile, assist in errands and the care of area seniors, give gifts to foster children through the First United Methodist Church, collaborate with Gather Food Pantry, organize a coat drive See BRIDGE on page 7 . . .
Star Island Gosport Regatta SEACOAST The 2023 Star Island Gosport Regatta promises to be a spectacular event on Sunday, September 17. The historic sailing race is organized by the Piscataqua Sailing Association in conjunction with Star Island Corporation, to benefit both nonprofits. The public is welcome to purchase spectator tickets to watch the race from the decks of the M/V Thomas Laighton out
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of Portsmouth, as it follows the regatta from Portsmouth Harbor to Star Island for family-friendly festivities including food, live music, a kite display, and an awards ceremony honoring regatta participants. Star Island Corporation CEO Joe Watts said, “We welcome spectators and sailors to join us for this wonderful seafaring tradition, which we revived in 2009 in partnership with the Piscataqua Sailing Association. There’s nothing quite like this historical race that ends with a memorable festival on Star Island. It’s a perfect family event!” The event certainly had a colorful start in July of 1874, when it was organized by John Poor, president of the Stickney & Poor Spice Trading Co., to celebrate the grand opening of his Star Island Oceanic Hotel. It attracted more than 50 boats, among them “America,” the yacht for which the legendary America’s Cup is named. It was America’s first race under the ownership of the most colorful General Benjamin Franklin Butler of Ipswich, MA, who had served as a top-ranking general
Arts & Entertainment 6-10
Library News
Calendar
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Obituaries
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Classifieds
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Pets
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Dining
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Puzzles
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Sports & Outdoors
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Home & Business 14-17
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through most of the Civil War. The New York Times reported that special trains and excursion steamers brought thousands to the region to watch. For more information and tickets, visit www.starisland. org/regatta and www.sailpsa.org. Photo by Sean D. Elliot.
Ride to Benefit Children’s Hospital ARUNDEL The 15th annual Herb Noble Memorial Ride to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) will begin and end at Bentley’s Saloon, 1601 Portland Road, Arundel, on Sunday, September 17. Registration is 8-10 a.m. The cost of the ride is $25 per person, and includes a com-
Health & Fitness
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memorative t-shirt. Riders will leave the saloon at approximately 10:30 a.m. and cruise area back roads before circling back to Bentley’s by early afternoon. Upon returning to Bentley’s, there will be 50/50 raff le that includes gift certificates and donated items, thanks to the generosity of several local
businesses and ride sponsors. Businesses and sponsor names will be listed on the back of the commemorative t-shirts. Participants do not need to own a motorcycle or be a rider to take part in the fundraiser. Anyone who wishes to sponsor, attend, donate, or volunteer may contact Bob Noble at rnoble14@roadrunner.com.
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