Sign up for MRD kickball tourney to benefit the Vera Foundation

Maine Roller Derby is teaming up with PortSports to help raise money for The Vera Foundation. A Portland organization that promotes Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009

Time: 11:00am - 6:00pm

Location: Payson Park, Portland

Entry into the tournament is $10 and will include at least 2 games. You will be placed on a team with Roller Derby Players and Referees. 
Tournament structure will be double elimination.

National Distributors has generously donated SoNu Water Beverages for tournament participants.
Bring Food and drink for yourself and your team. We will have grills around for people to use.
There will be breaks to leave the field and come back.

Register Here Today to Grab Your Spot! http://pscharitytourney09.eventbrite.com

Sponsored by:
PortSports Social Club
Maine Roller Derby
National Distributors, Inc

New beer in Pugsley’s Signature Series: Smashed Pumpkin

Shipyard Brewing Company announced the release of a new beer in its Pugsley's Signature Series line. Smashed Pumpkin will be available in late August exclusively in 22 oz. bottles and on draft.

Portland's GLBT Website Launches New Directory Service

Currently in its sixth year online, www.GayPortlandMaine.com has launched its new GLBT Concierge Pages designed to help visitors and residents discover "Gay Friendly" businesses in the greater Portland area.

Since its inception in 2004, GayPortlandMaine.com has offered listings including comprehensive Area Attractions, GLBT Resources and Events, Upcoming Arts and Entertainment Events, and breaking news of interest to the GLBT community, their friends and allies.

Billed as "The one stop destination for the best in gay friendly shopping, accommodations, dining, services and more," the new Concierge Pages currently feature Directories for Nightlife and Restaurants, Accommodations, Services, Local Shopping, and Health/Fitness/Beauty. (A Real Estate directory is in the works.)
A report from eMarketer research found the buying power of U.S. gay and lesbian consumers was $660 billion in 2006 and is expected to reach $835 billion by 2011.*

For additional information on GayPortlandMaine.com's Concierge Pages call 207-409-0911 or email concierge@gayportlandmaine.com.

The Portland 48 Hour Film Project (Maine)

The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Portland on the weekend of August 14th. Filmmakers from all over the Portland area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world.

Enter today! Space is limited.

This year, teams will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Once the initial registration is complete, we will accept teams for the Waiting List. If a registered team must drop out, we will go to the Waiting List. If there is enough interest, and we can secure additional theater time, we may be able to add more teams from the list.

Early Bird Registration is $135. Teams must register on or before Monday, July 27, to get this special rate. Afterwards, registration is $155.

Register online

Cooking from a Maine Farmer’s Market

What: Cooking from a Maine Farmer's Market, a cooking class
When: Wednesday, August 12, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Cellardoor Winery and Vineyards, 367 Youngtown Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849

Details: Shop at the Camden Farmers' Market with Chef Lani Temple and learn how to prepare delightful treats with what we find. Location: Our Vineyard Tasting Room in Lincolnville.

On the afternoon of August 12, you will explore Cooking from a Maine Farmer's Market when Lani Temple takes you to the Camden Farmer's Market to shop for fresh and local ingredients. Upon your return to the Cellardoor Winery kitchen, she will lead the class in the preparation of a four-course dinner and share tips on how to keep the pantry well stocked with ingredients that facilitate the creation of beautiful meals with whatever happens to be in season at the market. Students will sit down together to enjoy the meal they have cooked, and learn how to pair wines with each course. Cooking from a Maine Farmer's Market will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 12th.
$75 per person (includes ingredients purchased at the market)
 
Class sizes are limited and advance reservations (required) can be made by calling 763-4478.

For information on our cooking classes, winemaking camp and classes, and Sunday food and wine pairings go to www.mainewine.com

Register now for PROPEL Beer Tasting Dinner at Gritty's

A dinner and beer tasting event offered by PROPEL, the young members group of the Portland Regional Chamber. Come enjoy an array of Gritty's microbrews and a scrumptious 5 course meal with dynamic young professionals from the Greater Portland area.

When: Tuesday, August 18th, at 5PM

Where: Gritty McDuff's # 396 Fore Street, Portland

What: Networking with Portland's most dynamic young professionals from 5 # 5:30PM.
Beginning at 5:30PM you will enjoy a 5 course meal, each course served with a different beer sampling.

Menu

COURSE 1
MAINE CHEESES & FRUITS
Maine made cheeses paired with fresh seasonal fruits
Paired with our TBA Ale

ALE & ONION SOUP
This classic soup reborn with a little help from our Brown Ale
Paired with our TBA Ale

APPLEWOOD BACON & GREENS
With sliced black grapes, grilled pear & a cider dressing
Paired with our TBA Ale

SURF & TURF
Beef tenderloin topped with Maine lobster butter over sweet & Yukon whipped potato with fennel & chives
Paired with our TBA Ale

BLACK FLY STOUT CAKE
The stout adds depth to this rich chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache
Paired with Black Fly Stout

$32 per person # all taxes and gratuities are included.

Please register prior to August 11th in order to accommodate the restaurant!

Gritty's has become a Maine institution, garnering many awards for Best Bar, Best Brew Pub and Best Beer. Stop in, have a pint and see where the legend began. Cheers!

REGISTER NOW

Bicycle Coalition of Maine Offers Valet Bicycle Parking at American Folk Festival

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will offer valet bicycle parking and Park and Pedal options at the American Folk Festival in Bangor on August 28-30. The free service saves money on gas, helps limit traffic congestion and promotes a healthy environment at the festival on the Bangor waterfront.

Seven Park and Pedal sites will accommodate cyclists coming from all directions. Locations may be found at www.BikeMaine.org. Distances from the parking areas to the festival range from one to 12 miles.

The American Folk Festival offers a multicultural celebration of traditional music and dance, arts and crafts and an active children's area. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

For more information about the festival's valet bicycle parking, please contact the Bicycle Coalition of Maine at info@BikeMaine.org or call 207-623-4511. Bicycle valet volunteers are welcome to sign up at www.americanfolkfestival.com.

Formed in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is working to make Maine accessible and safe for all residents and visitors so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The coalition also promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation and fun to enhance our communities, environment and economy.

Trade "rustic" for "Riesling": Maine Wine Camp

Maine Wine Camp

When: October 12-16, 2009

Where: Camden Harbour Inn, Camden, ME and Cellardoor Winery, Lincolnville, ME

Details: Guests will kick off the week on Monday October 12, 2009 with a reception at Camden Harbour Inn and from there will enjoy four nights accommodation in one of the AAA four diamond luxurious guest rooms or suites. Each day will include gourmet breakfast and dinner along with a variety of activities: winemaking classes, cooking classes, sensory evaluation classes, and hands-on work in the Cellardoor Vineyard and Winery. Afternoon excursions in the local area and transportation during the day are included.

The package starts at $1650 + Tax per person based on double occupancy, includes gratuity. 

For more information or to make your reservations for this exclusive package, please call the Camden Harbour Inn (877) 811-9224.

Full details: www.mainewine.com/event_detail.php?id=228

"On farm" dinners planned through Farm 2 Fork project

The New England Farm 2 Fork Project is an 'eco-gastronomic' roving rural supper club. A series of 'on farm' dinners and events that are planned throughout the state of Maine that will be held in the fields and pastures of several small organic farms, micro-creamery's, cattle ranches, heirloom apple orchards and dairies that dot our bountiful landscape.

Chef Sebastian Carosi is working closely with select farmers and producers to raise local food supply awareness, support sustainable agriculture and economic development throughout our region.

The New England Farm 2 Fork Project 'Supper Club' dinners start with an 'in the pasture' reception consisting of locally made beverages and some tiny starters bites before the diners are seated at a communal table for dinner. Our destiny is to serve the best local, sustainably produced ingredients, and to treat them with respect and simplicity in our cuisine.

This means using as much of a products resources as possible, be it the greens from garden grown organic beets, or the livers and gizzards of barnyard chickens. Our deep-rooted regional influences have shaped and continue to shape New England farm cuisine and inspire our cooking and food on a daily basis. Diners are generally served 6-12 courses, in small, manageable portions that allow them to sample the variety of edible commodities available to us in a particular season, from a local source, without relying on imported foods purchased from agri-business conglomerates.

The New England Farm 2 Fork Project kicks off its first scheduled supper club event- Brunch at Raven Hill Orchard will begin on August 15th and be served on various weekend days through October 18th 2009.
Raven Hill Orchard located in Waterboro, will also host:

-a New England heirloom & antique apple symposium on Saturday, September 19th
-a New England game dinner on Sunday, September 27th
-a heritage hog barbecue on Saturday & Sunday, October 24th & 25th
Other Supper Club scheduled dinners include:
-a grass-fed local beef dinner at Sebago Lake Ranch on Sunday, September 13th
-a dinner in the creamery at State of Maine Cheese Company on Sunday, September 20th
-a mofga certified organic farmstead supper at Longfellow's Creamery on Sunday, October 4th

A portion of all proceeds will go to support the host farm, other participating local farms, The Vermont Fresh Network and SlowFoodUSA. Sebastian became a devout member of the fledgling SlowFood while it was in its infant stages, when doing his culinary apprenticeship on the island of Sardinia, Italy many years ago. When a conversation with Carlo Petrini, the founder of SlowFoodInternational about local cheeses changed his culinary philosophies and forged his farm to fork roots for life. There in Sardinia is where he learned and understood that the diner truly belongs 'on the farm' and the consumer as close to the farm as possible…..

Reservations, inquiries, questions and comments for The New England Farm 2 Fork Project should be directed to: farm2forkreservations@yahoo.com or our 'field' phone 207.459.4271

To view our Roving Rural Supper Club Schedule & Events go to: TNEF2FP.BLOGSPOT.COM

Haley Art Gallery Offers Power Up with PR - PR/Marketing Workshop for Artists & Creative Business Owners

Haley Art Gallery www.haleygallery.com will be offering Power Up With PR half day workshops on monthly basis starting on Friday, September 4, 2009 9 am # 1 pm at the Gallery's Kittery location at 178 Haley Rd. in Kittery.

The workshops are designed to provide artists and creative business owners with knowledge on how to leverage cost-effective and free PR and social media tools to remain competitive in this spiraling economy. Participants will learn the basics of public relations, how to use their website as a PR tool, social media strategies for Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Blogging, as well as how to write and place press releases in the local and national media outlets. The workshops are an ideal networking opportunity for the participants to present their business # and receive PR tips and recommendations.

The workshops will be directed by Jackie Abramian, co-owner of Haley Art Gallery a 20-year PR veteran, and author of the recently published book Power Up with PR (ArtNetwork 2008). Copies of the book will be available for purchase at a reduced price. Abramian will also be available for brief one-on-one PR strategy consultations.

For further information on the workshop and registration, contact haleygallery@comcast.net or 207-439-7612. Groups, artists, non-profits receive discounts.

Free "Intro to Acting" workshops at Acorn Productions

Acorn Productions announces an expanded schedule of free "Intro to Acting" workshops for kids and adults this September.  The company will offer two sessions for adults and three for kids grades K - 12. 

Acorn's Producing Director Michael Levine conducts both sessions, which are designed to provide beginning and continuing actors with an introduction to the actor's craft as well as a sense of what transpires during a full-length acting class. 

Students in the workshops participate in a series of acting games and theater exercises that will introduce them to many common acting terms.  No experience necessary, but pre-registration is required.  Please see the complete listing of dates and times below.

The Acorn Acting Academy starts its fall session of acting classes the week of September 21, 2009.  All classes meet for eight sessions in the new Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill and are conducted by Levine, Stop, Drop and Role's Rachel Flehinger,  and Acorn Shakespeare Ensemble members Keith Anctil and Stephanie Ross.  Offerings for adults include Acting for Ordinary People for beginners, and Actors Workshop, Scene Study and Writer's Improv for more experienced actors.  Kids can choose from Creative Storytelling, Intro to Acting, Storybook Scenes, Improvisational Comedy and Teen Acting..

Students interested in more information about Acorn's classes can get information at Acorn's website www.acorn-productions.org or by calling the Acorn Studios at 854-0065.  Registration fees vary from $100 to $160 for the eight-week classes, with discounts for returning students.

CALENDAR FOR FREE ACTING WORKSHOPS

Who: Acorn Productions
What: FREE adult acting workshops
When: Wednesday, September 9th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. AND
    Tuesday, September 15th from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
How Much: FREE
Where: Acorn Studios, Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge St., Westbrook
FMI: www.acorn-productions.org or 854-0065

Who: Acorn Productions
What: FREE kids acting workshops
When: Wednesday, September 9th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.  (grades K-2) AND
    Thursday, September 10th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. (grades 5 # 12) AND
    Monday, September 14th from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.  (grades K-2)
How Much: FREE
Where: Acorn Studios, Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge St., Westbrook
FMI: www.acorn-productions.org or 854-0065

Artist wanted to design the 2009 Common Ground Fair poster

Abduction? Elopement? Only Beer Garden Girl knows for sure

Beer Garden Girl has gone missing.

Last seen near the beer garden during last Thursday's Alive at Five concert in Portland's Monument Square, the stand-up gal has disappeared without a trace.

Witnesses recall seeing Beer Garden Girl entertaining concert-goers, though one source noted that she seemed board.

Perhaps preoccupied with a pending escape?



In truth, she may have felt trapped in life of beer hauling and drunk dodging. Or perhaps some grinning chap convinced her to ditch the steins and start a garden of babies with him up on Munjoy Hill.

Or perhaps she was unlawfully taken against her will. Folded up and tucked under the arm of some speedy Vespa rider.

The search for Beer Garden Girl continues throughout the week, until Alive at Five on Thursday, at which time the searchers will themselves become distracted by the beer garden siren song.

Until then, take a gander at the Seen photos from last week's concert and
Beer Garden Girl's last moments

Back Bay Grill Wins Wine Spectator Award for 10th Year in a Row

Portland's Back Bay Grill restaurant has been awarded the Cellar Excellence Award from Wine Spectator magazine for the tenth year running. The Award of Excellence is awarded each year by Wine Spectator to restaurants that offer at least 100 different wine selections from a diverse spectrum of geographic origins and grape varietals.

Back Bay Grill's wine list has been praised for its comprehensive Californian and Bordeaux wines, as well as the breadth of the overall list: over 300 wines are available at the restaurant. Some wines are available by half-bottle, and the selection of full bottles offer a spectrum of flavors as well as a wide range of prices. The restaurant also carries wines available by the glass.

Winners of the Award of Excellence match wines to their menus thematically, and Back Bay Grill's choices are no exception. Updated seasonally, the restaurant's dinner menu features sophisticated American flavors and simple elegance. Wine Buyer and General Manager Adrian Stratton is the individual responsible for coordinating the wine list with the ever-changing menu and notes that from time to time, wines on the list are replaced with other interesting wines from all over the world in order to keep the list fresh and relevant to the food being served.

"We are extremely honored to receive the Award of Excellence again this year," Stratton says, "and hope to continue this ten-year tradition well into the future."
Back Bay Grill is open for dinner and drinks six days a week. Reservations are recommended.

Fiddle teacher opens new studio in Bowdoinham

WHAT: Music Lesson Open Houses, at fiddle instructor Hope Hoffman's new
downtown studio in Bowdoinham
WHEN: Wednesdays August 5 & September 2 from 12-5 p.m.; Mondays August 3
& August 31 from 3-7 p.m.
WHERE: 43 Main Street, Bowdoinham (studio parking and entrance on Center
Street, behind Fox Real Estate)
HOW MUCH: free FMI: (207) 332-3459 www.hopehoffman.org

Visitors are invited to: See fiddle/violin instructor Hope Hoffman's new
downtown studio in Bowdoinham; Get free advice about fiddles/violins,
techniques for playing, and music lessons; Play some music on their
instrument with Hope and/or listen to Hope play her fiddle.

Hope Hoffman has been teaching fiddle music in the Bowdoinham area since
2001; this summer, she opened a full-time studio space and art gallery
on Bowdoinham's Main Street.

Located in downtown Bowdoinham, her studio is a tenth of a mile from the
waterfront and Town Landing restaurant, and easy walking distance to the
library and hiking trails. It's shaped like a miniature grange hall,
with four large windows and a high ceiling; the acoustics are wonderful.
The space is very family-friendly, including a waiting room with crayons
and books, for family members to spend time in during lessons. Hope
Hoffman currently teaches violin/fiddle in her studio, and instruction
for additional instruments may be offered in the future.

While the creation of a lovely outdoor sign is underway in the
woodworking shop of Paul Baines, visitors arriving can look for the
landmark of several pots of colorful flowers on the side of the
building. The studio has its own private parking lot on Center Street,
and is also accessible from a ramp on the Main Street.

PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL OFFERS
-- Trio Discount: If three friends would like to combine group and
private lessons, a discounted rate is available for advance reservation
for an hour and a half block of lesson time, which the trio you can
divide among themselves in a way that best fits their schedules.
-- Gift Certificates: Are available online at www.hopehoffman.org

Online Exhibit Celebrates Lindbergh’s 1927 Stop in Maine - "We Saw Lindbergh!"

A small exhibit celebrating Charles Lindbergh's 1927 stop in Maine is now
available on Maine Memory Network (MMN), the virtual history museum and
archive developed by Maine Historical Society. "We Saw Lindbergh!"
highlights excerpts from the diary of Elise Fellows White, a native of
Skowhegan living in Portland at the time of his visit. Like many others,
White was entranced with Lindbergh and with airplanes.

On July 24, 1927 Charles Lindbergh landed his plane "The Spirit of St.
Louis" on the beach in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. As part of Lindbergh's
Guggenheim Tour following his successful Atlantic crossing, he was scheduled
to fly from New Hampshire to Portland, Maine. Because of heavy fog in the
Portland area, he circled the vicinity for 1 1/2 hours looking for a landing
field, finally landing on Old Orchard Beach.

Ignoring the newspaper's warning against going to Old Orchard Beach to see
him, White arose early to take the train. She recorded her impressions of
that day in her diary, describing the famous aviator's "average western
boy's face," telling how she touched the "shining tip of one of the wings"
of the "Spirit of St. Louis," and how Lindbergh waited "for low tide and for
the sand to harden" before taking off.

With text by Candace Kanes, MMN Project Historian, and images from Maine
Historical Society, Dyer Library Archives/Saco Museum, Old Orchard Beach
Historical Society and Skowhegan History House, the exhibit can be found at:
www.mainememory.net

Maine Historical Society preserves the heritage and history of Maine: the
stories of Maine people, the traditions of Maine communities, and the record
of Maine's place in a changing world.

Maine Memory Network (www.mainememory.net), a project of the Maine
Historical Society, provides access to thousands of historical items
belonging to over 200 organizations from across Maine.

Maine Fare, a Celebration of Maine Food in Camden-Rockport, September 11-13

CAMDEN-ROCKPORT, Maine # Celebrating Maine's outstanding culinary resources, Maine Fare, a grand festival of food and drink, will take place once again this year in the Camden-Rockport region. Maine Fare honors the past, present and future of Maine's wonderful food # from farm to table # and features chef demonstrations, panel discussions, cooking classes, workshops, guided food and drink pairings and tastings, author signings, dinners and a two-day outdoor culinary marketplace. Dates are September 11-13, 2009 at Maine Fare's primary location: Camden's Knox Mill. Related Maine Fare events are scheduled for Rockport, Camden and Lincolnville.

"Maine is home to some of the most varied and rewarding eating and drinking experiences in the country," said Maine Fare founder and nationally recognized food writer Nancy Harmon Jenkins. "We encourage people to come to Maine Fare and experience what we mean when we say 'Maine is where good food begins'."
Friday, September 11 Activities:

Maine Fare begins at noon, Friday, September 11, on the grounds of Brewster Point, the gorgeous new-urban land development overlooking picturesque Glen Cove in Rockport. Maine Fare's Organic Gardeners' Luncheon will be led by Barbara Damrosch, Washington Post columnist and co-owner, with her husband Eliot Coleman, of Four Season Farm, a nationally recognized model of small-scale sustainable agriculture in Harborside, Maine.

Friday afternoon also includes Maine Fare's Keynote Panel Discussion, "Can Maine Feed Itself?" at Brewster Point beginning at 2:00 p.m. The panel discussion will be moderated by Craig Lapine, president of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), executive director of Cultivating Community, and an activist committed to growing sustainable communities. Confirmed keynote panelists include Eliot Coleman, renowned author and co-owner of Four Season Farm; Russell Libby, executive director of MOFGA; fisherman Glen Libby, chairman of the Midcoast Fishermen's Association and a member of the New England Fishery Management Council; and Seth Bradstreet, commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture.

Later Friday evening, Maine Fare's "Gala Tasting Under the Stars" takes place on the water at the Camden Yacht Club from 6-9 p.m. Sam Hayward, Chef/Owner of Fore Street restaurant, will lead fifteen award-winning and celebrated Maine chefs as they transform Camden's Yacht Club into Maine's top restaurant du jour. Select Maine wines, spirits and beers will be paired with each participating restaurant.
Maine Fare 2009 weekend highlights include:

The Maine Fare Marketplace

Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 # Camden's Knox Mill
The Maine Fare Marketplace will be filled with food makers and suppliers presenting some of the finest examples of artisanal cheeses, chocolates, charcuterie, organic produce, smoked seafoods, condiments, wines and beers.
Cooking Demonstrations and Classes

All weekend # various locations throughout Camden-Rockport region
Maine's most notable chefs and food writers will offer demonstrations and limited-participation cooking classes where they'll show off favorite recipes, techniques, and fresh ingredients. Chefs include Michael Salmon of Camden's Hartstone Inn, Josh Hixson of Brevetto Kitchen & Wine Bar in Camden, as well as food writer Nancy Harmon Jenkins, and more. At a special Sunday demonstration, "The Whole Hog," young chefs from Portland's award-winning Fore Street restaurant will introduce the art of butchering a whole hog for the best use of all its parts for charcuterie, sausages and curing. There will also be ongoing demonstrations in the marketplace hall.

Guided Tasting Seminars

All weekend # various locations throughout Camden-Rockport region

Under the guidance of Maine food experts, participants will taste local smoked seafood paired with hand-crafted Maine spirits, different varieties of Maine oysters paired with local beers, and artisanal cheeses paired with Maine wines # and much more.

Panel Discussions

All weekend # Knox Mill, Camden

Maine culinary authorities, including today's visionaries and tomorrow's leaders, will present informed perspectives on critical issues affecting our food, our health, and our well-being. Discussions include: Does Maine Have Its Own Brew?, Fish in Maine's Future: Farmed and Wild, Can Maine Make Its Own Bread?, New Mainers, New Foods, and more to be announced.

General admission tickets to Maine Fare include entry to the Maine Fare Marketplace and onsite panels, presentations and demonstrations. Friday's Gala Tasting, Cooking Classes and Guided Tastings, and other special events are priced a la carte. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.mainefare.com, or by phone (866) 877-5900.

Sponsors of Maine Fare 2009 include Brewster Point Land Company, Cellardoor Winery, and Down East magazine. Other partners include Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine, MaineToday.com, WCLZ 98.9 FM, The Free Press weekly, and the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about tickets and events, or to join the email list for regular updates, visit www.mainefare.com, call (866) 877-5900 or send an email to info@mainefare.com.

A limited number of booth spaces are still available for marketplace vendors on Saturday and Sunday # for more information contact Sarah Greer at wandsgreer@myfairpoint.net or (207) 542-0964.

Portland Police Department Offers Basic Self Defense Class for Women this Fall

Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real life defense tools and tactics
What: This September, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training class. R.A.D. provides women with the tools they need to both avoid dangerous situations and escape them. The course is specifically designed to help women survive situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.

This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater Portland area who would like to develop real life defensive tools and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for September 1, 3, 8, and 10, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and September 12 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. All classes must be attended to complete the course. The classes will be held at the Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D. trainings. To sign up for the class or receive more information about Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call 874-8643.

When: September 1, 3, 8, 10, and 12, 2009 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Portland Police Department 109 Middle Street, Portland

Wanted: Volunteers Who Love Maine’s Wildlife

Nationwide Audubon Effort Funds Volunteer-powered
Conservation Projects at Maine's Largest Saltwater Marsh

Maine Audubon is recruiting volunteers to assist three wildlife conservation projects at Scarborough Marsh, the largest saltwater marsh in Maine, on five Saturdays and one Sunday this summer, fall, and next spring. The work is part of TogetherGreen Volunteer Days, a nationwide effort Audubon launched last fall, with funding from Toyota.

As part of the project, more than 9,000 volunteers nationwide have, to date, donated more than 43,000 hours of time to environmental projects connecting people with ways to make a difference for conservation in their local communities. By building stronger alliances with other local organizations, schools, and businesses, Audubon hopes to attract new and diverse volunteers.

Through next April, TogetherGreen volunteers in Maine will participate during six Saturdays in three conservation activities Maine Audubon is coordinating at Scarborough Marsh: two marsh clean-up days, two marsh-wide bird survey days, and two data-collection days for a state database that tracks an invasive reed.

The amazing abundance and diversity of birds at Scarborough Marsh has made it one of Maine's first Important Bird Areas, part of a global effort to identify and conserve areas vital to bird populations.

Preregistration is required for TogetherGreen Volunteer Days. Volunteers should call or visit Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center at (207) 883-5100, or send an e-mail to smac@maineaudubon.org .

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., every day of the week, from Memorial Day-Labor Day, and the first two weekends in September. It's easy to find: from U.S. Route One in Scarborough, turn east onto Pine Point Road (also marked as Route 9 West) and the center is .8 mile on the left.

TogetherGreen Volunteer Days dates in Maine are:

· Bird Surveys$Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 22. Both days: 7 a.m.-about noon (end times depend on length of route). Timed to catch the beginning of shorebird migration, the surveys assign groups of monitors to different areas of the marsh. Both mornings will start with a brief introduction to the marsh and the survey methods, including a presentation on "Bird Counting 101." Depending on the assignment, surveys may be done on foot, by car, or from a canoe (provided at the marsh or bring your own). Beginning birders welcome! Experienced monitors will lead each group.

Pre-registration required. Call (207) 883-5100, e-mail smac@maineaudubon.org , or visit Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Route 9/Pine Point Road, Scarborough.

· Phragmites Monitoring$Sunday, August 2, 1-4 p.m. (training), and Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (survey); for those who cannot attend, some alternative dates are possible. Volunteers will be trained to use GPS units and surveying techniques to monitor selected areas of Scarborough Marsh for an invasive reed, Phragmites australis. They will find, measure, and map the reeds to collect data for a GIS database. No experience is necessary to volunteer.

Pre-registration required. Call (207) 883-5100, e-mail smac@maineaudubon.org , or visit Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Route 9/Pine Point Road, Scarborough.

· Marsh Clean-up$Saturday, October 10 and Saturday, April 24, from 9 a .m.-noon. Sadly, people cause trash to accumulate in the marsh$and it's not good for wildlife. That's why people also need to get it out of there. Please help! When you see all those sacks of trash picked up, piled up, and ready to be disposed of properly, it's a guarantee you'll feel good about your work.

Pre-registration required. Call (207) 883-5100, e-mail smac@maineaudubon.org, or visit Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Route 9/Pine Point Road, Scarborough.


TogetherGreen Volunteer Days is in addition to Maine Audubon's ongoing programs engaging citizen-science volunteers who help monitor the status of Maine's loons, owls, and amphibians.

Visit www.maineaudubon.org for additional information about TogetherGreen Volunteers Days.

Maine concert TV series ‘LIVE at Port City Music Hall’ Airs on Thursdays at 11:30 pm on WPXT

Live Maine music at it's best! The Portland-based band, Gypsy Tailwind, is featured on Maine's new concert TV series 'LIVE at Port City Music Hall,' presented by Portland's Shipyard Brewing Company. The program airs Thursday nights at 11:30 pm on WPXT TV 51.

This hour-long TV program showcases the Portland music scene recorded live at the city's premier music venue, the Port City Music Hall at 504 Congress Street. The debut episode features the phenomenal sold-out performance by Gypsy Tailwind, filmed on location on June 20, 2009 at the CD release party for their well-received new disc, "Grace."

Throughout the month of July, 'LIVE at Port City Music Hall' will air the Gypsy Tailwind concert. The performer to be featured on the August episode will be announced in late July.

'LIVE at Port City Music Hall' airs every Thursday night at 11:30 pm on WPXT.

MOFGA Accepting Submissions For The 2010 Common Ground Country Fair Poster Contest

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is accepting submissions for the 2010 Common Ground Country Fair Artwork Contest.

Each year, MOFGA hosts an artwork contest to find an illustration that captures the essence of the Fair. From the Famous to the Undiscovered, Maine artists have been submitting artwork for the iconic poster for decades.

This year's poster features heirloom apple varieties from Maine counties. Artwork by John Bunker. See a closeup.

This year's Fair will take place on September 25, 26 & 27 at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. John Bunker of Palermo designed the 2009 poster. His beautiful illustration features an heirloom apple variety from each of Maine counties. The poster is available from MOFGA for $10 plus shipping.

The deadline for artwork submission for the 2010 Contest is August 7th, 2009. MOFGA will use the winning design for next year's fair t-shirts, postcards, brochures and other promotional materials all over Maine.

MOFGA also will feature the winning artist in its award-winning, quarterly newspaper, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardner, on its website -- www.mofga.org -- and in press releases and other media outreach efforts.

The winning artist will receive a $1,000 prize as well.

All entries must arrive in MOFGA's office in the town of Unity by 4 p.m. Friday, August 7th, 2009. Artists may submit two entries.

The contest is open to Maine residents, and MOFGA members regardless of residence.

See poster contest guidelines, and examples of previous winners' artwork.

For more information, contact the Fair office at cgcf@mofga.org or 207-568-4142.

Harvest on the Harbor will be back in October

The Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the second annual Harvest on the Harbor, Maine's Premier Food and Wine Experience, will be held Oct. 22-24 on the water at Ocean Gateway. The three-day food & wine festival will include many wonderful new events such as the "Man Cave," the "Harvest Haute Fashion" brought to you by the designer MADgirl, a cocktail contest and the "People's Choice Lobster Competition" brought to you by the Maine Lobster Council.

MICK TAYLOR SHOW at Port City Music Hall CANCELED

The August 1st show with Mick Taylor at Port City Music Hall has been canceled due to artist health reasons. Refunds are available at point of purchase.

Port City Music Hall apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause fans.

Be a part of Urban Epic without ANY training: Volunteer!

Three hundred fifty athletes will gather at East End Beach at 8:30 a.m. to compete in the 1/2-mile swim, 13-mile bike, and 3.7-mile run event for Saturday's Urban Epic.

The enhanced 2009 Zone Urban Epic (ZUE) event will feature a new finish on the Maine State Pier with a prominent post-race festival that includes a Smuttynose Beer Garden, Mammut climbing wall, local food and retail vendors, and live music by the Jason Spooner Trio. The spectator-friendly festival is free and open to the public.

Be a part of the race and all the action without the training # VOLUNTEER!

We're looking for volunteers to join us for the Zone Urban Epic event. There are multiple volunteer positions available and lots of ways to be a part of the event excitement. Get your friends and family together and get registered today. You won't be sorry.

PLUS, all volunteers get a cool Zone Urban Epic T-shirt, food, Smuttynose beer (if you're over 21), entry to the live music and festival!

To sign up, email: erik@tri-maine.com

More on Urban Epic

Help out Cultivating Community by volunteering at one (or both) of their upcoming events

The Boyd Street Bash
Our 2d Annual Boyd Street Bash is this coming Sunday, July 19 from noon to 2
pm. There will be music, crafts, kids' activities, a raspberry bake-off,
yummy food, and an urban sustainability fair. Bring the family!

We need volunteers to help with set-up (9:30-noon), during the event
(noon-2) and for clean-up (2-3:30). Contact Hilary Burgin at
hnburgin@gmail.com if you can help.

The Rooted in Community Conference
We are hosting a national conference for youth engaged in social action
through sustainable agriculture. The conference will be based at Southern
Maine Community College from July 29-August 2. We will need volunteers to
help with registration on the afternoon of July 29 and for other logistical
assignments throughout the 4-day event. If you'd like to help, e-mail
charlie@cultivatingcommunity.org. For more on RIC, go to
www.rootedincommunity.org.

"Side Man" auditions at Freeport Players, July 12 & 13

AUDITIONS for SIDE MAN: July 12 & 13

The FREEPORT PLAYERS invite you to AUDITION for their fall production, SIDE MAN, on Sunday and Monday, July 12 & 13, 6-8pm at the Freeport Performing Arts Center on Holbrook Street. Performance dates will be late September, early October.
Please come prepared to read from sides; prepared monologue optional.
Parts for four men, 30s to 50s; one man, 20s to 30s; two women, 30s to 40s.

"An atmospheric memory play, SIDE MAN spans three decades [1950s-80s] in the life of a Manhattan musician. Playwright Warren Leight, whose father was a sideman, incisively captures the pulse and climate of the New York jazz scene, with crisp dialogue and clearly drawn characters. What appears on the surface to be a familiar domestic drama subtly reflects the passing of an era with persuasive insight∑The joy and despair of the musicians is skillfully illustrated." #Variety.

FMI, please contact Sam Hunneman (muthahun@suscom-maine.net).

Like being naked in public? Try the Full Monty auditions!

Sunday, August 2, 2009, 7:00 PM

Monday, August 3, 2009, 7:00 PM

Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St, Auburn ME

Show Dates: October 2,3,4,8,9,10,11   2009

Check your ANXIETIES and INHIBITIONS at the door!  THE FULL MONTY is the Americanized musical version of the hit movie: six unemployed Buffalo (NY) steel workers, low on cash, prospects, and self-esteem, decide to "LET IT GO" and put together a "Chippendales" act to earn some extra dough. We soon learn that they all have insecurities of one kind or another. As they prepare for the show at their local club, learning to dance, working through their fears and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie. The Full Monty has it all … great heart, jazzy tunes, and a universal message about love on SO many levels. THE FULL MONTY earned multiple TONY Award nominations and Drama Desk Awards. The MONTY women are just as important to the theme as the men. We'll be looking for strong, sassy, sexy gals (no matter what your size or shape). They are the spring board (and backstory) for everything their men are doing. THE BIG QUESTION: Yes, the 6 principal male characters will do The Full Monty (after all, that's the name of the show) but in a deftly-executed blackout… In addition, characters will be spending several scenes in only their underwear. If you have ANY reservations about this aspect of the show, please DECIDE NOW! However, the theme is relationships and human connection on many levels: father-to-son; husband-to-wife; MONTY is a joyous celebration of dealing with # and overcoming # all the "Scrap" that life throws at you. I hope you enjoy your experience at the CLT auditions and will want to help us with the show, if not onstage, then behind the scenes!

 Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key for a song of your choice. A song selection from the show is not required. We will hold closed vocal auditions.

Bring dance attire as there will be a choreography portion taught at auditions. 

Please bring a list of ALL conflicts from auditions to the show dates.

 ALL AUDITIONERS MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 18

MORE INFORMATION AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

"Fields on the Saco" combines fine chefs, farms and slow food movements in ME and NH

Take two neighboring New Hampshire and Maine farms and combine them with four award-winning chefs and Mt Washington Valley's green team, and what results is a fabulous four course meal and event held in the fields of Weston's Farm on the Saco River. Mark the calendar for August 29th for the Second Annual "Fields on the Saco", a very special event honoring the land, family tradition and your discriminating taste. Presented by Weston's Farm , celebrating 200 years of family farming, Sherman Farm , a dairy and vegetable farm on 150 magestic acres along the Saco River Valley, Green Thumb Farms , grower and shipper of quality Maine potatoes and Cold River Vodka and Nerefield Farm, breeders and trainers of world class Border Collies in conjunction with the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce , on this night alone everything that touches your taste buds will have been raised in the fertile ground of two bordering family farms in Maine and New Hampshire. Four amazing chefs combine their talents to utilize the bounty from local farms along with specialty liquors, wines and foods to offer a truly unforgettable meal, served in the fields under tents.
Participants will be treated to a four course meal, set on the fields from whence the food came. The menu, accompanied by perfectly paired wines and Maine Cold River Vodka, will be artfully presented by Chef Bryant Alden of the Chef's Market in North Conway, Executive Chef Brad Southwick of the White Mountain Hotel and Resort , Chef Jonathan Spak, co-owner of the Oxford House Inn, and Chef Jim Harrison of the Flatbread Company .

The dinner will start with hors d'oeuvres presented by the featured chefs including: Sweet Corn Fritters by Jonathan Spak, Scallops wrapped in Panchetta in an Amaretto Reduction and Local Cheese and Fruit Display by Brad Southwick, Poelle of Garden Vegetables with Roasted Field Tomatoes and Gouda atop Foccacia Crustini by Bryant Alden.

The four course meal will include:

Appetizer: Roulade of Pork Gratin with Braised Baby Beets and Butternut-Apple Coulis, presented by Chef Bryant Alden of Chef's Market

Salad: Baby Spinach Salad with Grilled Peaches and Goat Cheesewith a Maple Pecan Apple Cider Vinaigrette presented by Chef Brad Southwick of The White Mountain Hotel & Resort

Entree: Mixed Grill of Tournedos of Beef, Lamb Sausage and Chicken Kebob with summer vegetables artfully displayed on a potatoe nest presented by Chef Jim Harrison of Flatbread Company

Dessert: Blueberry Polenta Poundcake with Honey and Chevre Semi-freddo presented by: Chef Jonathan of Oxford House Inn .

There is more to this dinner than a distinctive meal; in keeping with the Slow Food movement developing in Mt Washington Valley, there will be guided farm tours, farm stores filled with foods, flowers and locally made products, Maine's distinctive Cold River Vodka and complimentary wines, live music provided by Jazz Meisters and a "wet art" auction (wet art refers to paintings created on site). Winners of Art-A-Ron-Dack Chair judging will be auctioned, offering lucky bidders the chance to take home a unique chair and artwork combined. Additionally a Border Collie exhibition at Nerefield Farm on East Conway Road and a bon fire will round out the schedule. Each person attending the dinner will take home a beautiful Lead Wine Glass by Cristal d'Arques of France and a gift bag.

Tickets to the event are $125.00 per person. Tickets are limited to the first 100 people and must be reserved in advance. The rain location will be the historic Agriculture Barn used at the Fryeburg Fair, the oldest agricultural fair in the United States. The event will support Mt Washington Valley's Green Team's efforts to engage Mt Washington Valley residents and businesses in adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling Janet at 800-367-3364 or 603-356-5701 X300 or by mail. Registration forms for tickets-by-mail may be downloaded.

Sponsors of the Fields on the Saco include Weston Farm Stand, Sherman Farm, Green Thumb Farms, Nerefield Farm, Cormack Construction Management, Cold River Vodka, Tim DiPietro Electric, Glass Graphics, Poland Spring, Wine Thyme Deli, Cheese & Gifts, and the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Simply visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on the Fields on the Saco logo for complete information.

Wilco Guitarist Scheduled for CD Signing Meet and Greet at Portland Bull Moose, July 17

In town for Wilco's sold-out concert on the Maine State Pier on Friday, July 17, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline will make an appearance at the Portland Bull Moose (151 Middle Street) the same afternoon, July 17, at 12:30 p.m. He will be available to meet and speak with fans, and sign copies of a variety of CDs both as the featured artist as well as his releases with Wilco.

Lead guitarist of the alternative rock band Wilco for the past five years, Cline was recently described by the New York Times as "one of the best guitarists in any genre."

As his fans well know, Cline has long had many other irons in the fire aside from his most recent high profile role with Wilco. He has recorded numerous CDs as both a sideman and as the leader of a handful of bands over the years. The guitarist is known for the diversity of his musical projects including collaborations with other punk, jazz, alt rock and improvisational musicians.

The Bull Moose meet and greet with Nels Cline, is this Friday, July 17th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Win a free guitar from MaineToday.com - signed by the band, of course

If you play a mean guitar - or just like pretending you do when you're alone in your room with the door deadbolted - every strumming star needs a solid guitar.

MaineToday.com is happy to hook you up with a FREE GUITAR. We're giving away one a week for the next five weeks during the Thursday Alive at Five concert series in Monument Square.

And getting the guitar is easy. Simply stop by the MaineToday.com booth in Monument Square during the concert and sign up for The Weekender events newsletter. Already signed up for The Weekender? Fill out a card anyway. We'll be drawing from the entries during the show and the winner will walk away with a fancy new instrument.

And yes, you must be present to win.

Here's the Alive at Five lineup:

July 9 - Spencer and The School Spirit Mafia with This Way
July 16 - The Clash Of The Titans Showcase (Roy Orbison vs Stevie Ray Vaughn vs Nirvana)
July 23 - Dave Gutter & Tony McNaboe
July 30 - All The Real Girls & The Leftovers
August 6 - Dominic and The Lucid & Pete Kilpatrick Band

FMI on the Alive at Five series, check out the Portland Downtown District's website: www.portlandmaine.com

Zone Urban Epic Triathlon and Festival to Bring Competition and Celebration to Downtown Portland

Over three hundred athletes set to race in the third year of the Zone Urban Epic Triathlon and Festival

Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Portland, Maine

The third annual Zone Urban Epic Triathlon and Festival will take place in downtown Portland on Saturday, July 18. Three hundred fifty athletes will gather at East End Beach at 8:30 a.m. to compete in the ½-mile swim, 13-mile bike, and 3.7-mile run event.

The enhanced 2009 Zone Urban Epic (ZUE) event will feature a new finish on the Maine State Pier with a prominent post-race festival that includes a Smuttynose Beer Garden, Mammut climbing wall, local food and retail vendors, and live music by the Jason Spooner Trio. The spectator-friendly festival is free and open to the public.

Racers will start at 8:30 a.m. at East End Beach with a ½-mile out-and-back swim in Casco Bay, followed by .5-mile run down the East End Trail to the main transition area located inside Portland Yacht Services at 58 Fore Street. Next, they will embark on a 13-mile bike course up to the Eastern Promenade and down to Baxter Boulevard, completing two loops along Back Cove before heading back to the TA along the same route. Athletes end with a 3.7-mile out-and-back run along the Eastern Promenade and a big finish on the Maine State Pier.

Also new in 2009, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine will present an Urban Epic Kids Race following the adult event. Kids ages 4-6 can compete in a 200-yard-dash Fun Run, and kids from 7-13 can fundraise and compete in an Aquarun (swim-run) race. Both races will finish on the Pier, where there will be a special family-oriented play and learn area. All proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Seventy percent of the athletes hail from Maine, while 30 percent will be traveling in from 14 states and Canada. Athletes compete both individually and in relay teams and range in ability from first-timers to seasoned pros.

Tell Switch why your favorite bartender is so dang special

Everybody plays favorites.

With everything.

There's the friend whose phone calls you always answer and the frienemy
whose ring goes automatically to voice mail, the hamburger, well-done, no
mayo, extra pickles you order at every restaurant you go to, and the reality
TV show you absolutely cannot miss.

If you're a regular at any of the local watering holes of Portland you
probably have your fav bartender, too. Maybe it's the blonde who always
gives you that special wink when she pops the top off your Miller High Life.
Or maybe it's the guy with the tattoo sleeves and the six-pack who keeps
those appletinis coming at the end of another long work week.

Whoever they are, we want to know about 'em. Why you love 'em, what they do
for you, what makes them special. The only criteria is that they sling their
drinks in Portland. Send your suggestions to editor@themaineswitch.com.
And of course we're hoping you'd rather be served by that hot young thing in
the snug shorts than the old man with the Charlie Manson beard and the black
crud under his fingernails. Why? Because they'll probably look a little
better in the feature we're planning on some of Portland's best-loved
bartenders for an upcoming issue of Switch.

(Bartenders: Don't be shy. Go ahead and ask your regulars to send in a vote
for you. Self-promotion is a good thing $ unless you happen to be the mother
of eight kids, octo or otherwise.)

We're putting bartenders in the spotlight 'cause slinging beers and doing
the mixology thing for crabby customers until 1 am isn't the easiest job.
But where would we be without our bartenders (besides in a back alley with a
brown paper bag)? How would we get our perfectly poured frothy-headed
Guinnesses or our professionally blended Biddeford martinis? What a sad, sad
day it would be if we actually had to muddle our own mojitos and keep the
stash of lime wedges stocked.

So let us know who you love and why. Tell us who you can't wait to see every
Friday at 5 pm. Make sure you include what makes them your fav $ other than
the fact that they always have a PBR ready for you.

To nominate a drink-slinging master you know, email Karen Beaudoin at editor@themainetswitch.com

The Magnificent Yusef is sticking around Portland. Why? Because he loves us.

Teatro Beyondo will remain in Maine until 2011. After the amazing success of their only scheduled New England performance at the WMMG's Gallery during Portland's First Friday Art Walk on July 3, the World Traveled Teatro Beyondo has decided to remain in the Portland area to workshop their 2011 International Tour!!!

When speaking with The Magnificent Yusef on Monday, he expressed 3 reasons for keeping the group here to workshop the new tour: 1) the Clam Chowder at Gilbert's, 2) the amazing service given by Spencer at Local 188, and 3) the incredible outpouring of support at the show on Friday night.

"It was my first stage performance since 1997, and the greatest outpour of support I have ever seen!", Yusef stated. The crowd over-filled the space and the group was forced to perform an additional performance to get the crowd to leave.

Yusef promises that they have only just begun to awaken the audiences of Portland and the surrounding areas, with their unique theatrical performances. "This is not what you see anywhere else! We will either be loved, or executed, either way we will bring a new fringe theater to Maine!" Yusef promises.

The group is currently looking for a larger venue to accommodate the large crowds it anticipates for its shows. It plans to do additional performances of Behind the Veil, an Evening in the coming weeks, while they plan their next show and look for additional cast. Anyone with an unusual idea or unique ability is encouraged to contact the company at: teatrobeyondo@gmail.com.

Teatro Beyondo has traveled extensively throughout the World for over 13 years. The Company Mission is to be Traveling Wanderers finding a way to express through words and images what could not be better expressed through dialogue and photos.
We hope to give a voice to words as they are in language. Join us, if you know how!

Beyond Music: Bull Moose Sponsors the First BattlefieldCon Gaming Convention, August 8

Though widely known for their selection of new and used CDs and records, today Bull Moose sells more videogames and DVDs than anything else. Gaming is a booming business, a serious pastime, and many would say it's a serious skill worthy of the exhilaration of a friendly competition. In support of their loyal gaming clientele, on Saturday, August 8 Bull Moose will sponsor the first BattlefieldCon Gaming Convention, held at the Wyndham Hotel in South Portland (363 Maine Mall Road) beginning at 10:00 a.m.

A "next-gen competition for a next-gen environment" Battlefield '09 will feature videogame tournaments in Halo 3, Streetfighter 4, Call of Duty 4, Guitar Hero and more. The event was founded by Peter Robishaw of Falmouth, an avid gamer who had grown tired of the fact that most gaming competitions are held too far away for Mainers to attend. Robishaw decided to host his own, tailored specifically to the New England area. All attendees will be entered to win a brand-new Playstation 3, provided courtesy of Bull Moose, and there are cash prizes for the winning participants.

Bull Moose can attest to the popularity of gaming here in Maine. "We see an incredible amount of games come through our ten stores so it's obvious there are a lot of gamers out there," said Ian Lindley, game buyer for Bull Moose. "We're happy to sponsor BattlefieldCon not only because it's a really cool idea, but also to let more gamers around here know who we are and that they have a choice when buying and selling games. There's more than just one game in town # pun intended."

For Battlefield '09 doors open at 10 a.m. on August 8 for brief practice sessions before the tournaments begin at noon. Tournament finals begin at 8:00 p.m. and gaming closes at midnight.

The fee for registration is $25 per participant for an all-day badge, and there is a $5 savings for registering in advance online. Interested gamers can register at www.battlefieldcon.com. (Please note: Bull Moose is not selling tickets or managing registrations. For questions and additional information, contact the convention director at p_robishaw@battlefieldcon.com.)

Acorn Productions announces call for original plays and vaudeville performers

The Westbrook-based company is accepting submissions for their annual Maine Playwrights Festival and Phyzgig

Acorn Productions has published guidelines for submissions to the company's two well-known annual festivals: Phyzgig and the Maine Playwrights Festival.   Any playwright whose primary residence is in the state of Maine is eligible to submit a script of any length to Acorn's annual contest, and variety entertainers who work in any family-oriented genre are invited to apply to perform in Phyzgig, the popular vaudeville festival that takes place between Christmas and New Year's in downtown Portland.  Acorn is thrilled to continue to offer an open selection process to both of these events, which provide creative incubators for artists seeking to expand the scope of their work.  The deadline for Phyzgig applications is September 15, 2009, and the deadline for playwrights varies according to length.  Full length scripts need to be submitted before September 1, 2009 while one-act and short plays can be ! submitted up to and including December 1, 2009.  Guidelines for either opportunity may be downloaded at the company's website, www.acorn-productions.org.

Phyzgig will be celebrating its twelfth year of honoring the rich tradition of vaudeville through a series of variety shows from December 26 to 31, 2009 at SPACE Gallery and the Portland Performing Arts Center.  The event has become one of Acorn's signature presentations, and acts as a magnet for artists and audiences from other states in New England and across the country. Phyzgig began with a series of performances by Avner the Eccentric, the festival's Artistic Director, and expanded to include other world-class artists based in Maine and other locales from Boston to California.  Acorn Productions seeks artists for Phyzgig who perform family-oriented variety entertainment suitable for presentation in a traditional theatre venue. Performers who appear at the festival generally perform 15 to 20 minutes of material at three or four shows during the week.  Compensation is based on a share system.  Additionally, Acorn provides housing and some travel reimbu! rsement for out of town performers.  Phyzgig also offers artists an excellent chance to network with other performers working in the field.

Acorn will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the annual Maine Playwrights Festival during the 2009/10 season.  This popular event began as the Maine Short Play Festival and has expanded to include plays of any length.  This year's edition of the festival will take place from April 16 to May 1, 2010 at the St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center on Munjoy Hill in Portland.  The festival features rotating evenings of plays in repertory: one full length production, an evening of one-act plays, and a third evening of ten to fifteen minute plays.  Any Maine-based playwrights is eligible to enter up to two scripts for consideration by the festival's reading committee.  Four full length-plays will be chosen for a final round of readings in the fall as part of Acorn's  "2nd Friday" dramatic readings of playwrights' works in progress at the new Acorn Studio Theater in the Dana Warp Mill, Westbrook.  One of th! ese four scripts will receive the production slot at the St. Lawrence; the plays for the other two evenings will be chosen by the reading committee without a final round of public readings.

Acorn Productions is a non-profit company focused on building artist collaboratives in order to nurture the community of performing artists in Southern Maine. The company offers a regular schedule of public events each season, as well as providing actor training through classes and workshops, and a free series of "Naked Shakespeare" performances.   Acorn Productions has been working to enrich the cultural life of Southern Maine since 1995 when the organization began as the in-house production company at the old Oak Street Theatre.  The company currently works out of the Acorn Studios, located in the historic Dana Warp Mill in downtown Westbrook, in a complex that includes the new 50-seat Acorn Studio Theater, available for use by the community.

Chocolate-dipped Strawberries at Dean’sSweets, July 5-11

To celebrate summer (finally), it's strawberry season at Dean'Sweets # chocolate dipped strawberries to be exact, from July 5 # July 11.

Dean'sSweets has locally grown strawberries, hand-dipped in either luscious 70% dark chocolate or in creamy white chocolate. Both look elegant on a plate for dessert tonight. Dean'sSweets dips the strawberries daily, only while they are in peak season, so quantities of these fresh treats are limited.

Dean'sSweets is on 82 Middle Street in Portland, and is open every day from 11-6, and 11-7 on Fridays and Saturdays. You can reach us at www.deanssweets.com or 207.899.3664.

Picnic Music & Arts Festival, Call for Entries!

Picnic is an indie craft fair and music festival in Portland, Maine. This year's event will be held on September 12, 2009, from 11am to 6pm, in Lincoln Park at Congress Street and Franklin Arterial.

Picnic 2008 was a huge success! The weather was beautiful and the park was full of people enjoying an amazing variety of goods, along with some of the best indie bands in the area.

We are currently looking for vendors for this year's event who create unique handmade crafts, fine art, and photography, as well as vendors who sell vintage goods such as books, clothing, bicycles, records and household items.

You can apply online at picnicportland.wordpress.com until August 1. Sharing a booth is fine, too!

Tony Award Winning Jersey Boys in Boston!

South Portland Parks and Recreation is currently taking reservations and deposits for an upcoming Theatre trip in the fall to Boston to see the Tony award-winning musical
"Jersey Boys"on Saturday, September 19th, 2009.

"Too good to be true!" raves the New York Post for Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award-winning musical about Rock and Roll Hall of famers the Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DiVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue collar kids became the greatest successes in pop music history. Featuring hit songs, "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Rag Doll", "Oh, What a Night" and "Can't Take my Eyes Off You".

We will leave at 10:00 a.m. and take a chartered bus to Boston, where we will stop for lunch on your own at Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall and from there attend the 2 p.m. matinee of Jersey Boys at the Shubert Theatre. We will return to South Portland at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Cost is $145.00 per person. This includes your theatre ticket and luxury coach transportation to and from Boston. Please register for this event at the South Portland Community Center, located at 21 Nelson Rd., South Portland (next to South Portland High School). A minimum $50.00 deposit per person is required to hold your reservation. The remaining balance needs to be paid no later than September 11, 2009.

** Jersey Boys contains smoke, gun shots, strobe lights and profane authentic Jersey language and is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Jersey Boys in Boston, Saturday, Sept. 19th
Depart from SPCC at 10:00 a.m.
Return to SPCC at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $145.00 per person includes theatre ticket and transportation to and from the show. Lunch is on your own.
Min. 22 Max: 28
Coordinator: Lisa Bingham

Zone Urban Epic adds Restaurant & Bar Challenge

Portland is known for its fabulous restaurants and pubs, and the staffs at said establishments are known to have fierce pride for the places they work. The founders of the Zone Urban Epic Triathlon support that, and challenge all members of Portland's food and drink establishments to get Zone Urban Epic relay teams together and prove who is the most Epic.