Portland named "Foodiest Small Town"

Submitted by Meredith Goad on pressherald.com

Bon Appetit has named Portland the "Foodiest Small Town in America."

In the magazine's October issue, writer Andrew Knowlton cites the city's fresh seafood, local beers, artisanal bakeries and "the best breakfasts in the country."

Knowlton apparently ate his way through Portland in April, visiting lots of local restaurants and attending a "Deathmatch," an underground, invitation-only dinner party thrown together occasionally by local chefs.

As for restaurants, Knowlton cited old favorites such as Street and Co., Fore Street, and Hugo's, but said Food Factory Miyake, the sushi place on Spring Street, is "the best of a spate of newcomers." Knowlton said the five-course omakase dinner he had there "rivaled any that I've found in New York - and at half the price."

As for breakfast, Knowlton raved about Becky's Diner, Marcy's Diner and 158 Pickett Street Cafe, which he said serves "the country's best bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwich." He called the corned beef hash at Hot Suppa! "Portland's best breakfast dish."

For more on what Knowlton has to say about Portland, visit his blog at http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/bafoodist

Ready your running shoes and your belly for the Wine Flight 5K, Oct 17

WINE FLIGHT 5k

If good food, tasty drinks, and hanging out with friends is your idea of a good time, why not combine all three with a walk/run and take part in the Wine Flight 5k?

October 17
Downtown Portland, Maine
5k run/walk

The Wine Flight 5k is a unique event that combines food, drink, and fun with a 5k run/walk. You'll complete a 3.1-mile multi-loop course around Portland's scenic East End, with a stop after each mile to reward yourself with food bites and samplings from local food purveyors. Head out for a mile then sample fruits and veggies. Complete mile two and then taste cheese, meats, and crackers.

And after mile three, you'll get to stop at the sweets table and then finish at the wine tasting celebration. (Both wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available). This as low-pressure an event as it gets - last year, only two participants (out of 250) actually ran the entire course!
Why experience the Wine Flight 5k? Because:

1. You get to eat while being active and drink wine to celebrate!

2. There is no time clock! No pressure and no one to beat. (Just a whole lot of fun to be had.)

3. You can wear a costume inspired by food and wine and win a prize! Local restaurant gift certificates will be given to those with the best duds. (We know a Concord grape who is already gearing up.)

4. The training is just as fun! The Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink are getting you ready for the big day with a Wine Flight Training Series every Tuesday night in Portland. It starts with a 5k run/walk and ends with sampling at a local restaurant.

5. It's so unique. Unless you've been to France for the Marathon du Medoc, we're guessing you haven't experienced anything like this before!
                         
The Maine Running Company is a big sponsor of this year's Wine Flight and will be offering two "training session" at their Portland store in October for all registered athletes. By "training" we mean relaxed running/walking, food, drink, and enjoyable company! More details on the Tri-maine website soon.

Experiencing Freeport – Knowing our Town through Art

The Town of Freeport is pleased to announce that in conjunction with The Freeport Creative Arts and in partnership with Freeport Square Gallery, LL Bean, Freeport Community Improvement Association, Berenson Associates and Key Bank that it has received a 2009 Artists in Maine Communities grant from the Maine Arts Commission that has allowed artists to showcase their work throughout the town of Freeport.
 
"Experiencing Freeport # Knowing our Town through Art" showcases artwork, by members of the Freeport Creative Arts, in downtown store windows through the end of the year. The artwork depicts, in some way, the environs or history of Freeport. This effort will highlight area interests and show that Freeport has much to offer outside the retail sector. The artwork focuses on a variety of local interests from the coastline and downtown to Freeport's idyllic cottages and area parks. Information with each piece of artwork will point viewers to area interests and provide enough background to encourage viewers to learn more about the Freeport behind Main Street.
 

"What better place than Freeport, the epicenter in Maine for shopping, to showcase the work of its vital artist community in storefront windows," said Donna McNeil, director of the Maine Arts Commission? "Communities across Maine are taking advantage of this form of Main Street exhibition space with appreciative response from the public. Artist intervention in commercial windows enlivens downtowns, inspiring community members, entrepreneurs and developers. Like viewfinders, they give pedestrians and motorists vignettes, places to pause and think. It's a wonderful project in the perfect community and represents the kind of partnership that will help communities catalyze economic revitalization."
 
Beyond Main Street, Freeport also has an arts community that is becoming more evident through the efforts of Freeport Creative Arts. This member organization nurtures and supports the sustainability of the arts while offering the community and visitors diverse creative opportunities in Freeport, Pownal and Durham.

Representative David Webster has been a prime force in Maine's recognition of the creative economy movement. "The linkage of the creative economy to Greater Freeport's broader economy is a vital part of our 21st century growth," said Webster, "and this project is one more example of what Greater Freeport is all about. Artists working with the business community and non-profits are creating a quality of place that is transforming the view that Mainers' and visitors' have of Freeport from a place to shop, to a place to stay and experience what Maine has to offer."

During Freeport's long history from masts for the queen's navy and ship building, the Casco Castle Hotel resort days, through shoe factory and the current retail sector, the arts have quietly existed in small studios, at kitchen tables and in back rooms. Artists have supported charities and school efforts. Artists have taught out of their studios. Maine Arts Workshop, a downtown studio on School Street opened six years ago to teach artists of all ages about the arts of Maine # how to make art as well as informing students of the historical context of art in Maine. There have been several small home galleries in the area. Freeport Square Gallery opened a year ago to assist Maine artists to have access to Freeport's Main Street. It joined the craft galleries that have been active in Freeport for years to highlight fine art and crafts from artists all over the state. Other galleries have opened this summer.
 
In applying for this grant the town has gone further in recognizing the importance of the arts in the town. In recognizing the new arts group, the partnership of support for the grant activity is helping to energize the arts even further, as again, the arts serve the community. Town Planner Donna Larson noted in the grant request, "This will help enliven and encourage the art scene in Freeport by literally putting art on the street to be seen." What better way than to recognize and encourage artists than by paying them to make art that will be seen? Among the artists are James Chute, retired lawyer, now a full time practicing artist, Becca Case, illustrator and Master's candidate at Maine College of Art and Will Larkins, the youngest member of the group who applied and painted a scene of the Wolfe Neck mudflats.
 
An artists' reception will take place on Friday, September 4, from 5 -6:30pm at Freeport Village Station. All are welcome to this reception, where there will be food and live entertainment. Some of the artwork will be in the vicinity, while directions to the rest of the featured artwork will be available.
 
FMI: 865-1616

Seats available for Patriots season opener trip Sept 14th

Our Tickets and Tours has 6 seats still available for our Patriots trip on September 14th. 

This is the Patriots season opener. 

Bus leaves Portland at 11:30 am for the 7:00 pm game.
 
Package includes game ticket, transportation and tailgate party serving all the food before and after the game!
 
Take advantage of this offer TODAY!

Our Tickets and Tours has the following options available: 300 level seats at $225 per person. SRO tickets at $175 per person (standing room, no seat)
 
Do you have your own game tickets? Purchase bus ride and TAILGATE party at $75 per person
 
This an adult (21+) only trip.
 
Give us a call as soon as possible if you are interested!

Sold on first come first serve basis.
 
787-3184
ourtickets@yahoo.com
www.ourtickets.net

Food Films Fall '09 lineup

One Longfellow Square, Rabelais and the Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink are pleased to announce the Fall line up for the Food Films series.  Switching to Mondays beginning September 14th, this series of excellent films with a culinary theme, paired with food from some of Portland's finest chefs, is back with a fantastic schedule for the Fall. 

Doors will open at 6:00 and, as before, there will be a brief program of related short films and a Q & A with the chef. Ticket prices vary with the program and are listed below.  Seating will be limited to 50 and tickets can be purchased by going to the One Longfellow Square website.

"Mostly Martha"
The original 2001 version of this film, set in Hamburg and the kitchen of a controlling chef. Her life is thrown into disarray when she become guardian of her young niece and a new sous chef is hired to help her out. In German with subtitles.  
Krista Desjarlais of Bresca will be preparing a meal to accompany this delightful film.
Monday September 14, doors open at 6:00, $30.

"Sideways"
Two friends take a pre-wedding trip through California wine country.  They tour some wineries, meet a pair of women and drink a lot of wine.  This Oscar and Golden Globe award winning film (for the writing) from 2004 includes a classic discussion of Merlot.
Larry Matthews of the Back Bay Grill will craft a menu to highlight some specially selected wines. There will also be a discussion of the merits of Merlot.
Monday October 12, doors open at 6:00, $30.

"Ratatouille"
The delightful story of Remy, the French country rat, who comes to Paris to cook like his hero.  He forms an alliance with Linguini, the garbage boy at a fine restaurant and together they create delicious food.  Winner of the Oscar for best animated film 2008, Thomas Keller served as a consultant, and devised the signature recipe.
Rob Evans of Hugo's will devise a menu of his own to complement this evening.
Monday November 9th, doors open at 6:00, $40.

For more information or images please contact One Longfellow Square or Rabelais.
~One Longfellow Square is an alternative performance venue at 181 State Street, 761 1757.
~Rabelais specializes in new, used and rare titles on food, drink and farming/gardening, 86 Middle Street, 774 1044, www.RabelaisBooks.com.
~The Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink is an organization aimed at educating the people of Maine about their plentiful natural resources, www.maineambassadors.com.

Tickets on sale for the 2nd annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 2nd annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival! Last year's event sold out, so we encourage you to get your tickets early.
 
Purchase tickets online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com 
Starting September 1st, you can also buy tickets in person at the Portland Whole Foods Market (2 Somerset Street)
 
2nd Annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
More films, more food, more fun!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
5 - 9 pm (doors open at 4)
Abromson Center, USM, Portland
Films, popcorn, reception catered by Whole Foods Market, cash bar, free raffle
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
 
The Films
We're showing films that will appeal to everyone from cyclists and kayakers to gardeners and Beatles fans.  Here's a sample:
 
Homegrown Revolution features an urban homestead in downtown Pasadena, California, where the Dervaes family harvests nearly three tons of organic food from a garden on a tenth of an acre (envision a 20 by 20-foot plot).
 
Division Street takes us on a tour of North America through roadless wildlife corridors to concrete jungles, dodging Yellowstone grizzly bears, dodging Yellowstone grizzly bears and Miami taxi cabs along the way.
 
Last Frontier depicts a kayaking expedition through Papua New Guinea, a culture and an ecosystem on the brink of change, perched between industrialized society and tribal village life.  
 
...And a short film about us!  University of Southern Maine Media Studies students Shane Roma, Christine Wilson, and John Spires spent hundreds of hours creating a five-minute film that captures the essence of our organization, from training volunteers in water quality testing to patrolling Casco Bay on our Baykeeper boat.  
  
More film descriptions - as well as trailers - are available at www.cascobay.org.
 
Refreshments provided by our local Whole Foods Market.

Bob Marley's Young Comedian Special airs on WPME

Airing on Saturday August 28th at 11pm & Sunday August 29th at 10pm
On Maine's WPME, Channel 17

Maine's Own Wicked Funny Bob Marley along with The Comedy Connection and Funnyman George Hamm have sought out some of Maine's brightest up and coming talent for a new television special. After auditions, six of Maine's up and coming Stand-ups have been picked to star on the first ever 'Bob Marley's Young Comedian Special'. Bob Marley hosts a showcase of Maine talent including Johnny Cail, Luke Hanbury, Brenda Heckart, Troy Pennell, Rich Pickford, and Corry Pelsor.

The Host:
Maine's Wicked Funny Bob Marley
Originally from Maine, Bob Marley began performing stand up comedy in his hometown of Portland. He moved to Boston early in his career, gaining experience in a city known for spawning comedy all-stars. He now has a weekly radio call in segment with several radio stations around the country called "The World According to Bob." Winner of this year's XM/Sirius 'Superbowl of Comedy', he continually makes new fans around the country. Making his first television appearance on Comedy Central, he is now one of the few comics to do the complete late night circuit including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. He has also appeared on 100 Television shows including VH-1's "Super Secret Movie Rules", Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and "USO Comedy Tour", and most recently Bob's 1/2 hour Comedy Special "Comedy Central Presents Bob Marley"
Many movie fans will recognize him from his appearance in the movie "Boondock Saints" where he co-stars with Willem Dafoe. His comedic take on "Detective Greenly" inspires fans to come up to him and quote lines from the film.
Detective Greenly is coming back. The highly anticipated sequel 'All Saints Day' includes favorites from the first movie, Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus (as the McManus brothers) , and Billy Connolly ( ll Duce), along with the new female lead Julie Benz (Rita on Showtime's 'Dexter') , brat packer Judd Nelson and film legend Peter Fonda. The movie finished filming in Toronto in December. Bob Marley has brought back the always funny and incredibly wrong Detective Greenly, this time in a much larger role than the first film. 'All Saints Day will hit the screens in fall of 2009.
Audiences are in for a treat whether they catch this Mainer's act on stage or on screen.

The Producers:
The Comedy Connection Portland has been providing Portland with Professional Stand-up Comedy for more than 15 years. National Headliners every week, and showcasing some of Maine's Brightest up and coming talent. Home to Maine Favorites, Bob Marley and George Hamm
George Hamm, born and raised in Portland, Maine, George says it was his tour of duty in Hawaii with the U.S. Marines that propelled him onto the Stand-up Comedy Stage. After cracking up his battalion in the Marines, Hamm returned to New England where his engaging manner gained him a great deal of attention.
George Hamm, Maine's fastest rising Comedian comes to the stage with is sarcastic look on life and all it has to offer. Hamm has performed his comedy routines across the U.S. including at the Laugh Factory in Hawaii, the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Improv in Los Angeles and the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.
In March of 2006 he took his act to the Far East, performing in China and has just returned from Mexico. Hamm has also opened for bands such as Cheap Trick, The Del Fuegos, Tower of Power and blues legend Leon Redbone. He has opened for comedians Jay Mohr, Robert Schimmel, Bob Marley, Kevin Nealon, Anthony Clark and Harland Williams among others.
Hamm has appeared in three independent films over the past couple of year's Sundowning, Open-Mic, and Pennyweight. All three are available on DVD!

The Talent:
Johnny Cail
Johnny Cail grew up in a trailer in Westbrook, Maine. As a matter of fact.. he still lives there with his mother. He's really hoping that comedy will change that. That's just one of the aspects of Johnny's life that he touches on in his stand-up comedy routine. Jonhny Cail is considered one of the hottest opening acts in the New England area. He has recently opened for national headlining acts such as Bob Marley, Josh Blue, Artie Fletcher and Butch Bradley. He can also be seen performing with New England comedy heavyweights George Hamm, DJ Hazard, Paul Nardizzi and a long list of others. He can also be seen in an Olympia Sports commercial on NESN during all Red Games. Don't miss a chance to see this hot and sexy up and comer at clubs and colleges all across New England along with the World Famous Laugh Factory in New York City. You won't be sorry. If you're lucky, you may just leave the show with Johnny's phone number. If that's the case, you definitely wont be sorry...
Brenda Heckart
A Seriously Funny Lady, Brenda is an experienced Improv
Performer and appeared this spring with Joan Rivers at "Comedy at the
Beach". Brenda was a finalist in Portland's Funniest Professional Contest.
Luke Hanbury
Luke Hanbury is a native of Maine and got his start by taking a standup comedy class in Portland , ME in 2004. He won the title of Portland 's Funniest Professional two years later and has not slowed down. Since then, his funny observations and edgy humor have entertained audiences of all ages from Bar Harbor to New York and everywhere in between. His act is based on life experience, his past and current job titles and his bouts with various ailments over the years, including but not limited to his inability to walk away from a Yodel.
Troy Pennell
Troy Pennell was born and raised in Maine and has been fulfilling his childhood dream of being a smart-mouth while getting paid. He's a regular at the Comedy Connection in Portland and at clubs all over the North East.
Corry Pelsor
In April of 2008, Corry won Portland's Funniest Professional Competition and was immediately vaulted him to the peak of Maine's vast comedy world. His newfound fame opened doors at the local Elks Lodge, the Portland Comedy Connection--whose doors were technically already open--and one "Say No To Drugs" rally in front of a packed kindergarten classroom. In October of 2008 Corry moved to New York City to be "closer to the action" and to "avoid creditors." He is currently a regular at the Portland Comedy Connection and the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City. He divides his time between transcribing alternative rock songs into banjo music and writing about himself in the third person.
Rich Pickford
I am never to be taken seriously, ever. Unless I'm holding a gun and telling you to... "PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG, OR I"M GONNA KILL THIS LITTLE OLD LADY!" But that happens pretty rarely. I like to think I'm funny, so I do stand-up to reinforce my ego. It's NOT working. All my really good friends can't stand me, and I don't blame them. I'm really gullible, so if you tell me I'm charming, handsome, funny, and sexy as all get out. I am very likely to believe you. So feel free to say such things to me. I like to ramble....obviously. I'm originally from Mass, by way of New Jersey, moved up to Maine about 4 years ago for all the great job opportunities!

Maine Fare Brings Local Foods to Forefront in Cooking Classes with Some of Maine’s Best Chefs

At Maine Fare this year, attendees will get a chance to see firsthand the best ways to incorporate local ingredients into their meals. On Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, chefs and other local food and wine professionals will teach cooking classes on a wide variety of topics and spanning the entire food and drink spectrum. Classes are generally two hours long, for details visit www.mainefare.com.

Maine Fare's cooking classes this year include: risotto 'many ways' with Chef Josh Hixson of Brevetto, vegetarian late summer cuisine with Mary Lake of the Blackberry Inn, Maine seafood with Chef Michael Salmon of the Hartstone Inn, Mediterranean cuisine at the Belmont Inn with food writer and cookbook author Nancy Harmon Jenkins, fresh pizza with Annemarie Ahearn at the Salt Water Farm, Breakfast in the Barn of the Cellardoor Winery with Chef Melissa Kelly of Primo, and how to butcher a whole hog with Peter Sueltenfuss of Fore Street restaurant in Portland.

Maine Fare is a weekend that investigates the past, present and future of Maine's foods. From September 11-13, attendees will have the chance to attend an opening gala tasting event, visit Maine Fare Marketplace, attend panel discussions, author signings, and dinners at Camden's Knox Mill and other nearby locations. 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.

Camden International Film Festival Announces Marquee Films

The Fifth Annual Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) announces the opening and closing night films for this year's festival taking place Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4.

The festival will open with Convention, a documentary telling the story behind the mounting of one of the biggest events of the decade: the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Producer, director and industry journalist AJ Shnack (http://edendale.typepad.com/), and co-producer and editor Nathan Truesdell will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening. The CIFF screening will be the film's New England Premiere.

Convention offers a rare inside look at a national political convention, portraying the 2008 DNC through the eyes of Denver's organizers, reporters, police and protesters and capturing what the mainstream media left out. Convention received positive attention at the 2009 Silverdocs Film Festival where it was the centerpiece screening.

"By placing Denver's administrative process of organizing and running the 2008 Democratic confab ahead of the event's political content, AJ Schnack's Convention becomes a bipartisan, upbeat celebration of democracy's delicate membrane and can-do spirit." -Eddie Cockrell, Variety

The CIFF will close on Sunday, October 4 with the film Earth Days, directed by acclaimed documentarian Robert Stone (Oswald's Ghost, Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst). Visually stunning and awe-inspiring, Earth Days looks back to the dawn of the modern environmental movement and follows its development from the post-war rustlings in the 1950s and the 1962 publication of Rachel Carson's incendiary bestseller Silent Spring, to the first wildly successful 1970 Earth Day celebration and the subsequent firestorm of political action. Earth Days is both a poetic meditation on humanity's complex relationship with nature and an engaging history of the revolutionary achievements - and missed opportunities - of groundbreaking eco-activism. A critical success, Earth Days was featured as the official closing night film of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival 2009.

ABOUT CIFF

The Camden International Film Festival will announce its full slate of films on September 1. Committed to supporting and generating interest in independent documentary films, the annual festival presents a snapshot of the cultural landscape through the year's best non-fiction storytelling. The weekend also consists of a number of panels, photographic exhibits, musical performances and parties.

The 5th Annual Camden International Film Festival will take place October 1-4, 2009, screening nearly fifty films in venues throughout Midcoast Maine. For more information on the festival, the marquee films or information on passes visit www.camdenfilmfest.org.

Small towns, big films.

Registration open for Casco Bay Sports leagues starting in September

Casco Bay Sports Leagues Starting In September: Registration open now!
www.cascobaysports.com FMI or to register.

Sunday Flag Football:  September 13th
Games at Deering High School grass fields; 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, or noon....Play your game then watch the NFL in the afternoon.

Sunday 11 v 11 Soccer:  September 13th
Games start at 10:00 AM at Back Cove Field by Hannaford, certified referees included, great exercise.

Sunday Frostbite Softball:  September 13th
Games times 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, or 4:00 at Portland area softball fields.  An new annual league here in town. Games go through early November.

Different levels of competitive play available for all our leagues....

Have a group interested in playing two sports on Sundays?  Let us know and we'll do our best to schedule accordingly.  

Basketball Program Details:

Tuesday Competitive League:  September 15th
Space very limited.....contact us ASAP!

Thursday All Ability Levels League:  September 17th
Games at East End Community Center, Teams and Individuals welcome. Certified referees and great exercise.

Tuesday Casual League:  September 22nd
Teams and Individuals Welcome...this division for the more casual participant.  A great way to meet people!

Thursday Competitive League:  September 24th
Our popular competitive league is back, reserve your space as we anticipate a sellout.....
 
Coming later this Fall & Early Winter:  Sunday Night Basketball, Floor Hockey, Monday Bowling, and Indoor Soccer.

www.cascobaysports.com

New website offers tools and resources for the prevention of substance abuse and tobacco use for Maine's LGBT community

HowUR.org is a new website for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) young adult community in Maine. The website asks, "You've figured out who you are… have you asked how you are?" and offers health information, tools and resources aimed to help prevent high-risk drinking, tobacco use, substance abuse, as well as promote nutrition and physical activity.

"There has been a serious lack of prevention efforts aimed at the LGBT community," says Liz Blackwell-Moore, Substance Abuse Prevention Manager at Communities Promoting Health Coalition, a program of PROP. "The rates of smoking and substance abuse are higher for LGBT people than for heterosexuals, mostly caused by the effects of homophobia, violence and discrimination, yet there has been very little prevention work or support offered to LGBT people around these issues."

HowUR.org was created in collaboration by an advisory group of Cumberland County public health professionals, community program staff, university professionals, and LGBT young adults and community leaders. The group was formed out of a concern for the rates of smoking and substance abuse in the LGBT community and the lack of dedicated prevention efforts. On the website, people can use online tools to assess their alcohol use, tobacco dependence, physical activity and nutrition as well as access online and local resources.

The website can be viewed by going to HowUR.org

Portland Trails Needs Volunteers for 10th Annual 10K: Trail to Ale on Sept. 20

Portland Trails is looking for volunteers for a range of roles at its 10th annual 10K: Trail to Ale. With a record number of participants anticipated this year, the race will be be held on Portland's Eastern Promenade and Back Cove trails on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m.

"We expect over a thousand runners, so we're hoping to have a crew of 50 or so volunteers to keep things running smoothly," said Portland Trails Executive Director Nan Cumming. "The Trail to Ale is a fun time and being a volunteer is a great, and much appreciated, way to be a part of it."

Among other jobs, volunteers are needed to register runners, coordinate parking, hand out water along the course, guide runners at the finish line, and serve free food and refreshments at the post-race party$featuring beer from Shipyard Brewing Company, pizza from Portland Pie, and other refreshments from Whole Foods.

All volunteers get a free technical running shirt from Mizuno and training the day of the race. Those interested in volunteering can fill out an online form at www.trails.org/volunteer.html or call (207) 775-2411 for more information.

Registrations are still being taken for the race. Sign up online at www.trails.org/events.html.

Proceeds from the race benefit Portland Trails' mission to create and maintain a 50-mile network of multi-use trails in Greater Portland, engage the community in trail use and stewardship, and make Portland a model of people-powered recreation and transportation.

Star Chefs Pays a Visit to Chef Lawrence Klang, Natalie’s at the Camden Harbour Inn

Photos from Antoinette Bruno's recent trip to Boston and the Camden Harbour Inn are now online at StarChefs.com.

Bruno, the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Star Chefs and StarChefs.com, visited Natalie's restaurant at the Camden Harbour Inn. Bruno travels throughout the world meeting chefs and restaurateurs and learning firsthand about their ingredient choices and recipe techniques. Her recent Boston trip included a special foray into Maine to see Chef Lawrence Klang at Natalie's.

The photo gallery includes some of Klang's most innovative creations: a cucumber avocado soup, seared Serrano-wrapped loup de mer with a tomato emulsion, and a tempting grilled lamb loin. Other images feature Natalie's warm, modern décor and Chef Lawrence himself.

Of the visit from Bruno, Chef Klang said that "it was a pleasure to host Antoinette at Natalie's that day. We were able to showcase some of Natalie's freshest menu items, and the food photographs turned out beautifully."

Star Chefs, a "magazine for culinary insiders" is a resource for chefs and foodies that also celebrates up-and-coming chefs with quarterly recognition of "Rising Stars" in the culinary world. A gala dinner in Boston will celebrate Rising Stars sometime in November of this year.

Check StarChefs.com for the photo gallery.

Maine Fare Asks, “Can Maine Feed Itself?” on Friday, September 11

At this year's Maine Fare, a celebration of Maine's local food and drink and their history, sustainability will be a major focus of the weekend's activities. From Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, a series of panels, tastings, classes, dinners and even a Maine Fare Marketplace will put Maine's diverse local products on display.

The first of Maine Fare's panels is a keynote discussion called "Can Maine Feed Itself?" Sustainability will be the theme of the panel, asking if it is possible for Maine's farmers, foragers, fishermen, and producers to feed the state's population. Friday, September 11, at 2:00 p.m., Moderator Craig Lapine will lead the discussion at Brewster Point in Rockport. Lapine is the president of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the executive director of Cultivating Community (a Portland-based group focused on community and school gardens) and an activist committed to growing sustainable communities.

Confirmed "Can Maine Feed Itself?" panelists include: Eliot Coleman, renowned author and co-owner of Four Season Farm; Seth Bradstreet, commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture; Russell Libby, executive director of MOFGA; Tim Cunniff, Vice-president, Backyard Farms, LLC, Portland; Glen Libby, chairman of the Midcoast Fishermen's Association and a member of the New England Fishery Management Council; Marada Cook, Crown O' Maine Organic Cooperative; John Piotti, Executive Director, Maine Farmland Trust, Majority Leader, Maine State Legislature.

"Can Maine Feed Itself?" is free and open to the public. For information about Maine Fare weekend tickets and other events, visit www.mainefare.com, call (866) 877-5900, or send an email to info@mainefare.com.

About Maine Fare:
Maine Fare explores the past, present and future of Maine's wonderful foodways. The event exists to communicate the importance of preserving, protecting, and sharing our state's storied culinary history, its ongoing traditions, and its rich and developing resources. Attendees have a chance to meet and speak with farmers, artisans, chefs, food writers, as well as fishing, farming, and culinary experts and enthusiasts.

Guests of Maine Fare leave with an informed perspective of the breadth of Maine's culinary resources and a clearer understanding of how they can contribute to our state's long-term economic development. Maine Fare honors every aspect of the state's gastronomic profile. For more information, visit www.mainefare.com. Maine Fare's goal is to communicate the importance of preserving, protecting and sharing Maine's storied culinary history and its rich and developing resources.

Several Maine Lighthouses Set to Open on Sept. 12

Maine's first ever Open Lighthouse Day will take place on September 12, 2009, when the Coast Guard, in partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation, will open 27 lighthouses for the public to visit and tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open Lighthouse Day is the largest event of its kind to take place across the country. Since 1791 with the opening of Portland Head Light, lighthouses have greatly contributed to Maine's proud history and have helped make its picturesque coastline legendary. While all Maine lighthouses cannot be opened to the public for safety and accessibility reasons, those that are opened will provide Maine and its coastal communities the chance to showcase the long lasting and proud partnerships that they have shared with the Coast Guard for over 200 years.
 
The Coast Guard has owned and operated Maine's lighthouses for many years until recently when many of them were transferred to organizations such as the American Lighthouse Foundation and other private owners who take great pride in preserving some of Maine's most iconic structures.

The public is invited to take this opportunity to experience a piece of Maine's maritime history like never before.

Additional information on all of Maine's lighthouses and a detailed list of the lighthouses that will be open on September 12th can be found at www.lighthouseday.com.

Grand opening of "The Maine Studios" on Tuesday, August 25

Maine's largest film production studio will host its Grand Opening on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 9 AM with Governor John Baldacci, Mayor Jill Duson and others on hand for the ribbon cutting.
 
The Maine Studio will occupy the 43,000 square foot warehouse at 235 Presumpscot Street in Portland, which was generously leased out by Nappi Distributors.  Frank Nappi, Jr. said, "We are pleased to be a part of this effort to bring film production to the state. 

The Nappi family has been in business here for 75 years. We are a Maine company helping another Maine company to bring jobs in the film industry to Maine and keep our own talented people here."  Thomas Dunham of The Dunham Group's Tom Dunham agreed adding, "This effort hopefully will serve as a catalyst for the State Legislature to pass appropriate tax incentives to further promote this important employment opportunity."
 
The space will open its doors to provide a collaborative environment for film, theater, music and art projects. Wasted Minds Media Group, Inc. is among the first companies to occupy the facility which plans to be one of the first environmentally friendly Film Studios on the East Coast.
 
Laurie Notch, President of Wasted Minds Media Group, Inc. states, "We are excited to be in the new space and know this will benefit others in the film and media industry, from television commercial shoots to feature films."  Notch says the studio provides one-stop shopping for any type of media production. 

The Maine Studios will provide rentable office and production space for companies of all sizes, from pre-production through post-production.  It will also provide equipment storage and prop rental services.  In addition, it will also be home to the Maine Film Co-Op, which will begin operations next month.  For more information on the co-op, please contact John E. Seymore: jeseymore@wastedmindsmediagroup.com.

Telling Room Master Classes Start this Fall

Have you always wanted to take a Telling Room workshop, but don't fit our 8-18 age bracket? Are you an aspiring writer who would love to learn from professionals? Are you a creative type who would like to meet other creative souls and workshop a bit with them? Whatever your interests, there's surely a Telling Room Master Class for you!

Upcoming Classes:

Patrick Quinlan: How to Write Fiction That Sells
September 20, 6-9pm  

Lewis Robinson: Characterize This: How to Test the Mettle of Your Fictional Characters 
October 8, 6-9pm 

Michael Paterniti: Noodling for Stories (and Publishing Them!)
November 12, 6-9pm

To Register for a Master Class:
Master classes are $50 each, or $35 for regular Telling Room Volunteers. To reserve your place in a Telling Room Master Class, please email emily@tellingroom.org indicating which class(es) you'd like to take, and specify how you will pay for the class. Payment must be made in advance to reserve a spot. Checks can be mailed to The Telling Room, or dropped off in our office, or you may make your payment in the form of an online donation here. Enrollment is limited, so sign up early!  

Don't see a Master Class that fits your style? Stay tuned! We are in the planning stages for plenty more, and with lead teachers like Betsy Sholl, Alex Irvine, and Sarah Thomson, you're bound to find a class that works for you!

For full details and author bios, visit www.tellingroom.org/programs/master_classes.html

Metal Band Dead Season Selects Bull Moose for Exclusive Sales of New CD “Life Death”

Dead Season will release its newest CD, "Life Death" on Monday, September 14 at all Bull Moose stores -- but for fans of the metal band attending their concert on the opening night of the Oxford County Fair, Sunday, September 13, Bull Moose will be on hand, making copies of the CD available a full day early. 

For the past five years Dead Season has consistently outsold most nationally known bands at Bull Moose while maintaining their status as the top selling band in the region. "Looking back at Bull Moose sales for the year 2008, Dead Season was at numbers one and two for our top local band CDs sold. Number one was "When Everything's Lost" and number two was "Rise," said Jim Pinfold from Bull Moose. Pinfold added, "What is even more impressive is that "When Everything's Lost" also finished 5th in the top 10 overall CD sales at Bull Moose, finishing just 4 spots behind Metallica's "Death Magnetic" and beating out Disturbed's "Indestructible" as well as the latest releases from Lil' Wayne and Radiohead."

Bull Moose will be the exclusive retailer for "Life Death" for the first month of the CD's release and will also be the exclusive on-line CD retail outlet.  Bull Moose began pre-selling "Life Death" on-line on August 14 so fans nationwide will receive the CD on September 14, just like the thousands of fans in the Bull Moose area.
Hailing from the town of Oxford, Maine, Dead Season has been playing together since 2003. Founded by the two Truman brothers, Ian (vocals) and Matt (guitar), the band later added Andy Hackett on drums and Steve Church on bass. Their debut full-length CD, Rise, was released in August 2006.

Art Exhibit and Sale to Benefit Statewide Conservation Work

Public invited to artist reception in Monson, Maine at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27

An exhibit and sale of artwork inspired by Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary will take place in Monson, Maine, Saturday, August 22-September 27. More than half of the proceeds from sales will benefit Maine Audubon's work for wildlife conservation statewide.

As part of the exhibit, an artist reception open to the public will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27, at Lake Hebron Artisans, 8 Greenville Road (Route 15) in Monson. More information is available by calling (207) 997-3731.

The exhibit is a collaboration of Maine Audubon, Maine's oldest and largest wildlife conservation organization, and Lake Hebron Artisans, a nine-year-old nonprofit organization founded to provide a sales venue for finely crafted art and gifts made in Maine. Lake Hebron Artisans' glass-fronted exhibition space with motion-sensor lighting has been described by the Bangor Daily News as "Maine's most innovative gallery concept."

"Lake Hebron Artisans' partnership with Maine Audubon was a natural fit, given that Borestone Mountain is only 20 minutes away from the Lake Hebron gallery that boasts many pieces inspired by the beauty of this North Woods region," said Jemma Gascoine, a local artist whose work is displayed at the Lake Hebron gallery.

The exhibit and sale features work from artists who took part in private retreats last year at Borestone sanctuary, in exchange for creating and contributing artwork to benefit Maine Audubon's work for wildlife conservation.

It features work by noted artist Alan Bray of Monson, Maine, who spent his childhood growing up in the shadow of the mountain, and who says views of Borestone Mountain and the ponds surrounding it have inspired many of his luminous landscape paintings.

Additional Piscataquis County artists featured in the exhibit include contemporary artist Dennis Gilbert, photographer Todd Watts, and potter Jemma Gascoine. Also participating is Rebecca Goodale, a book artist and a long-time North Woods hiker and mushroom forager.

Complete artist biographies are available at: http://www.maineaudubon.org/explore/event/documents/ArtistBiographies-05112009.pdf

Open year round, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary encompasses more than 1,600 acres near the southern end of Maine's "100-Mile Wilderness" forest. An ecological jewel of the North Woods, it is a wonderland of spectacular natural features, including rare older forest, three crystalline ponds, exposed mountain rocks, and sweeping views.

Sanctuary trails offer popular, family-friendly hiking to Borestone Mountain's two highest peaks. A seasonal, trailside visitor center offers trail guides, interactive displays, and information about the area's natural and human history.

The sanctuary's historic Adirondack-style lodges, accessible only by boat or on foot, accommodate group rentals and retreats. Visit www.maineaudubon.org or call 781-2330, ext. 209, for more information.

Maine Fall Season Preview 2009

Above average summer rainfall has made Maine's forest foliage lush and healthy, setting the stage for another spectacular fall foliage season. Fall in Maine is highlighted by community harvest celebrations, reduced lodging rates and unique packages, and recreation on land and water surrounded by hues of yellow, orange and red.
 
 Fall Lodging packages: These fall season packages and specials are available exclusively on the Maine Getaways page of Visitmaine.com:
-Brewster House Bed & Breakfast Fall Foliage Surf & Turf package in Freeport. Accommodations for two nights, a two-hour schooner sail on Casco Bay, $100 in Freeport shopping money, a $50 restaurant gift certificate and a $50 gas card. $650 for two, Sept. 15 - Oct. 31.
 
-Camden Winward House Fall Foliage Pancake Pan-tacular. Try the local apple or pumpkin pancakes at breakfast and sample apples with afternoon tea. $125 a night for two, Oct. 16-31.
 
-Greenville's Moose Mountain Inn Moose Watching Tour & Lodging package. A room for two nights, and a guided moose watching tour by canoe, kayak or van. $119 per night for two through Oct. 17.
 
Maine Harvest Festivals: Visit these events where autumn's bounty is celebrated and enjoyed:
-Waterville Harvest Fest on October 18 features scarecrow building, pumpkin bowling, candy apple making and a chili cook-off.
 
-The 4th Annual Foliage, Food & Wine Festival on the Blue Hill Peninsula October 15-18 showcases farmers markets, educational workshops, wine dinners, wine and cheese tastings.
 
-The 25th Annual Harvestfest in York and York Beach on October16-18 includes a parade, pumpkin carving, craft fair, ox roast and bean hole baked beans, live music and fireworks.
 
-The 2nd Annual Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, October 22-24 delights crowds with a Grand Tasting with Maine chefs and dozens of wines, beers and spirits; cooking demonstrations, harvest menus at local restaurants, and a food and wine marketplace.
 
-Great Maine Apple Day in Unity on October 24 features cider pressing, workshops and talks, displays of heirloom apples, orchard tours, and apples, pies and cider for sale.
 
More to Gaze at After Dark: In daylight, Mount Desert Island is a draw for its ocean beaches, mountain trails, fresh water lakes and vantage points within Acadia National Park. At night, the skies above the island become an attraction for the thousands of stars and celestial bodies they reveal. The inaugural Acadia Night Sky Festival will happen September 17-21 to showcase the star gazing opportunities at one of the best locations east of the Mississippi River. Join star watch programs at Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain and other park locations. See stars illuminate the water on an ocean boat tour, and learn how to reduce light pollution at home. 
 
Tracking the Colors: The Maine Forest Service will begin its 51st season of foliage reporting on September 16. Forest rangers will detail the color change and leaf drop in the state's seven tracking zones in at least six weekly reports. Each report and an updated foliage map are posted on Maine's official season Web site www.Mainefoliage.com. Leaf peepers can sign up on the site homepage to receive the weekly reports by e-mail, and fans and followers of the Maine Office of Tourism's Facebook and Twitter (@visitmaine) pages can also get the updates.

For more information about accommodations, touring routes and events taking place in Maine this fall, log on to www.visitmaine.com or call 1-888-624-6345.
 

August is Maine Lobster Month

It's official! The month of August has been declared Maine Lobster Month beginning with a proclamation by Maine's Governor John Baldacci.
"When people think of Maine, they almost instantly think of Maine lobster," Governor Baldacci said.

Those thoughts of Maine lobster bring visitors to the state to experience the tasty crustaceans, especially abundant this time of year. August is the best time to enjoy a new shell lobster, a true Maine delicacy. New shell lobsters are tender and delicious lobster that you can break open with your bare hands. Because the more delicate new shell lobsters are difficult to ship long distances, they are plentiful in Maine between July and October.

And there is a plethora of ways to enjoy that delicacy while in Maine. Whether at a sea-side shack overlooking the Atlantic, or at an upscale restaurant where lobster and fresh seafood is prepared by an award-winning chef. Maine's icon of the sea is a treat not to miss.

Celebrating lobster is a favorite pastime in Maine. You can experience lobstering first-hand by taking a lobster boat ride. In downeast Maine, join Captain John on the Lulu, a traditional lobster boat, for a two-hour tour of Frenchman Bay. Lulu's passengers enjoy an up-close demonstration of lobster fishing, fascinating seal watching and breathtaking coastal scenery. In Kennebunk, take a lobster cruise on Kylie's Chance to experience how lobsters are harvested in Maine. And while in Maine, be sure to catch one of the state's most unique sporting events, lobster boat races where lobstermen go head to head racing their boats in a competition that's fun for the entire family.

 "The month of August also gives us all the opportunity show our support and appreciation of Maine's lobster industry, which is one of the state's oldest industries and maintains its lead as a primary contributor to the Maine economy," said Dane Somers, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. "You have 31 days to get crackin'!"
 

Free Fall Training Courses Offered for Bicycle Safety Instructors

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, in cooperation with MaineDOT, will offer a free, one-day course at three locations during the fall to train teachers, police, medical professionals, health educators, parents and volunteers how to most effectively teach bicycle safety to children.

The Bicycle Safety Instructor Training course will be held on September 18 in Orono, September 25 in Farmington and October 2 in Augusta. Specific locations will be provided at the time of registration. All courses are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A portion of the course will take place on bike. Participants must bring a bicycle in good condition and a helmet that fits. Lunch will be provided.

Topics covered will include child development and bicycling, helmet fit, dressing for safety, bicycle equipment safety check, rules of the road, basic driving skills and safety maneuvers and incorporating bicycling into your curriculum or program.

Please register at www.BikeMaine.org. Confirmation will be sent prior to the class. For more information, please call (207) 623-4511.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has been working since 1992 to make Maine a better place to bicycle. The coalition advocates for Maine cyclists at the Legislature and in Washington, D.C., teaches bicycle safety to thousands of Maine schoolchildren each year, partners with state agencies on a Share the Road media campaign and serves as a resource on local bicycling issues.

Maine Jewish Film Festival and Patriot Cinemas Nickelodeon Partner to Bring 13th Annual Maine Jewish Film Festival to Life

In March, 2010, the Maine Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) and Nickelodeon Theater will work together to make the 13th Annual Festival the best yet. The Festival's films, which are a mix of independent features, documentaries, and shorts from around the world, will be screened at the Nickelodeon this year. 

David Scott, treasurer of Patriot Cinemas, said the theater is looking forward to taking a new direction in their contributions to the arts in Portland and that "the collaboration with MJFF is a perfect fit." MJFF is known for bringing U.S. and international filmmakers to the Festival. In the fall, the Nickelodeon Theater will be adding screenings of opera and ballet performances from Europe to their programming, an addition to their current offerings.  At the moment, both wide-release blockbuster films and smaller, more independent films are screened. 

This year's new partnership will give the Maine Jewish Film Festival a central location and facilitate easy access for Festival-goers. With a garage right next door to the Nickelodeon, parking will be handy. "The partnership between the Maine Jewish Film Festival and the Nickelodeon will be a great chance for our two local organizations to collaborate on a series of exciting events," said Kari Wagner-Peck, executive and artistic director of the Film Festival, "We look forward to the theater becoming a home base for our weeklong film festival."

The 2010 Maine Jewish Film Festival will be held on March 20-25 at the Patriot Cinemas Nickelodeon, 1 Temple Street, in Portland. The Festival's film selection committee will be considering film submissions for the upcoming festival from now until December 1. More information about the festival is available online at www.mjff.org.

About the Maine Jewish Film Festival
The Maine Jewish Film Festival is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a forum for the presentation of films to enrich, educate and entertain a diverse community about the Jewish experience.  Portland is the smallest city in the nation to boast an independent, professional Jewish film festival.  Since 1998, MJFF has presented over 200 films to more than 25,000 people.   

Cellardoor Winery Announces Plans for Vinfest 2009, October 2-3

Already known for throwing colossal seasonal celebration events in the midcoast, Cellardoor Winery announces its 2nd annual harvest-time celebration: Vinfest 2009.

Not to be outdone by their own spring Pop the Cork event, Vinfest will include hot air balloon rides, grape stomping and more. The event kicks off with a Vineyard dinner-dance under the stars at their Lincolnville location (367 Youngtown Road) on the evening of Friday, October 2 and will continue with festivities all day long on Saturday, October 3.

The wine dinner-dance on October 2nd will be served under a tent in the vineyard and each course will be paired with Cellardoor's selection of wines. The menu for the evening will be prepared by local star chefs Lawrence Klang (Natalie's Camden Harbour Inn), Melody Wolfertz (In Good Company), and Michael Salmon (Hartstone Inn). Dinner will be followed by desserts and dancing, with music provided by Maine Pro Musica, a midcoast-based orchestra comprised of professional musicians and founded by Rockport resident Janna Hymes. Belfast's Trillium Caterers, Inc. will serve as party coordinator.

The Saturday, October 3 Vinfest lineup includes a stellar array of food, wine, music and activities for grown-ups. Cellardoor Winery will host grape stomping, a homemade wine competition, wine tastings, wine cellar tours, live music all day, farm stands, hot air balloon rides and many other interesting activities. Lunch will be prepared and served by Riverfront Barbeque & Grille of Augusta.

The Vinfest Friday evening dinner-dance begins at 5:30 p.m. # Saturday festivities go from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Friday night Vinfest dinner-dance tickets are $100 per person all inclusive, and will also gain guests admission to the Saturday Vinfest activities. The dinner is limited to 150 guests. Saturday admission is just $10 per person. Tickets are available online and at Cellardoor Winery. For tickets, schedules and venue information for Vinfest 2009, visit www.mainewine.com.

Saco Museum now accepting applications for the inaugural "Mill-ennial" exhibition

The Saco Museum is now accepting applications for the 2010 Mill-ennial, a new juried biennial exhibition of local contemporary art. All artists who can demonstrate a significant connection to Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach are invited to submit images of their work, in any medium, for consideration by the jurors.

The postmark/drop-off deadline for submissions is October 30, 2009. The exhibition, which will take place at the Saco Museum with selected works presented at North Dam Mill and City Theater in Biddeford, will premiere April 3 through June 13, 2010.

The Mill-ennial was conceived by the Saco Museum as an ongoing series of exhibitions showcasing new work by living artists connected to Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach. These cities on the Saco have overlapping histories of industrial and creative activity, and the Mill-ennial seeks to celebrate that history. Presentation of the Mill-ennial will coincide with the grand opening of the Saco Museum's new long-term reinstallation of its permanent collection, entitled Making History: Art and Industry in the Saco River Valley. Together, these two exhibitions will convey the breadth of creative endeavors in this region from the 17th century to the present day.

All forms of artistic expression are welcome for this first Mill-ennial exhibition, and unique industrial spaces in the mill district on the river will be part of the inter-city installation. The exhibition is open to work in all media, including performance, conceptual, film, video, and installation art. The Saco Museum is the primary exhibition space, but the Project Space at North Dam Mill$a 6,000 square foot space with 11-foot ceilings$has been set aside for large-scale and/or installation work, and the stage at Biddeford's 500-seat City Theater will provide a performance venue for selected works.

The juror for the 2010 Mill-ennial is Frederick Lynch, a nationally renowned painter and resident of Saco. Lynch received his BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and his Master's of Education degree from Westfield State College in Westfield, Mass. He has taught at the University of Southern Maine, Colby College, and the Haystack School of Crafts on Deer Isle. His work is in the collections of the Portland Museum of Art, the De Cordova Museum, and the Farnsworth Art Museum, among others.

To apply for the Mill-ennial, artists must complete a Call for Entries form and submit a CD with digital images of their work, along with a $10 entry fee that will help to support the presentation of the exhibition. The call for entries is available for download on the Saco Museum's website at www.sacomuseum.org, or artists may pick up a copy at the Dyer Library, Saco Museum, or any of several downtown Saco and Biddeford locations. Artists may also call (207) 283-3861, ext. 114 or e-mail museum@sacomuseum.org to ask for a copy to be sent by mail. Good luck!

Maine Gallery + Studio Guide launches new website for Maine art news, openings & shows

After several months of design, meetings, re-designs & more meetings, the new Maine Gallery + Studio Guide web site is finished and up: www.mainegalleryguide.com.

The new site uses a powerful web system created for us by Taplin Software of Bangor. It gives a modern, clean, highly functional site that provides a much better presentation of the Maine art we promote to the world.
 
New site features
Each advertiser has their own page with an actual sized ad and full contact info. For those that submit Calendar items, your event appears in "Calendar" and also on your own page automatically!  Additionally, you may send your news & photos for use in Café des Artistes through the "contact/submit" link.
 
Everything on the site is more accessible and direct. You may now quickly navigate to any advertiser's web site in just three clicks. The "gallery + studio" page shows the entire roster at a glance, organized by region and town, and includes a search feature.

Café des Artistes
If you are not familiar with it, Café des Artistes is a weekly roundup of Maine art news, openings & shows. It is a blog on the web site, an email newsletter anyone can sign up for, and a 5 minute radio show that airs each Saturday at 8:30 AM on WERU 89.9 FM. You can listen to the podcast each week right on the home page. Check out the Cafe blog to see how they promote advertisers while providing the best Maine art news anywhere.

Etc.
• Check out the online version that you can view, link, and print. If you are an advertiser, try searching your name and using the links!

• Lots of our Café newsletters get caught in spam filters. Check yours or signup anew.

• "Maine Gallery + Studio Guide" has received a Gold Communicator Award of Excellence!

* Early Bird Discount is extended to August 17. Call Stanley Israel for more info at 207-942-3322.

IMPORTANT: New Email Addresses:
anthony@mainegalleryguide.com
suzanne@mainegalleryguide.com
stan@mainegalleryguide.com
Or use our contact/submit

First-ever Fenway Park Bridal Festival (Boston); Sept. 27, 2009

The Fenway Park Bridal Festival, the first-ever to be held at the ballpark, will feature a full-day of excitement with over 80 vendor exhibits, a wedding trends seminar, a fashion show, a groom's room, ballpark tours and souvenir photos. And everyone who attends has the chance to win one of four wedding ceremonies at Fenway Park.

Fenway Park Bridal Festival
Sunday, September 27, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02115

General Admission tickets are only $15.00 each and are available by calling 1-877-REDSOX9 and online at www.redsox.com.

Vendors
More than 80 vendors/professionals will be participating, including: The Knot, Peterson Party Center, Rafanelli Events, Paper Potpourri, Entertainment Specialists, Fanci Nanci, Jenni V Photography, Tempo Dance Center and Boston Cigar Factory. The festival will also showcase private event space available for weddings inside Fenway Park and food from Aramark Catering.

For the grooms-to-be
The event will also feature a "Grooms Room" for prospective grooms to relax and enjoy themselves during the event. The room will feature ideas for groomsmen gifts, showcase a cigar roller, have NESNHD broadcasts of the Red Sox vs. Yankees game on multiple televisions along with a Nintendo Wii videogame console. The grooms-to-be will also have an opportunity to take batting practice in a batting cage.

Attendees will also be able to take advantage of Fenway Park tours during the day.

Admission to Seminars Offered
Festival guests can also attend a wedding trends seminar and a fashion show focusing on key elements of a couple's big day, including food and fashion:

Champagne Breakfast / Wedding Trends Seminar - $60 (includes General Admission ticket)/ 8:00am State Street Pavilion
The Champagne Breakfast and Wedding Trends seminar will showcase the culinary creations of Fenway Park Senior Executive Chef Ron Abell and will feature other experts discussing the latest on theme weddings, jewelry settings, bridal trends and more with Rafanelli Events. Additionally, Kathleen Lockwood, wife of former Red Sox pitcher Skip Lockwood, will be donating an autographed copy of her new book and memoir, Major League Bride: An Inside Look at Life outside the Ballpark.

Fashion Show - $30 (includes General Admission ticket)/ 6:00pm State Street Pavilion
The Fenway Park Bridal Festival fashion show will feature elegant fashions for today's Bride, Mother of the Bride, Bridal Party and more. The designs showcased will compliment all shapes and sizes and fit within a range of wedding budgets.

Cellardoor Winery Announces Plans for Vinfest 2009, October 2-3

Already known for throwing colossal seasonal celebration events in the midcoast, Cellardoor Winery announces its 2nd annual harvest-time celebration: Vinfest 2009.

Not to be outdone by their own spring Pop the Cork event, Vinfest will include hot air balloon rides, grape stomping and more. The event kicks off with a Vineyard dinner-dance under the stars at their Lincolnville location (367 Youngtown Road) on the evening of Friday, October 2 and will continue with festivities all day long on Saturday, October 3.

The wine dinner-dance on October 2nd will be served under a tent in the vineyard and each course will be paired with Cellardoor's selection of wines. The menu for the evening will be prepared by local star chefs Lawrence Klang (Natalie's Camden Harbour Inn), Melody Wolfertz (In Good Company), and Michael Salmon (Hartstone Inn). Dinner will be followed by desserts and dancing, with music provided by Maine Pro Musica, a midcoast-based orchestra comprised of professional musicians and founded by Rockport resident Janna Hymes. Belfast's Trillium Caterers, Inc. will serve as party coordinator.

The Saturday, October 3 Vinfest lineup includes a stellar array of food, wine, music and activities for grown-ups. Cellardoor Winery will host grape stomping, a homemade wine competition, wine tastings, wine cellar tours, live music all day, farm stands, hot air balloon rides and many other interesting activities. Lunch will be prepared and served by Riverfront Barbeque & Grille of Augusta.

The Vinfest Friday evening dinner-dance begins at 5:30 p.m. # Saturday festivities go from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Friday night Vinfest dinner-dance tickets are $100 per person all inclusive, and will also gain guests admission to the Saturday Vinfest activities. The dinner is limited to 150 guests. Saturday admission is just $10 per person. Tickets are available online and at Cellardoor Winery. For tickets, schedules and venue information for Vinfest 2009, visit www.mainewine.com.

Downtown Portland adds one more Alive at Five FREE Concert on Thursday August 13th

Just Added!!

August 13 - Clash of the Titans Showcase!

See your favorite local musicians duke it out to see who's cover band will reign!
The Pretenders vs. Nirvana vs. Stevie Ray Vaughan

Increased Numbers Lead Portland Trails to Move Start Line of Annual 10K Race

With over a thousand participants expected this year in its annual road race, Portland Trails has changed the course of the Portland Trails 10k: Trail to Ale to accommodate increased runners. Its 10th year, the race will be held Sunday, September 20, at 9 a.m.

While the course has traditionally started on the Eastern Promenade Trail at East End Beach, this year's race will start on Thames Street between Hancock and India streets near Ocean Gateway Terminal. Starting on the road will give runners a chance to spread out before merging with the adjacent Eastern Promenade Trail.

From there the course leads to a loop around Back Cove. The race will end on the Eastern Promenade Trail near East End Beach.

"We're very pleased with the interest this race has gained over the years and how well it has showcased and benefited one of the things that makes Portland such a unique place: its trail network," said Nan Cumming, Portland Trails executive director. "We hope the new course layout will allow the race to continue growing."

Proceeds from the race benefit Portland Trails' mission to create and maintain a 50-mile network of multi-use trails in Greater Portland.

Through Monday, September 14, runners can register for $18 by calling (207) 775-2411 or visiting www.trails.org. After that date, entry is $20. Runners can sign up the day of the race from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. at the Portland Company on Fore Street.

Chip timing for the race this year will be done by Granite State Race Services, which also manages timing for the Beach to Beacon 10K.

Per tradition, beer, pizza, and other food will be supplied free to participants at the post-race party by event sponsors Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland Pie, and Whole Foods. Other sponsors making this event possible include Martin's Point Healthcare, Mizuno, Maine Running Company, Ameriprise Financial, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, SMRT, Associated Portable Toilets, B&M Baked Beans, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Waterfront, LT's, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, and Marino, Inc.,

Awards will be presented to the top three women and men overall, as well as the top three men and women finishers in age categories 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+, and Portland Trails members. The top three team finishers (minimum of three men and three women) in corporate and open classes will also receive awards.

PORTLAND TRAILS is a nonprofit urban land trust dedicated to creating and maintaining a 50-mile network of multi-use trails in Greater Portland, engaging the community in trail use and stewardship, and making Portland a model of people-powered recreation and transportation.

Margaritas on Brown St. Announces Weekly Trivia Night and Ladies Night

Margaritas on Brown St. aims to please in their announcement of two weekly events in their Lounge.

On Wednesdays, Brown St.'s Chris Gans hosts Trivia Night. The five round trivia contest begins at 8pm, and is open to everyone 21+. Trivia Night is a free event, and there is a weekly prize given to the winning team!

On Thursdays, ladies get treated to forty percent off their entrees for Ladies Night. This weekly deal is run in the Lounge, and no signup of any kind is necessary to receive the discounted price.

Both events are ongoing and open to the public.

Cellardoor Winery in Midcoast Maine Releases Third and Fourth New Wines of the Season

Midcoast Maine's Cellardoor Winery is proud to announce the release of their third and fourth new wines of the 2009 season: Viognier and Vino DiVine were released last weekend to much acclaim.

Cellardoor's Viognier is an elegant and complex wine made from 100% Viognier grapes sourced from a single vineyard, Snipes Gap Vineyard in the Snipes Mountain AVA of Eastern Washington state. Aged in 10% new oak, the wine delivers a bouquet of mandarin zest, white peach, honeysuckle, and floral aromas, while on the palate it is rich and full with subtle toasty oak flavors on the finish.

The Viognier pairs beautifully with wild mushroom risotto, mussels in a white wine sauce, or Thai Peanut Chicken.

A new take on one of their existing legacy wines, Vino DiVine has been reinvented under the direction of Cellardoor's new winemakers Aaron Peet and Brian Smith. This dry wine made from Vidal Blanc grapes is vibrant and lively with aromas of fresh cut grass and lemon zest, while on the palate a mineral quality complements the crisp acids for a bright fresh finish. The wine pairs well with fresh chilled shrimp dipped in a spicy pepper sauce, lobster salad with mango dressing, soft goat cheese with tarragon, or even fish and chips.

Cellardoor Winery released two other new wines earlier this summer: the limited edition Artist Series Petite Sirah and Prince Valiant. Prince Valiant is a five-grape blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Viognier, and has intense aromas of ripe black cherries and white pepper with undertones of coffee and caramel. The sold out Artist Series was created for special release at Cellardoor's June 18th Pop the Cork event, and was made up of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Viognier aged in 15% new oak.

The new 2009 wines, in addition to Cellardoor's long list of legacy wines, are available for sampling and purchase at the two Cellardoor tasting rooms # the Vineyard at 367 Youngtown Road in Lincolnville and the Villa at 47 West Street in Rockport. All but the Artist Series are also available for purchase online at www.vinoshipper.com.

Additionally, Maine diners can find Cellardoor's wine offered at the following restaurants and cafés: Natalie's Camden Harbour Inn, Ephemere Café & Wine Bar, Paolina's Way and Hartstone Inn, all in Camden; Whale's Tooth Pub and Restaurant in Lincolnville; The Lobster Pound Restaurant in Lincolnville Beach; Brass Compass Café in Rockland; and Vines Café/Perkins & Perkins in Ogunquit. Prism Glass Gallery and Café in Rockport will also be offering a wine pairing dinner with their wines this month.

Call to Artist: Cancer Surviv-Art Multi-Venue Art Exhibit

Art plays countless roles in peoples' lives. For the artist, it may help express emotions and experiences of difficult life issues. And for the viewer, art can help identify with, and to some extent understand, the artist's perspective.

One major life challenge that many people face is dealing with cancer, and for some individuals creating art can help them cope. As part of the festivities for the upcoming Dempsey Challenge, L/A Arts is partnering with The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing team to display art work created by cancer survivors at several locations throughout Lewiston Auburn in a multi-venue art exhibit entitled Cancer Surviv-Art.

From October 1 through October 4, 2009, works of art in a variety of mediums will be exhibited at:

L/A Arts Community Gallery # 221 Lisbon St., Lewiston
Art & Ale Window at Gritty McDuff's # 68 Main St., Auburn
Willy Beans Bistro & Café # 70 Lincoln St., Lewiston
Auburn Mall (just beyond Mall Office entrance) # 550 Center St., Auburn
"WHA Rotating Art Gallery" at CMMC# 60 High St., Lewiston

In addition, L/A Arts Community Gallery will hold an artist reception on Saturday, October 3 from 12 # 3 pm and both "WHA Rotating Art Gallery" at CMMC and L/A Arts Community Gallery will maintain the Cancer Surviv-Art Exhibit through the month of October 2009.

If you are a cancer survivor who has created artwork or part of a support network who has created artwork in relation to a cancer survivor and would like to be included in this exhibit, please contact Cheri Donahue at L/A Arts (207) 782-7228 or mail@laarts.org.

Visit L/A Arts website www.laarts.org or the Dempsey Challenge website to download guidelines and submission forms. Interested artists should contact L/A Arts no later than September 18, 2009 to assure inclusion in the exhibit.