Mingling with hot rods

Last night a group of art lovers and collectors had a chance to check out an impressive private collection of vintage cars. The Contemporaries and the Committee of 100 (both membership groups at the Portland Museum of Art) gathered at the brand new Portland Motor Club for tasty drinks, apps from Aurora Provisions and fun company. Just like all the social events that involve the Contemporaries, last night's party proved to be a fabulous time.

Bill Waldron (far left) owns Falmouth Motor Group and opened this facility to house his impressive collection of restored '60s and '70s cars and to rent storage space to people looking for a secure spot to house their vehicles.

Now I have to admit, I know next to nothing about cars. And while I can manage to stand in front of one and smile, I'm incapable of telling you anything worthwhile about these vehicles. So instead, I'll offer up a few snapshots of the gorgeous cars in Waldron's collection.

Should you want to be there for the next Contemporaries soiree, be sure to get your membership check for $250 in the mail ASAP. Because you won't want to miss the huge party we're planning for January. It will celebrate the opening of "Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography," which showcases a private collection of more than 200 rarely seen photographs of every prominent rock star from Eric Clapton to Courtney Love. It's bound to be THE social event of the new year.

Trees, wreaths & kissing balls fill Monument Square

Most of the farmers packed up shop after last Wednesday's market, but two die hards returned to town today. Both Uncle Andy's Farm and Beckwith Gardens are set up with a fabulous assortment of fresh holiday greenery, including wreaths, swags, kissing balls and Christmas trees.

Uncle Andy's also has a decent selection of staples, including apples, cider, onions, jams, honey and pickles. Should the weather continue to cooperate, look for them in the square next Wednesday. If not, you can always get your local farmer fix by getting your name on the winter farmers' market email lists.

Skyline is a changing in East End

If you've driven or walked down India or Fore streets lately, you've likely seen the massive new Ocean Gateway parking garage. It's nestled next to long time neighborhood landmark Micucci Grocery and is in the spot where the Breakaway Tavern used to sit. In the distance, you can see a slice of the slanting roof of the actual Ocean Gateway ferry terminal.

On the back of the garage there is a mural painted by Elizabeth Morrill Burke of Peerless Painting of Falmouth. According to The Bollard, the mural was created as a way to make an ugly wall meet the city's design standards. The image is based on historical photos of the Eastern Prom, which may explain why it's rendered in grayscale. Or maybe they were just trying to save money on paint.

Should you come down Middle Street, you can't help but notice another new building rising behind the garage.

Rumor has it that this new building at the corner of Fore and Hancock streets will become a Residence Inn by Marriott.

Hopefully, we can expect more construction in this area soon. Across Middle Street from the garage is the spot where the Village Cafe used to be. It was knocked down in June to make way for the Bay House condos. The website says people will begin moving in next fall. However, when I did a story about the condos for Switch a little over a year ago, I was told construction was going to start at the beginning of this year for a fall 2009 opening. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens to this now vacant lot.