Italian Cooking Class: Sicilian Inspirations Feb 22

Eating and Drinking in Sicily: The pleasure of pairing fine food and
fantastic wine on Monday February 22, 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

The Institute for Italian Studies is offering a cooking class to be taught by Chef Jennifer Flock, Executive Chef and General Manager at Browne Trading Market in Portland. The class will feature a variety of authentic Sicilian dishes paired with a selection of sicilian wine.

It will be held on Monday evening, February 22, 2010, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Portland, 277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Me (across from Portland High School). This will be a hands on class; participation fee is $95.00 per person.

Chef Flock has had a varied culinary career. She received her Culinary Degree from Johnson & Wales University, in Providence, Rhode Island. Recently she served as the Food and Beverage Director at the University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business, worked for five years at Fore Street Restaurant and is currently the Corporate Chef and General Manager of Browne Trading Market. In 2008 she became a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and is working towards receiving the title Master Sommelier.

· Date: Monday February 22, 2010.

· Time: from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

· Location: Boys and Girls Club of Portland, 277 Cumberland Avenue,
Portland, ME 04102 (parking available in the back of the building, on Chestnut St.)

· Participation Fee: $95.00 per person ( If you wish to pay via CC please
call Luisa 207.939.5127. Write and mail your check to Institute for
Italian Studies, PO Box 8092, Portland, ME 04101)

· Cancellation: IIS reserves the right to cancel the event if the minimum
number of participants is not reached. If you wish to cancel, IIS will
reimburse the entire amount paid, only if the cancellation is made at
least one week prior to the event

· Information: For general information, contact Susan: info@iismaine.com
or 207. 939.5127

· Registration: To register, send an e-mail to info@iismaine.com or call
207. 329.7013.
Your Registration will be completed only when we will receive your
payment.

the new england farm 2 fork project- presents a valentines day dinner & a game dinner

Chef Sebastian Carosi founder of The New England Farm 2 Fork Project will be hosting a candlelit Valentine's Day dinner to die for..... On February 14th at 5pm at Raven Hill Orchard in East Waterboro.

The menu will feature-

-bleeding heart mimosas...
-local Maine she crab bisque with chives...
-Kennebunkport lobster mac-n-cheese with farmstead local cheddar...
-organic baby greens and herbs with orchard applewood smoked mountain trout, Maine sea salt roasted heirloom beets, 'house-cured' bacon bits and a lemonade vinaigrette...
-pepper seared grass-fed beef tenderloin with wilted spinach, lobster mashed potatoes and orchard smoked onion gravy...
-artisan chocolate 'molten center' lava cake 'for two' with chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate and frozen smiling hill farms creme fraiche mousse...

The New England Farm 2 Fork Project will also host its second Game Dinnerat Raven Hill Orchard on February 21st at 5pm. This 8 course affair will feature some standard game items such as Vermont country quail, American plains tatonka (buffalo), country rabbit, NH red deer and pastured local duck eggs. Also some harder to find game such as black bear, moose and maybe even some turtle will find their way on to Chef Sebastian Carosi's menu. A made in Maine cheese social will kick things off at 5pm.

The New England Farm 2 Fork Project is a roving rural eco-gastronomic organization that supports a biodiverse, sustainable food supply, local producers, heritage food-ways and the pleasures that surround the American table and kitchen. Chef Sebastian Carosi and his band of 'Roving Rural Culinary Visionaries' present a series of 'on farm' dinners, brunches, and culinary educational events that are planned throughout the season.

These events will be held in the barns, fields, and pastures of several small organic farms, micro-creamery's, cattle ranches, heirloom apple orchards and dairies that dot our bountiful landscape...The New England farm 2 Fork Project is working closely with these farmers and producers to raise local food supply awareness and to support sustainable agriculture and economic development throughout our little corner of America... Go to TNEF2FP.BLOGSPOT.COM for more info..

Raven Hill Orchard, Bakery & Coffeehouse is open from 9-5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Offering organic artisan breads and baked goods, on-site small batch roasted coffee and WIFI in the post and beam loft.
Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm- including orchard proprietor Steve Evelds Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate and Smoked Maple Macchiato.

*call the orchard direct for reservations 207.247.4455 or visit www.ravenhillorchard.com

5th Annual Local & Sustainable Food Conference: Building Urban/Rural Alliances and Mud Season Dinner

April 10th & 11th, St. Mary's Nutrition Center, Lewiston, Maine

Presented by Food for Maine's Future, Lots to Gardens, Healthy Oxford Hills, and WERU

Announcing the 5th Annual Local and Sustainable Foods Conference: Building Urban/Rural Alliances and Mud Season Dinner Saturday, April 10th at St. Mary's Nutrition Center in Lewiston. This year's conference will explore key issues facing Mainers working for positive change in local and regional foodsheds. Through workshops, discussions, and facilitated planning sessions conference participants will help create a set of Action Plans to guide our growing movement towards an equitable food system with justice and dignity for all.

Sunday, April 11th Food Policy Mini-Conference
10am - 2pm St. Mary's Nutrition Center, Lewiston

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO IDENTIFY KEY FOOD ISSUES IN MAINE

Please take a couple minutes to fill out this Survey Monkey to let conference organizers know what issues are most important to you. Deadline for responding to the survey is Sunday, February 14.

Shipyard Brewing Company’s Brewer’s Brown Ale Hits the Shelves

PORTLAND - Shipyard Brewing Company announces the release of Brewer's Brown Ale. This spring seasonal is available in 6-packs, 12-packs and draft late January through early April while supplies last.

This beer was first produced in 2006 when it was released as Brewer's Choice Brown Ale. Due to popular demand for this beer, Shipyard has released this product as its permanent spring seasonal.

Brewer's Brown Ale is a full-bodied, dark brown ale made with five different malts and three varieties of hops. Pale Ale, Crystal, Chocolate, Roasted Barley and Wheat Malts combine to give this beer a nice smoky taste up front and a smooth, full body finishing with a crisp hop bite at the back. Hops used in this brew are English Challenger, Fuggles, and East Kent Goldings at the finish. Brewer's Brown Ale has 5.4% alcohol by volume.

In 1986, Shipyard's master brewer, Alan Pugsley, moved to Maine from Hampshire, England where he worked at the world-famous Ringwood Brewery with Peter Austin.

In tribute to Austin, the Brewer's Brown Ale package depicts him at ease in the brew house raising a glass to his fellow brewers. In England, black cats are a symbol of good luck and this package also features Austin's brew house cat, Bridget.

Shipyard Brewing Company is located on the historic waterfront in Portland, Maine and produces 15 varieties of award-winning English style and seasonal beers. Its products are distributed in over 35 states.

Got glass? Give a PART of ART for the 2010 Mill-ennial

Nationally recognized sculptor and Biddeford native Celeste Roberge is seeking 300 pieces of colorless cut or pressed glass for her installation sculpture What I Saw on the Glacier, to be presented at North Dam Mill April 3 through June 13, 2010 as part of the 2010 Mill-ennial exhibition, organized by the Saco Museum.

If you have a piece or pieces of glass that you are willing to donate to this one-of-a-kind work of art, please deliver it to the Saco Msueum at 371 Main Street, Saco, during our regular public hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

What I Saw on the Glacier is inspired by the artist's residency in Reykjaik, Iceland, where she created "blue ink drawings of what felt like the liquification of the top of the world." In this special installation digital prints based on those drawings will be placed on the floor of the Project Space in North Dam Mill and covered with several hundred objects of cut glass.

College of the Atlantic students prepare Haitian fundraiser for Feb 6

Dinner, entertainment on February 6 to benefit Doctors Without Borders

BAR HARBOR, ME - College of the Atlantic students are responding to the
ongoing need in Haiti with a fundraising dinner and show on Saturday, Feb.
6 from 6 to 10 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders.

The event, held in Gates Community Center, will include a menu of
international cuisine prepared by COA's excellent cooks, along with
entertainment in the form of storytelling, songs and more, performed by
COA's creative and diverse student body. The event is organized by
members of Pangea, COA's international student group. Motivating the
students is the presence on campus of four Haitian classmates. Tickets
are $10 for adults, $5 for children 13 and under.

For more information,
call 288-5015 or write Annick Bickson at abickson@coa.edu.

Dreamland Theater movie series in Bath shows Hitchock this Thursday

Sagadahoc Preservation, Inc. is pleased to announce the creation of Dreamland Theater, a movie series running the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the WinterStreetChurch in Bath. Each month will have a theme, and one classic and one contemporary film will be shown.

"January is Suspense Month," says Nancy Townsend, the Chair of the Dreamland Theater Committee. "The first movie we screened was 'L.A. Confidential,' and the next one will be a Hitchcock. Audience members voted for the movies we'll show during February's Romance Month."

"We want to make it a community event. Anyone who brings in a receipt from a local Bath restaurant from that evening can get a free soda and snack from our concessions stand. Or they can get their food to go and eat during the movie, or bring their own beach-chairs and a home-packed picnic. Whatever the audience wants # it's their movie."

Carolyn Lockwood, Vice President of SPI, explains, "We're calling it Dreamland Theater because there was a movie theater in Bath by that name. SPI is able to bring movies back to Bath because of a generous grant from the Davenport Foundation for a media system in the WinterStreetCenter. Savi Systems, located in South Portland, helped further by selling the high-end media system, which includes a 110" screen, to SPI at a greatly reduced price, and setting up the system for the greatest visual and sound impact."

The next movie will be at 7pm on Thursday, January 28, at the WinterStreetChurch, at 880 Washington St.

Doors open at 6pm while old movie serials and cartoons play on the big screen until the main event begins. The suggested donation is $5, with all proceeds going toward the continuing restoration of the WinterStreetChurch in Bath. For more information, please visit www.winterstreetcenter.org.

Cellardoor Winery Presents Winterfest 2010 on Saturday February 20

LINCOLNVILLE, Maine - Cellardoor Winery is inviting Mainers to celebrate the beauty and joy of winter with its family-friendly Winterfest 2010 taking place Saturday, February 20 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the winery at 367 Youngtown Road in Lincolnville.



Winterfest 2010 will feature fun outdoor activities such as: sledding, snowshoeing, snow person making, ice skating, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Participants will also be able to enjoy food and wine pairings, hot cocoa and savory treats, and a gourmet brunch by chef Lawrence Klang from Natalie's. The Chris Humphrey Big Band and the Barber Shop Quartet will provide live music throughout the day. Attendees should note that a limited quantity of skates and sleds will be available for free to use during the day.

A highlight of the day for those over 21 will be a unique opportunity to sample wine directly from the barrel. "A tradition in other parts of the country, this is a fun way to experience a new wine before it is bottled," explained Christina Peet of Cellardoor Winery. "We hope to be able to offer barrel samplings again during the course of the year. For wine fans, it's really interesting to taste a wine in its different stages," added Peet.

Admission to Winterfest 2010 is free; attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or gently worn clothing, which will be donated to local organizations supporting neighbors in need. 

For more information on the schedule of events for the day, visit Cellardoor Winery, call 207-763-4478 or email info@cellardoorvineyard.com.
Cellardoor Winery Winterfest Schedule 



FOOD AND WINE 


10-4 Wine tasting all day

10-12 Gourmet Brunch by Lawrence Klang
10-1 Ice Sculpture carving in progress

12-4 Hot Cocoa & savory treats by Lani Temple 

12-4 Barrel Sampling with Winemaker Aaron Peet 

1-4 Wine and Food Pairings by Lani Temple

MUSIC 


10:30-1 Music by Chris Humphrey Big Band 

2-4 Music by the Barber Shop Quartet

ACTIVITIES 


10-4 Ice Skating on the pond

10-4 Snow Sledding

11-1 Help us build a family of snow people

11-3 Horse drawn wagon rides 

12 & 2 Guided snow shoe trek up the blueberry trail
12 & 2 Guided snow shoe trek through the vineyard

Professional snowmobile racing coming to Maine

Greenville, Maine - Greenville is preparing for a huge snowmobiling event on March 20th 2010. The professional cross country racing organization known as USCC, which has been racing in the mid-west for years, is coming east to Greenville, ME for the first annual MAINE PRO 100 which will also include the MAINE AMATEUR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP RACE.

A $10,000 purse is on the line and racers of all skill levels from "kids to pro's" have a chance to race for trophies and prize money. Maine Motorheads, here is your chance to show off your riding skills on a rough and ready cross country course that runs up into Little Moose Mountain and back to Greenville Junction. The course includes a variety of natural obstacles and trail conditions that will challenge both the pro's and amateurs. With several race categories that include: kids (120cc), women, amateurs, semi-pro and professional racers; this will be an exciting race for racers and spectators alike.

The races are a "stagger" start format and you will only be running against racers of your skill level. Check out USCC's fantastic website (www.usccracing.com) for all details on how to enter, sled classes and safety equipment required. Become the 1st Maine Amateur Cross Country Champion complete with trophy and cash award. All professional and semi-professional racers are invited to race for trophies and large cash awards and be prepared for a challenging course.

We are anticipating a large number of snowmobile related vendors and dealers to be at the event. Come see the new sled models, latest equipment and accessories, as well as give the demo sleds a ride. Vendors and dealers interested in renting space at the event should contact Tom McCormick (207-695-4543 or dtmccormick_20@msn.com) ASAP to ensure your spot at this event which should draw hundreds of spectators and racers.

The committee that is setting up this event must come up with the $13,000 required to offer this race in Greenville. We are in need of major race sponsors in order to put this event together and we have a variety of advertisement opportunities we can offer. We believe that every room within 20 miles of Greenville will be filled and the restaurants and stores should be packed for several days. Contact Tom McCormick (info above) to advertise your room rentals and stores on the MRSC and USCC websites.

Come and enjoy an exciting event as the racers run fast laps up into the mountains and back to the spectator areas in Greenville Junction.

Contact: Bob Hamer, Moosehead Lake Chamber of Commerce 207.695.2702 or at info@mooseheadlake.org

The Maine Studios announces a new weekly series called "Open Stage"

The Maine Studios announces a new weekly series called "Open Stage". This will occur Sundays from 7pm - 9pm at The Maine Studios, located at 235 Presumpscot St in Portland Maine.

The first Open Stage will happen on January 24th at 7pm, and will repeat every Sunday.

Performers will sign up either ahead of time or at the show. They will have the opportunity to perform their piece and receive feedback from the audience. Individuals and groups are welcome. This is for theater, comedy, improv, poetry, spoken word, and multidisciplinary performing arts. A suggested donation of $2 will be asked for.

For more information, please contact Liz McMahon at Liz@MaineFilms.org

Love for sale: Romance Novel Sale at Curtis Memorial Library Feb 13

Love is in the air! Celebrate Valentine's Day at the first-ever Romance Novel Book Sale on Saturday, February 13th from 9:30 to 1:00 pm at Curtis Memorial Library. Curtis Friends is pleased to offer hundreds of romance novels for sale from favorite authors including Nora Roberts, Janet Dailey, Debbie Macomber, Kat Martin, Fern Michaels and Victoria Alexander.

All books are bargain priced at $.50 to $1.00. From 12:00 # 1 pm, the deals are even hotter! Readers of romance can buy a bag of books for only $2 or a vintage Curtis book bag full of books for only $3. All proceeds from the book sale will be used to support adult programming, projects and book purchases.

After purchasing those captivating tales of love and passion, hopeless romantics can bring them home in a brand new Curtis Book Bag! This stylish and sturdy tote bag is perfect for carrying books, school supplies, groceries and more. It's only $10 and is a great way to show support for the library. In addition, "vintage" Curtis Memorial Library book bags will be on sale for only $1!

Get ready for love at the Curtis Friends Romance Novel Book Sale on Saturday, February 13th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Morrell Meeting Room at Curtis Memorial Library. For more information, call 725-5242, email friends@curtislibrary.com or visit www.curtislibrary.com.

Last Call: Fourth Annual PBR Art Contest

Pabst Blue Ribbon's fourth annual "PB-Arts Contest" submission deadline approaches.

PBR will accept submissions through January 31st and name a winner in early April!

The contest invites PBR drinkers to create unique works of art inspired by the historic can. Works will be accepted in four categories - photography, painting, sculpture and poetry - from October 15, 2009 through January 31, 2010. PBR will select one grand prize winner and one runner-up in each category. As in past years, the winning artwork will be honored and displayed in cities across the United States in various ways - wallscapes, alternative weeklies, building projections, newspaper racks, bus benches, store displays and other visual outlets.

Grand prize winners will receive $1,893 in cash, symbolic to the year 1893 when PBR won their famous blue ribbon, and a one-year supply of the inspiring brew. The runners-up in each category will receive exactly 1/3 of the Grand Prize: $631 in cash and a four-month supply of Pabst. In addition, PBR will showcase the winning artwork throughout the U.S.

For further submission and contest details your readers can visit www.pbrart.com

Spirits Alive sponsors free winter lecture series with 3 author-historians

Portland - Spirits Alive, the advocacy group for Portland's
Eastern Cemetery, is sponsoring a series of free lectures and
question-answer sessions with prominent author-historians at the Maine
Historical Society on 3 winter Saturdays. Supported with funding from
the Maine Humanities Council, 3 lecturers will present: Emerson Woods
Baker on January 30, James L. Nelson on February 27, and Earle G.
Shettleworth, Jr. on March 27. Admission is free and refreshments will
be available.

January 30, 2010 at 10:00am

"Native Americans of Casco Bay" | Maine Historical Society | Free
Emerson Woods Baker II is a history professor at Salem State College
whose fieldwork and research has centered on Maine, a place where
English, French and Native American cultures collided. He will also
speak about Native American burial practices. Baker's new book, /The
Devil of Great Island, Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England/ was
published in October. For more information on the book:
http://www.salemstate.edu/~ebaker/devil/devilindex.html

For more information on Emerson Baker:
http://www.salemstate.edu/~ebaker/bakerinfo.html

February 27, 2010 at 10:00am

"Privateering on Casco Bay" | Maine Historical Society | Free
James L. Nelson, author of /George Washington's Secret Navy,/ brings
America's historical connection with the sea to life through fiction and
nonfiction. His writing covers a wide range of America's maritime
heritage, from piracy in Colonial Virginia to the naval action of the
Civil War. Mr. Nelson will talk about privateers-armed private ships
licensed to attack enemy shipping-in New England.

For more information on the book:
http://www.jameslnelson.com/george_washington%27s_secret_navy.htm

For more information on James L. Nelson:
http://www.jameslnelson.com/biography.htm

March 27, 2010 at 10:00am

"The Historical Development of Munjoy Hill" | Maine Historical Society | Free
Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., Director of the Maine Historic Preservation
Commission, will present a slide lecture on the history of Munjoy Hill.
Born in Portland, Mr. Shettleworth has been researching, speaking, and
writing about Maine history since he was a teenager. He has been on the
commission since 1971 and director since 1976.

For more information on the commission: http://www.state.me.us/mhpc/

The new VegEZ app for iPhone Saves Dinner

Delicious TV's popular chef Toni Fiore now dishes out hand-held recipes
and takes the mystery out of vegetarian cooking

Portland, ME - All Art Media, Inc. today announced the launch of
VegEZ for iPhone and iPod Touch. Created by Delicious TV, VegEZ features 50 of
Delicious TVʼs newest and most popular recipes along with 32 companion videos that offer step-by-step instruction, meal variations, and practical tips along with ingredient lists for shopping, bookmarked favorites, and email links to share recipes with friends.

Regular viewers say one of the best things about the show/podcast is that the visuals give them a feel for Toniʼs easy, flexible style of cooking and makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of vegan food without the trouble of completely changing the foods they already eat. One viewer wrote, "Iʼm not a vegetarian, but if I keep making your delicious recipes, I might end up one # at least a few nights a week." Easy to make, delicious to eat # what could be better?

For todayʼs home cook with a full time schedule, VegEZ provides easy, fun, family-
friendly meals that are healthier, greener, and always delicious. Watch quick prep meals and have the recipes at your fingertips.

All Art Media, Inc. is the parent company of Delicious TV and creator of Delicious TVʼs Totally Vegetarian, a highly rated public television show with a 5 star podcast Delicious TV Veg that was just nominated for two Tasty Awards. With millions of views, itʼs consistently found in the top 10 on iTunes.

All Art Media, Inc. collaborated with Rhode Island application developer, Cronk Software to produce the VegEZ iPhone app. "Itʼs been a wonderful experience working with Cronk. We seamlessly worked together and created a really delicious, well-oiled application," says executive producer Betsy Carson.

Delicious TV is currently developing an additional two new vegan web series for 2010.

Miss Fairchild releases free single "Soda Pop" online

Miss Fairchild, the pop/funk explosion of Nantucket Island's Party Music scene, announce the FREE and immediate release of "Soda Pop", a new song about effervescent love falling flat. Get the free download here.

"Soda Pop" is a bubbly sweet concoction of Pop Rock and Blue-Eyed Soul, featuring Miss Fairchild's "kitchen sink" production, courtesy of producer/DJ Sammy Bananas (Fool's Gold Records). The song, which showcases the signature MF soundscape - singalong hooks, popping bass lines, hand claps and warm-fuzzy synths - is sure to radiate enough heat this winter to temper even the most jaded of broken hearts.

The new single tells the tale of a secret fling-turned-one-sided-love, with a protagonist itching to take things into "the light of day". While it has been in the works since the release of 2007's, Won't Be Your Kept Woman EP, "Soda Pop" is a departure from its sister songs. WBYKW is rooted in 60's and 70's style R&B, while "Soda Pop" is more guitar driven, drawing on such inspirations as the The Cars eponymous LP and Prince's Dirty Mind, but with the stern, belting refrain of a Michael McDonald era Doobie Brothers record. Grammy Award Winner Jamie Howarth, who has mastered Miss Fairchild's recent releases, simply calls it "Purest Pop." 'Nuff said!

"Soda Pop" is available for FREE via email, their official website, networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, and the international blogosphere.

Look for the band to be playing this song regularly in the New Year at venues across the Northeast.

| LIVE DATES |

FEBRUARY 4th at OLIVER's / CASK'n FLAGON
62 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA
w/ (tba)

FEBRUARY 20th at BIG EASY BLUES CLUB
55 Market St, Portland, ME
w/ Kenya Hall Band

"Longfellow and the Landscape: Earth, Sea and Sky" Feb 4-25 in Brunswick

BRUNSWICK, Maine - Longfellow Days 2010, scheduled for February 4 through February 25, will honor the foremost 19th-century American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with cultural programs that celebrate the environment and explore sustainability strategies and solutions.

"Longfellow and the Landscape: Earth, Sea and Sky" will include lectures and presentations by authors and community members, a locavore dinner at Bowdoin College, poetry readings, and art exhibitions.

The works of Longfellow (1807-1882, Bowdoin class of 1825) are filled with vivid evocations of the natural world, from the forest creatures of Hiawatha and the farming communities of Evangeline to the furious wind and waves depicted in The Wreck of the Hesperus. Each Longfellow Days event will tie in to the poet's connections to and celebration of nature.

LONGFELLOW DAYS 2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, February 4, 5 p.m.
Frontier Café, Fort Andross
Free
"An Artist's Sense of Place"
Meet artist Evelyn Dunphy, whose watercolors of the Maine landscape will be on view at the café throughout February. Dunphy has been recognized by the Trust for Public Lands for her contribution to the largest conservation project in Maine history that expanded Baxter State Park by saving Katahdin Lake and 6,000 acres from development. She recently received the People's Choice Award from the Natural Resource Council of Maine. The film "Following in the Footsteps of Frederic Church," which follows Dunphy through a painting workshop at Church's Millinocket Lake camp, will be shown at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 4, 6:30 p.m.
Frontier Café, Fort Andross
$10 or $12 per person, reservations recommended (725-5222)
"Gardens Galore"
Illustrated presentation by two of Maine's most exuberant gardeners: Robin Robinson and Jocelyn Hubbell. Robinson's garden is an intensely planted half-acre of perennials and shrubbery overlooking Casco Bay. Hubbell is executive director of the Curtis Library's Cornerstones of Science program, and oversees the Library's butterfly garden. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Proceeds benefit Maine Street plantings by the Village Improvement Association.

Sunday, February 7, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Free
"Poets in the Community I"
Longfellow is just one of many poets who have called the Brunswick area home throughout the years, and the tradition continues today. Over three Sunday afternoons, Herb Coursen curates a three-part series of readings by local writers. This first event features the works of Alice Persons, Anne Oleson, and Coursen. Refreshments courtesy of Bohemian Coffee House.

Wednesday, February 10, 6 p.m.
Main Lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin College
$20 per person, reservations required (729-4439)
"Very Nourishing: A Locavore Dinner"
Savor a dinner buffet from the renowned Bowdoin College dining service. The menu is drawn from local suppliers of produce, cheese, and meat. The meal will be followed by a presentation outlining the College's many sustainability programs and efforts. Reservations required by February 2; call 729-4439.

Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m.
F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods, 56 Maine Street
Free.
"Seed Starting"
Host Fred Horch and master gardener volunteer Brett Thompson share secrets for starting a bountiful garden from seed. Seating is limited. Reservations suggested (729-4050).

Saturday, February 13, 11 a.m.
Fort Andross
Free.
"Certified Organic Fun"
An oral historian will interview local farmers, bakers, cheese makers, and others, on stage at the winter farmers' market.

Sunday, February 14, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Free
"Poets in the Community II"
Readings by poets Kevin Sweeney, Joan Nicholson, and Darcy Shargo. Refreshments courtesy of Bohemian Coffee House.

Wednesday, February 17, 12:15 p.m.
Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library (Winter Wisdom Lecture)
Free
"A Writer's Sense of Place"
Whether you are a native-born Mainer or "from away," you probably have distinct feelings about the Midcoast region that make you feel at home in the world. Author Jane Brox will discuss what we mean by "sense of place," and how myth, memory, and imagination may contribute as much as geography to the way we feel about places in our lives. Brox, an adjunct lecturer at Bowdoin College, is studying the relationship coastal Maine farmers have had to the sea. Books by Brox include Clearing Land: Legacies of the American Farm, Five Thousand Days Like This One: An American Family History, and Here and Nowhere Else: Late Seasons of a Farm and Its Family.

Thursday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
Frontier Café, Gallery and Cinema, Fort Andross
$10 advance, $12 at the door, reservations recommended (725-5222)
"ECO-PechaKucha"
Dozens of environmental organizations in Maine protect waterways and endangered animals, model green practices or alert communities to toxins. Nancy Randolph emcees 10 whirlwind, six-minute presentations by nature lovers, artists and stewards. Proceeds benefit the Topsham-Brunswick Androscoggin Riverwalk. Reservations recommended, 725-5222.

Saturday, February 20, 7 p.m.
The Theater Project, 14 School Street
$10 adults, $5 students
"Environmental Songs and Stories"
Readings by prize-winning high school students, storyteller Pat Gerdiner, ballads performed by Kat Logan and Jim Loney, and original songs/sing-along with Grace Lewis McLaren. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students. Refreshments available.

Sunday, February 21, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Free
"Poets in the Community III"
Poets Marta Finch, Ted Bookey, and David Adams complete the three-part series of readings. Refreshments courtesy of Bohemian Coffee House.

Sunday, February 21, Noon-4 p.m.
Joshua Chamberlain Museum, corner of Maine and Potter streets
Free
"Visit Longfellow's House"
Tour Longfellow's Brunswick home as guests of the Pejepscot Historical Society. Tours are available on the hour.

Thursday, February 5, 6:30 p.m.
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Free.
"Behind the Landscapes at the Museum"
Kevin Salatino, director of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, will give a guided tour of two nature-oriented exhibitions: "Grounded: Two Centuries of American Landscape" and "Learning to Paint: American Artists and European Art, 1876-1893." Co-sponsored by Five Rivers Arts Alliance.

Longfellow Days is a program of the Brunswick Downtown Association and Bowdoin College, with support from the Nathaniel Davis Fund, the Senter Fund, and the Association of Bowdoin Friends.

For more information call 207-729-4439.

Who needs popcorn: FoodFilms Winter '10 schedule

The Third season of Foodfilms will begin on Sunday February 14th with the screening of Chocolat and the food of Aurora Provisions. Each FoodFilms evening features a classic film with food as the focus, paired with a local chef, who prepares a meal inspired by the film. It's also an opportunity to meet the chef, and share a meal with a group of people equally interested in food and films. This series will all take place on Sunday nights
FoodFilms

The Schedule for the next three films is:

Sunday February 14: Chocolat with food by Leslie Oster of Aurora Provisions and chocolate by Dean's Sweets. Juliette Binoche is a single mother who sets up a chocolate shop right across from the church in a small French village in the 50's. She bewitches the village, and Johnny Depp, with her chocolate. This charming 2000 film directed by Lasse Hallstrom boasts an all-star cast with Judi Dench, Lena Olins, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare and Leslie Caron. Based on the novel by Joanne Harris, it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards.

Sunday March 7th: Delicatessen with food from Bar Lola. Timed during Maine Restaurant Week, come out for a different type of evening. This Post-Apocalyptic comedy with mysterious food sources will be paired with the talented team of Guy and Stella Hernandez of Bar Lola. Directed by the man who brought us Amelie, this 1991 film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, blends humor with a very macabre undertone. Jeunet sees the world in his own idiosyncratic way that is sure to entertain.

Sunday April 11th: Like Water For Chocolate with food from El Rayo. There was no conscious chocolate theme to these selections, just a focus on great films. This 1992 film is based on the 1989 novel by Laura Esquivel, a tale of frustrated love, family obligations and spontaneous combustion. El Rayo's Cheryl Lewis and Noreen Kotts will set us afire with their Mexican food.

All shows start at 6:30, doors open at 6:00. Tickets are $30 and seats are limited to 50 for each showing. Tickets may be purchased online by going to the One Longfellow Square website.

Foodfilms is produced in association with One Longfellow Square, The Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink and Rabelais.

Portland Symphony Orchestra Announces Partnership with Maine-based Konbit Sante in Haiti Disaster Relief Activities

PORTLAND, Maine - The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) announced today a partnership with Maine-based Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership to raise funds for disaster relief in Haiti, and provide a place for the Portland community to come together and experience the healing power of music.

The PSO will open the Sunday, January 24 10:00 a.m. rehearsal to the public and donations will be collected at the door. Donations will also be collected at the 2:30 p.m. concert. Donations will benefit Konbit Sante's Earthquake Response Fund. Konbit Sante is a Maine-based non-profit that has a partnership with the Haitian Ministry of Health to build capacity of the public health system in northern Haiti. For nine years, Konbit Sante staff and volunteers have been working with their Haitian colleagues on this mission. More information about Konbit Sante will be available in the lobby of Merrill Auditorium or at www.healthyhaiti.org.

The Sunday, January 24 PSO concert, "Head and Heart," explores themes of suffering and healing. The program opens with Ravel's haunting Pavane for a Dead Princess and closes with Headcase, a contemporary work documenting the composer's recovery from a devastating stroke. Mozart's stormy Symphony No. 25 rounds out the program.

For tickets call (207) 842-0800 or visit PortTIX.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. $10 tickets will be available for college and medical students with valid ID from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the concert.

Vignola's Fourth Annual Beer & Cheese Tasting Jan 23

Portland, ME - Whether you're digging out from the storm or enjoying the new snow - or both - we hope you'll make plans to join us for one of our many upcoming winter events at Cinque Terre and Vignola. Guaranteed to make you happy!

Our Fourth Annual Beer & Cheese Tasting at Vignola.

An annual favorite, Vignola's Beer & Cheese tasting is a casually educational showcase that focuses on bold and intriguing beer and cheese pairings. Enjoy a wide array of American, Belgian and German beers and artisanal cheeses, and even discover a new favorite beer and cheese (or two, or three!).

Details
Saturday, January 23
Choose from two sessions: 12pm - 2pm or 3pm - 5pm
$25 per person

Reservations are required. Contact Vignola at (207) 772-1330.

Winter Happy Hour at Vignola
Monday through Friday from 4:30-6pm, treat yourself to cocktail specials and complimentary antipasti. What better way to cap off a day at the office?

Sunday Family Style Dinners at Vignola
We're reinventing Sunday dinner by launching "Family Style Sunday Dinners" on the last Sunday of the month. The three-course meals will feature antipasti, main course, cheese course and dessert with choices of traditional favorites and daily chef creations. The cost is $25 per person, and reservations are recommended.

News and Notes

Restaurant Week Starts Early! Restaurant Week doesn't officially start until March but at Cinque Terre, we're offering our tasty Restaurant Week menus and special pricing beginning this evening. Our three-course, prix fixe menus will change weekly and include a selection of appetizers, main courses and desserts for just $30. Join us and create your perfect trio.

Win Tickets to the Harvest Dinner. Each year we host an annual dinner at our Grand View Farm in Greene, Maine. The Harvest Dinner demonstrates our commitment to Maine's expanding Farm-to-Table movement and gives guests an opportunity to spend an afternoon on the farm where we grow much of our own restaurants' produce.

This year, we are giving our special friends the chance to win tickets. Simply bring this newsletter to Cinque Terre or Vignola when you join us for brunch or dinner in February, and you'll be entered into a drawing for tickets for two to this year's September 12 Harvest Dinner.

Get Your PHD with Greater Portland Landmarks

Portland History Docents - 15th Annual Class Starts February 18, 2010

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Portland area residents will have a unique opportunity to do something fun for themselves and good for their community!

Starting in mid-February, Greater Portland Landmarks and other local institutions will sponsor the Portland's History Docents, an annual collaborative project that offers ten free classes on local history, art, and architecture, as well as on public speaking.

One of our volunteers, Bill Hall, manages this program each year. Bill says, "Portland is unique, for making this great program available to people interested in history. The History Docents has been recognized throughout New England for the quality of its training, not to mention for its amazing durability and popularity. You can get involved, meet interesting people, and learn a lot about the region we live in, while you volunteer with some of the local museums."

The Portland's History Docents starts on Thursday, February 18 at the Maine Historical Society on Congress Street.Classes run on consecutive Thursdays, from 9 AM to Noon, through April 22. Graduation will take place at the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum on Peaks Island on May 6. See the complete class schedule here. Class space is limited; please sign up in advance.

Many of Greater Portland Landmark's guides for the walking tours and for the Portland Observatory have come through this program.Other participating institutions are the Victoria Mansion, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Tate House Museum, and Portland Harbor Museum. This year the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum will also participate.

For more information or to sign up, email Bill or call 253-6290, or leave a message for him at Greater Portland Landmarks, 774-5561, ext 120.

Portland’s “Rooms” Raise Funds for Relief in Haiti on Monday, January 18

PORTLAND, Maine - On Monday, January 18, three popular Portland restaurants, the Front Room, Grill Room and Corner Room, will turn over 5% of sales from the day's lunch and dinner services to Partners in Health, a medical care organization that is already in Haiti, working on the ground to supply much needed medical care.

Partners In Health (PIH) works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine countries around the world. The work of PIH has three goals: to care for our patients, to alleviate the root causes of disease in their communities, and to share lessons learned around the world.

Based in Boston, PIH employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, including doctors, nurses and community health workers. The organization receives high marks for its efficient use of funds and low overhead.

The Front Room is at 73 Congress St., The Grill Room & Bar is located at 84 Exchange Street and The Corner Room Kitchen & Bar is at the intersection of Federal and Exchange at 110 Exchange St.

Brian Boru and Shipyard Brewing Company to host fundraiser to benefit victims of Haiti Earthquake

What: Fundraiser to benefit FreeTheKids.Org, a locally based 501(c)(3) that runs an orphanage in Haiti that provides housing, food and medical care for over 650 children. The organization also operates several schools and a vocational center that provides education to thousands of Haiti's poorest residents.

When: January 18, 2010 starting at 7pm.

Location: Brian Boru Pub, 57 Center Street, Portland Maine.

Portland, ME - Brian Boru, a local Irish pub on Center Street in Portland's Old Port, as well as Shipyard Brewing Company, one of Maine's premier brewers, are teaming up to hold a fundraiser on January 18th, starting at 7pm, to benefit victims of the earthquake that recently devastated the island nation of Haiti.

The fundraiser will provide a way for Portland residents to safely give money to assist the victims of this week's earthquake. The funds raised will go to FreeTheKids.Org, a locally run 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports an orphanage, "Hope Village," in Haiti for over 650 children. In addition to providing housing, food and medical care for its orphans, the orphanage also operates several schools and a vocational center that offers thousands more a chance to receive a basic education. The facility also serves as an aid distribution center, distributing desperately needed food and supplies throughout the country.

The news coming out of Haiti is bleak. It is inevitable that many children in the country will find themselves orphaned or homeless. With your donations, Hope Village can have the resources needed to open its doors to these children and provide them with vital medical care and warm meals. Please visit FreeTheKids.Org for more information on the orphanage at Hope Village and to get the latest updates on the crisis in Haiti.

For more information on the January 18th fundraiser, or more information on FreeTheKids.Org, please contact Rob Morris at (207) 798-1293.

Matt Zito, Founder of MaineCreates.com, presents at Five Rivers Arts Alliance Meeting on January 25 in Brunswick

Brunswick-Five Rivers Arts Alliance presents a talk by Matt Zito about
MaineCreates.com at Frontier Café, Cinema + Galley, 14 Maine St.,
Brunswick on January 25, 2010. Maine Creates is an online marketplace
for the buying and selling of Handmade Maine made products and services.
MaineCreates.com currently represents 22 Maine artisans and crafters,
representing 195 handmade Maine made products. From porcupine quill
baskets to "owl stools," collage to hand-crafted jewelry; the site is
here to "buy & sell Maine handmade."

Find out more about Maine Creates and Matt Zito, its founder, at the first Five Rivers member meeting ofthe new year. The presentation begins at 6pm at Frontier Cafe Cinema + Gallery, 14 Maine St, Brunswick. It is free for Five Rivers members and $5 for general public. Reservations are strongly recommended. To
reserve a spot, contact Five Rivers at 798-6964 or
info@fiveriversartsalliance.org.

Matt Zito is an Internet entrepreneur, small business advisor and
community advocate on the Schoodic Peninsula in Maine. He is founder of
MaineCreates.com, a startup online marketplace for the artisans,
crafters, small food producers and creative people of Maine to sell
their products and services to the global economy. He is former owner of
CollegeSkiTrips.com, a "youth-oriented" online ski travel company that
was acquired in 2007. He is former owner of the Yellow Breeches House
Fly-Fishing Lodge that was acquired in 2009. In addition to his online
ventures, Matt is co-author of the book, "Trade IPOs Online" (John Wiley
& Sons). He has appeared in the most highly respected financial
publications and broadcasts, including CNBC television, the Wall Street
Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg, CNN, Reuters, and Business 2.0 Magazine.

This Five Rivers Member Meeting is sponsored by Five Rivers Arts
Alliance, with support from Women, Work & Community. For more
information contact Five Rivers at 207-798-6964 or
www.fiveriversartsalliance.org.

Artisans invited to apply for Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

WELLS, MAINE - Laudholm Trust announces that application materials are now available for the twenty-third Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, a highly respected show to be held September 11 and 12 at the stunning Wells Reserve at Laudholm on Maine's southwestern coast.

The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival boasts 100 of New England's finest artists and craftspeople in a spectacular historic setting. Sculpture, pottery, paintings, clothing, jewelry, and photography are among the crafts selected by jury for this prestigious event.

The world of nature is the unifying theme of the festival. Laudholm Trust recognizes that some crafts are not conducive to having a nature theme, so they will not automatically be excluded from the show. Originality, freshness, and display quality are key criteria used by the festival's jury.

Proceeds benefit research, education, stewardship, and preservation at the 2,250-acre Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is home to the festival.

Information and applications are available at www.laudholm.org or by calling 207-646-4521. Applications must be received by March 16.

TWO at Port City Music Hall. 2 bands, $2 cover, $2 drafts, every Tuesday

An Original Music Series featuring Two bands every week. The best of the best.
8 pm - 1 am Tuesday.

$2 cover at the door | 21+ only
$2 all drafts: microbrews + Guinness (from 8 - 11 pm only)

The tourists have Gone Away. The ice and snow have set in. The Maine shrimping season is in full swing. Portland's resident community of musicians have hunkered down in their garrets, studios, and favorite dives during the week - gigs and touring are pretty much limited to the weekends.

The perfect opportunity to launch TWO. Come hang at Port City Music Hall on Tuesdays. $2 at the door, $2 drafts (all of 'em - Guinness, Maine Microbrews - if it pours through a tap, it's $2 from 8 pm to 11 pm.)

Looking for someone on a Tuesday? You'll find them at 504 Congress Street. You are here.

The schedule:
January 19: The Pubcrawlers + Build a Machine

January 26: Darien Brahms + The No. 9

February 2: Lady Lamb the Beekeeper + Dilly Dilly

February 9: Marie Stella + Metal Feathers

February 16: Boo Tiddy + Montroller

February 23: This Way + Frederick

March 2: Jacob Augustine + The Mallett Brothers

March 9: Loverless + Lost Cause Desperados

March 16: Dreamosaic + Cyborg Trio

March 23: By Blood Alone + Ocean

March 30: TBA

April 6: Gutter/Casas + The Tony McNaboe Band

Event listing on Facebook

Want to Make More Than A Snowman? Learn to Snow Carve

Portland Recreation offering snow carving classes in preparation for
the Maine Snow Sculpting Competition a Portland WinteRush event/

What: Starting later this month, Portland Recreation will be
offering snow carving classes in advance of the Maine Snow Sculpting
Competition, a Portland WinteRush event. The classes are open to
individuals and families sixteen years of age and older. Those attending
the class series are welcome to carve for the competition and enjoy
hands-on consultation with experienced snow sculptors also carving for
the event. WinteRush attendees will have the opportunity to vote for the
best sculptures and select the winners for the 1st Annual Maine Snow
Sculpting Competition.

Class schedule:

Introduction to Snow Carving - January 20
Slide presentation of snow sculptures, show-n-tell of tools, and time
for questions. All are welcome to learn more about this unique medium.

Snow Sculpture Design - January 27
The second class will focus on transferring the students ideas into
something they can carve in snow. The class will focus on how to sketch
or model a sculpture. Students are asked to bring modeling clay (or
Sculpey/potter's clay/Play Doh/Model Magic/homemade kid's clay). Paper
and pencils will be provided.

Hands On Snow - February 3
Packed snow and tools will be provided to explore carving to create
shape and shadow. Dress for the outdoors, and wear water resistant
gloves or mittens.

For more information about the classes, contact Karen Seymour at
Portland Recreation, 207/756-8275 or kseymour@portlandmaine.gov

For more information about WinteRush and an event schedule, go to
www.portlandwinterush.com.

When: Wednesday, January 20, 27 and February 3, 2010, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Cummings Community Center, 134 Congress Street, Portland

Maine's coolest outdoor festival will offer fun activities and events for all ages in Deering Oaks Park

What: Next month, Mayor Nicholas Mavodones will officially open
the second annual Portland WinteRush. Portland WinteRush offers a number
of fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors in
Portland's Deering Oaks Park. WinteRush begins with the PolarBear 5K
sponsored by Tri-Maine followed by the 1st Annual Portland Snow Plow
Parade along Park Avenue.

"The idea for WinteRush came from a simple question- What can we do to
get people outdoors, having fun in our community during the coldest
month of the year?" stat ed Mayor Mavodones. "The answer was pretty
simple, make it fun and people will come. Portland WinteRush is a great
opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and remind people that there are a lot
of fun activities to enjoy in Portland in the winter."

At 11:00 AM, the park events will open to the public. Families can try
their hands at snow fort building, snow painting, and snowball fights
with Portland Recreation and Healthy Portland staff. In keeping with
Portland tradition, the city will build its own sledding hill, the
Hannaford Sledder Shredder, down State Street Extension (will be closed
to traffic). The first toboggan run in Portland was built in 1919 and
was a city-held tradition for four decades. WinteRush's Sledder Shredder
reinvents this tradition for 2010. Shredders are reminded to bring their
own sled.

Other activities included snowshoeing through the book Snow Day!
(illustrated by local artist Scott Nash) with WinterKids, cross-country
skiing on groomed trails throughout the park (skis will be available),
and for those more interested in spectator sports, attendees can vote
for the best snowman for the 1st Annual Neighborhood Organization
Snowman Contest or check out teams as they create art out of snow for
the Maine Snow Sculpting Contest. Portland Recreation will be sponsoring
free snow sculpting classes January 20th for those interested in
learning more about the sport. For more information, contact Portland
Recreation at 207/756-8275.

The festival will end with the 2nd Annual Pat Cushman Memorial XC
Sprint Race. A /sprint race/ is a short one kilometer cross-country ski
race during which skiers compete in heats against skiers of the same
class. The event is open to the public with a $5 entrance fee for
competitors.

The City of Portland Public School Parent/Teacher Organizations will be
offering great food and beverage treats at park. All proceeds from the
sales will go to benefit Portland schools. For those looking for a fun
souvenir, Portland Co-curricular Boosters will be selling WinteRush
t-shirts, hats and other items at the park.

For more information about WinteRush and an event schedule, go to
www.portlandwinterush.com.

When: Saturday, February 13, 2010. 10:30 AM Ribbon Cutting

Where: Deering Oaks Park, Park Avenue, Portland

New England Landscape & Masonry Expo features easy brick laying competition

PORTLAND, ME., January 2010 - Genest, a Maine company manufacturing landscaping, masonry, and architectural products hosts the fourth annual New England Landscape and Masonry Show (NELM). The expo will feature the first ever Genest Easy Brick Laying Competition, where local craftsmen will show off their skills and compete for prizes and ultimate bragging rights. The event also features the newest products on the market for landscapers, hardscapers, masons, design builders and architects, as well as seminars and product demonstrations led by industry experts. NELM will be open to the trade free of charge at the Portland Sports Complex on January 27th, 2010, 8:00am # 4pm.

"Genest is proud to be a part of the NELM. This year we will be hosting a brick laying competition, an open forum "State Of The Industry" discussion and many business strategy seminars. All of these are focusing on helping grow the attendees business strength." says Jason Terry, Marketing Manager at Genest. "We are all very excited to bring this level of content and entertainment to our customers."

"NELM showcases the innovation and work ethic of the landscape and masonry professionals of New England," says Stefa Normantas, Green Tree Event Consultants, event producer. "It provides the industry with a free local resource for valuable networking and education." A sampling of educational workshops at NELM includes; "Perfecting a winning in-home sales presentation" presented by Raymond Petrarca, "Writing a business plan" presented by SCORE, "Low Impact Development" presented by LaMarr Clannon, plus 17 more!

Sponsors of NELM 2010 include Anchor Wall Systems, Unilock, SEK, Portland Stoneware, and Alliance Designer Products.

The New England Landscape and Masonry Expo is presented by Genest and produced by Green Tree Event Consultants. For more information on NELM 2010 visit www.nelmshow.com.

Genest is a family-owned and operated Maine company that manufacturers landscaping, masonry and architectural products. Genest has been serving the masonry industry since the early 1930's and has grown to become one of New England's largest manufacturers and distributors of masonry products for the building trade, including architectural use. For more information about Genest, go to www.genestconcrete.com.

Green Tree Event Consultants provides high quality event expertise and services in the New England area. Green Tree Event Consultants is a family-owned business, producing trade shows, golf outings, job fairs, receptions, and many other event planning and management projects. For additional information on Green Tree Event Consultants, go to www.greentreeevents.com.

For more information about NELM, contact Green Tree Event Consultants at 207.781.2982 or online at www.nelmshow.com.

Designer comes to COA for 48-hour blitz "to change the world"

BAR HARBOR, ME - Can you change the world-or a small community in 48
hours? Designer John Bielenberg believes you can-and will be at College
of the Atlantic from Friday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 17 to begin to
do so. At 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, in the college's Gates Community
Center, he will offer a public talk related to his beliefs. He's also
giving a more informal classroom talk at 11:10 a.m. in the Straus
Seminar Room on the second floor of Turrets. The public is invited to
both.

Bielenberg, a highly noted designer who has won has won more than 250
design awards, will follow the 5 p.m. opening with a weekend design
blitz, working with a group of students to create a project related to
somehow making the world a better place. Since few decisions will be
made until the group assembles, not much is actually known-not even
whether it is a design project.

What we do know is that this student-centered workshop will last
approximately 48 hours, and it will likely involve the creation of
something that brings awareness to a pressing social, cultural, economic
or environmental issue on Mount Desert Island, and/or earth.

Ambitious? Maybe. But possibly not for Bielenberg. He believes in
thinking so far out of the box that he calls his efforts Thinking Wrong.
Several years ago this wrong-thinking man dropped by architect Samuel
Mockbee's school of architecture in Hale County, Alabama, devoted to
guiding young architectural students in the design and construction of
homes and community spaces in that economically depressed county. Deeply
impressed, Bielenberg decided he would do something similar for
designers.

In 2001 he left the urban world of San Francisco to raise his family in
Belfast, ME. In 2003 Bielenberg launched Project M, honoring Maine,
Mockbee and messages. His intent is to inspire young people "with the
idea that design has the potential to have a meaningful and positive
effect on the world," he says.

The public talk will focus on the history and work of Project M, which
holds two-day to two-week design intensives literally around the world.
The one at COA will be a first, however. Generally Bielenberg works with
design students. While the COA students in this intensive may be
studying art or graphics, they are not as deeply steeped in design lore
as an art student might be.

"What I'm really trying to do with Project M is to use creativity
and design to address some of the big issues of the time," says
Bielenberg, naming troubles from inequality to deforestation to climate
change. "Engaging these young people can have an impact in changing
the future." By introducing young people to certain design techniques
and to the concept of "thinking wrong," he believes he can give them
the tools to channel their energy and drive to do significant work in
the world-and make a real difference.

For more information, visit www.projectmlab.com, or contact COA design
professor Dru Colbert at dcolbert@coa.edu. Both Friday talks, from 11:10
to 12:35 and from 5 to 6 p.m. are open to the public. Call 288-5015 or
801-5708.

CALENDAR ITEMS
THINKING WRONG, CHANGING THE WORLD
Friday, January 15 at 11:10 a.m.
Using sustainable strategies, designer John Bielenberg encourages
designers to "think wrong" to get at creative strategies-and engages
young designers in creating change for a community. He is talking in Jay
Friedlander's Sustainable Strategies classroom. Straus Seminar Room,
Turrets. jfriedlander@coa.edu or 801- 5716.

48-HOUR DESIGN BLITZ
Friday, January 15 at 5 p.m.
Designer John Bielenberg opens a 48-hour design blitz with a public
talk on his Project M, www.projectmlab.com, devoted to inspiring young
people "with the idea that design has the potential to have a
meaningful and positive effect on the world." Contact COA design
professor Dru Colbert at dcolbert@coa.edu at 288-5015 or 801-5708.

Shop For A Cause Day in Downtown Portland raises over $4,500 for Preble Street's Florence House

PORTLAND, MAINE - Portland's Downtown District's Annual Shop For A Cause Day raised over $4,500 from downtown shops and businesses in the Old Port and Arts District for Preble Street's Florence House.

Janis M. Beitzer, Executive Director of Portland's Downtown District presented a check to Preble Street's Development Manager Melanie McKean and Christina Griffin, Women's Shelter and Florence House Supervisor on January 6th at their administrative offices (see picture at right).

The owner of Portmanteau, Nancy Lawrence said, "As a long time participant in Shop For A Cause Day, I cannot think of a better way for locally owned businesses to give back to their community."

Florence House is a comprehensive housing and resource center for homeless women in Portland opening in January by the Preble Street organization. Florence House will provide safe, supported permanent housing to chronically homeless women in Portland.

Shop For A Cause Day is part of Portland's Downtown District's month-long celebration, Light Up Your Holidays. For over 9 years, Shop For A Cause Day has been a unique way for the businesses to give back to a community organization. Some previous recipients are Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, Day One, the Caleb Adult Center, Preble Street Resource Center and the Frannie Peabody Center.

Maine Roller Derby Ref & Volunteer Recruitment Night Jan 11

Are you a man or a lady who loves roller derby? Do you wanna be part of the action? Join us as a Referee or Non-Skating Official (Stats, penalty tracker, etc).

It's fun and rewarding. You don't have to know how to skate, we will teach you to rock the quads! If you can, that's great and we'll utilize your skills.

This is an opportunity to have a real impact in Maine Roller Derby and the nation-wide (and now world-wide) derby community. And best of all, you get to be a part of this incredible league!

MRD is hosting a Ref & Volunteer Recruitment Night at Happy Wheels on January 11, 2010 from 6-8 pm. Please register with Itsy Bitsy Fighter by emailing itsybitsyfighter@mainerollerderby.com.

DUAL SITE: A Psychogeographic Dinner Theater

Part two of a long-term nomadic-dinner-theatre. Our first experiment, Blue Hammer, resulted in sold-out shows, with dinner served to 180 audience members, and the formation of an emergent network of Maine artists, farmers, designers, architects, technicians, students, and writers.

For the entire month of January 2010, 6 performances, our company of actors chefs, designers, media technicians will be in residency at Whitney Art Works. We will be presenting a premiere performance, DUAL SITE, featuring two actors in acts of reclamation and recollection: Paris, 1850, excerpts from the Journals of the Goncourt Brothers - Russia, 1929, two men seek answers in a doll store, just under the heel of Stalinist annihilation, adapted from a short play by A.A. Amalrik - Warsaw, 1944, the last two gardeners, in the last Jewish garden in the Ghetto -drawn from the book DEFIANT GARDENS by Kenneth Helphand. Each night, between sequences, a three-course dinner will be served to the 10 members of the audience in custom produced porcelain bowls, in collaboration with Maine chefs, bakers and farmers. Throughout the run of the show, we will operate a graphic-arts production workshop in the gallery issuing press-releases, posters, pamphlets, recipes and contemporary propaganda. The gallery will, in addition, function during the day as a showroom for a range of design prototypes.

This production will feature furniture prototypes from Jamie Johnston, and limited edition letterpress by Megan O'Connell. Cook Leon Johnson will feature produce and supplies from local farms. The production also includes new sonic compositions from Joey Bargsten and Justin Taylor, with video by Rapahel DiLuzio. Defiant Gardens Tree sculpture by Carol Emily Brower.

Starring Peter Brown + Dennis St. Pierre. Dramaturgy, Laura Chakravarty Box. Costumes by Rogues Gallery / Jessica George. Tintype Photography + Selected Ephemera by Cole Caswell.. "

Performances will take place:
Friday 1/8
Saturday 1/9
Saturday 1/23
Friday 1/29
Saturday 1/30

PLUS a one night revival of Blue Hammer at Whitney Art Works: Tuesday, 1/12/10

The weekend of 1/15 - 1/16 Blue Hammer is at The Issue Project Room in Brooklyn!

Performances begin at 6 pm. Pay-up-front-reservations - $45.00. Audience limited to 10 per night.

bluehammer.wordpress.com

Please contact the gallery for details and reservations 207.780.0700

Portland Music Foundation’s 2010 educational programming to begin with seminar on getting better gigs

PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Music Foundation begins its 2010 programming with a members-only educational event January 20 titled "Learning to Think Like a Talent Buyer." The event will be held at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm) at SPACE Gallery at 538 Congress Street in Portland. The PMF "Music as a Profession" educational series is now entering its third year and has already served more than 300 different musicians and music professionals. This event is for PMF members only. However, membership is available on site ($20.00 for 2010) and provides access to members-only events, which will include nine seminars in 2010 as well as a number of discounts at area music-related businesses.

The Jan. 20 event, "Learning to Think Like a Talent Buyer" will discuss what talent buyers are looking for with several of the area's most experienced, top talent buyers. Moderator Mark Lourie, PMF board member and VP at Skyline Music, will ask our panel all your most burning questions and you'll learn how to write an email or leave a message that gets talent buyers' attention in this ultra-competitive world.

Frustrated that your calls and emails to club buyers or other talent buyers are being ignored? Wondering why? These panelists can help:

Lauren Wayne: Marketing Director for Live Nation New England, Talent Buyer for Port City Music Hall

Nick Bloom: Owner / Booking Director, Bloom Arts

Ian Paige: Talent Buyer, Space Gallery

Dan Millen: Owner / Talent Buyer, Rock On! Concerts, Boston

Ryan Dolan: Local independent talent buyer, Live Nation New Media Marketer, and touring musician

Each panelist will be available for questions following the presentation and discussion.

For more information, see www.portlandmusicfoundation.org or email info@portlandmusicfoundation.org

32 Years Later Elvis Finally Makes is to Maine

Red Claws to Celebrate The King's 75th Birthday On January 8

PORTLAND, ME - The story is legend in Maine. Elvis Presley, the King
of Rock and Roll himself, was scheduled to appear at the Cumberland
County Civic Center on August 17-18, 1977. The concerts, which were to
be among the biggest to ever come to Portland, never happened. Now, more
than thirty years after Elvis' untimely death, The King will finally
make his long awaited Maine appearance.

The Maine Red Claws will celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's
75th birthday this Friday, January 8 during their game vs. the
Springfield Armor with Elvis tribute artist Johnny Thompson performing
at halftime. Thompson, considered by many to be one of the top Elvis
impersonators, was the 2007 Images of the King World Champion. He
appeared in Carrie Underwood's "Last Name" video and also starred in the
"Almost Elvis" and "The Men who would be King" documentaries. Thompson
recently played The King in a TV series on Sci Fi Channel called "The
Chronicle" and co-starred on "Get Golf" with John O'Hurley, who starred
as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, on USA Network. In 2005 he hosted the MTV
Movie Awards Red Carpet for TRL and also appeared on "TRL,Viva La Bam,
One Bad Trip, 24/7 and The Surreal Life".

Fans who dress like The King will be invited down onto the parquet
during the game to participate in on court promotion.

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

Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real life defense tools and
tactics

What: This February, 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 February 2, 4,
9, and 11, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and February 13 from 8:00 AM to
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. Due to
attendance issues, all donations must be paid prior to the first class.
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: February 2, 4, 9, 11, and 13, 2009
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (2/13 class 8:00 AM - noon)

Where: Portland Police Department 109 Middle Street, Portland

Biddeford’s ArtWalk Goes Indoors for the Winter Months

As Biddeford's ArtWalk heads into its third year, we're bringing the great art, music and good times indoors! To avoid the cold, slush, and snow, all of the ArtWalk participants will be joining forces under the giant roof of the North Dam Mill for the winter of January, February, March, and April. This month's event will be held Friday, January 29th from 5-8pm.

The downtown venues that open their doors during the ArtWalk will participate with their own tables/displays inside the North Dam Mill. But, wait, there's more! Not only is the route changing, but the ArtWalk organizers are hoping to expand the participation to include not only artisans and craftsman in the area, but local food vendors. Space will be free for participants. Interested artists/artisans should contact info@biddefordartwalk.com or call 207.229.3560 to signup before January 25.

Please visit the Biddeford ArtWalk's Web site, http://www.biddefordartwalk.com for a listing of participants as they sign up!

"the road to god knows..." graphic novel available at three Maine comic book stores

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Mental illness remains one of Western society's greatest taboos. Those who suffer from various mental health disorders often suffer in silence, with very little support from society. Family members and other loved ones of those afflicted also suffer and are often forced to understand and cope alone. The loneliness, fear and frustration that this can cause is difficult for most people to understand. And this isolation can be far worse when you're a child of a bipolar, schizophrenic or otherwise mentally ill parent. Von Allan, a Canadian graphic novelist, has attempted to shed some light on this subject with the publication of his first full-length graphic novel, titled "the road to god knows..." It can be purchased in Portland at Casablanca Comics and Coast City Comics and in Windham at Casablanca Comics' second location.

"My mom was diagnosed schizophrenic when I was quite young, maybe 11 or so," said Allan. "She suffered a number of nervous breakdowns as I was growing up, as she battled, often very much alone, a disease that was slowly taking bits of her away. What I remember most vividly about this time was how confused and powerless I was. No one talked with me about what was happening to her and my mom was incapable of explaining it to me herself. I didn't understand and that, combined with what I was experiencing, was really, really scary. There's also odd feelings of guilt that go with this. "Did I do something wrong? Did I somehow cause this?" I wrote and drew this book to shed some light on a very hush-hush topic and hopefully help others, especially kids but really people of all ages, realize that they aren't alone and that they haven't done anything wrong. And neither has the person who is suffering from mental illness."

"The road to god knows..." is the story of Marie, a teenage girl coming to grips with her Mom's schizophrenia. As a result, she's struggling to grow up fast; wrestling with poverty, loneliness, and her Mom's illness every step of the way. At the start of the story, we see a scared young girl, uncertain and overwhelmed, but as her mom collapses into a full nervous breakdown, Marie is forced to examine herself and her life and come to a decision: does she continue to be a child, reacting to what's happening around her? Or does she take control of her life, come what may?

"the road to god knows…" has an ISBN of 978-0-9781237-0-3, a suggested retail price of $12.95 and is 148 pages in length. Additional information about the graphic novel can be found at http://trtgk.vonallan.com

Casablanca Comics
151 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-780-1676

Casablanca Comics
778 Roosevelt Trail
Windham, ME 04062
Phone: 207-892-0056

Coast City Comics
656 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-776-1719

Captain Lord Mansion teams up with American Cancer Society offering a Dime for Time for breast cancer victims

Kennebunkport, ME - Most people start the year with a pledge to improve themselves in some way. Rick Litchfield and Bev Davis, owners of the Captain LordMansion in Kennebunkport, ME, are starting 2010 with a different kind of resolution. Captain LordMansion will pledge a dime for each guest who stays at the Captain LordMansion from January 1 - October 31, 2010 as part of a campaign they are calling "A Dime for Time".

The Dime for Time funds will be donated to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness and research programs. Yet, there is a twist: If the guest has visited once before, the dime will be doubled. If the guest has visited 20 times, the dime will be multiplied by 20. In short, the pledge will come from the number of visits they've had multiplied by 10-cents. If a guest has had 30 prior visits, the donation will be 3.00 for that guest.

After 31 years of owning the Captain LordMansion, Litchfield and Davis know that the contribution for most guests is multiplied by at least five, and up to 80 times for some guests! The Dime for Time campaign will be kicked off on New Year's Eve with a pledge of $500 from Litchfield and Davis, representing approximately a dime for every guestroom booked in 2009. Guests will be encouraged to contribute to the fund throughout the year too.

The campaign was created in honor of Bev Davis's sister, who died of breast cancer. During the October Breast Cancer Awareness month, the notion of helping others with breast cancer spurred the idea to create this campaign. "We think one of the most meaningful wishes a breast cancer survivor has is for time; time to spend with their families and time to enjoy the rest of their lives," said Rick Litchfield. "This campaign will allow Captain LordMansion and its guests to contribute throughout 2010, allowing each person to make a difference, or to honor someone they know who has been touched by breast cancer" finished Litchfield.

The Dime for Time program would be culminated the weekend before Thanksgiving (November 19-21) when breast cancer survivors will be offered a complimentary two-night stay at the Captain LordMansion. Those wishing to be considered for free stays will register on the Captain Lord Mansion Facebook page in September, 2010.

Each breast cancer survivor who is selected for this weekend at the inn will receive a complimentary two-night stay, chair massages and attendance at a reception where Captain LordMansion will present the check for funds raised through the Dime for Time program to the American Cancer Society.

16th Annual Great Chili and Chowder Challenge

The Great Chili and Chowder Challenge, sponsored by Altrusa International Inc, of Portland, Maine, will be held Sunday, February 14, 2010, 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland.

Treat your family and friends to a hearty hot lunch of Chili and Chowder from the area's best restaurants and caterers. Over 30 chili and chowder recipes will be available for tasting and then you get to vote for your favorites!

A Special Preview will be held from 11:30 - 12:30 for guests who would like to sample the products and speak with the chefs about their recipes prior to the event's opening to the general public. Preview tickets are $50.00 and limited to 100 people.

Come join the fun, cast your vote for the best chili and chowder Greater Portland has to offer; listen to music and support Altrusa volunteers who give service in their community.

Tickets are $17.50 in advance & $20.00 the day of the event for general admission. Children under 12 $10.00.

For tickets and more information: Theresa Mancini 207-772-0379

Maine Poetry Central Launches Video Project with Grant

PORTLAND - Maine Poetry Central announced today that it has received a $3,000 grant from The Maine Humanities Council to fund a pilot for a series of videos that celebrate poems about Maine written by Maine poets.

The project, entitled "A Minute With the Muse," will be produced by Leighton Images of Durham, Maine and the videos will be made available to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Maine Poetry Central, a local non-profit whose mission is to make poetry accessible to the general public, sees this as the beginning of bringing Maine poetry to a more media-savvy public. "There's a lot of great Maine poetry out there that the public would enjoy if they were just exposed to it," notes Executive Director, Dennis Camire. Project co-director, Anita Clearfield adds, "This is just the start of what we hope will be a long-lived series of animated, video poems that celebrate Maine's vibrant poetry scene and that excite the public's imagination."

Maine Poetry Central was founded in 2006 to promote Maine poets and, currently, curates The Portland Poet Laureate Project. Because M.P.C. would like to produce as many videos as possible, they kindly welcome any tax-deductible donations from other patrons of the arts who are also charmed by the culture, character, and geography of Maine as interpreted by her poets.

This project has been made possible, in part, by an Arts and Humanities grant from the Maine Humanitites Council and the Maine Arts Commission.

To make a donation or for more information, contact Dennis Camire at bioluminescing@yahoo.com.

Patriots Playoff BusTrip vs the Ravens this Sunday

The Patriots are back in the playoffs we can get you there!
The Patriots take on the Baltimore Ravens
on Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Bus leaves Portland at 6:00 am for the 1:00 PM game.

Package includes game ticket, transporation
and our Tailgate Party, serving all the food
before and after the game!

Our Tickets and Tours has the following options available:

300 level seats at $175 per person

100 Level seats at $225 per person

Do you have your own game tickets?

Purchase the bus ride and Tailgate Party for $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

Stay active this Winter with some fun coed leagues

Casco Bay Sports January Registration Open For:

Sunday Floor Hockey: Starts January 17th
Space left for teams & Individual players.
Game times 10 am, 11 am, or Noon.
6 v 6 with a goalie & 2 women on the court
Games at Riverton Community Center in Portland

Monday Night Bowling: Starts January 18th
Social league with handicap system & playoffs
Sports Bar on site at Yankee Lanes!
Custom Bowling shirt options

Sunday Evening Coed Hoops: Starts January 24th
Our Casual Hoops League starts up for Season 2
Refereed games at the East End Community Center
Game times: 5:15, 6:10, 7:05, & 8:00

Sunday Evening Indoor Soccer: Starts January 31st
A and B Divisions available, games at YourSpace in Gorham
7 Game regular season plus playoffs
Game times: 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30

Also starting in February: New Seasons of The Portland Dodgeball League and Tuesday Competitive Basketball

See ya on the court, in the dome, or in the bowling alley!

FMI or to register: www.cascobaysports.com

Snowman Adventure Race registration open. Race slated for Feb 20, 2010

This unique event features one partner biking 4.5 miles around Back Cove, one partner running 2.25 miles around the East End, and both teammates sledding to the finish line, in any condition.

Event production by Casco Bay Sports for the benefit of Portland Trails.

The Relay
1) The biker runs up the hill with the sled and sleds down to his/her bike
2) The biker rides around the Back Cove Loop (4.5 miles)
3) The biker then passes the baton to the runner
4) The runner runs up the hill with the sled and sleds down
5) The runner runs the Eastern Promenade Loop (2.25 miles)
6) In the meantime, the biker brings the sled to the top of the hill and waits
7) The runner finishes at the top of the hill and meets his/her teammate
8) The team tandem sleds to the finish line!

Schedule of Events
9:00 AM: Race Day Registration Opens
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Team Check In
Free coffee available from JavaNet Cafe
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Bike and Sled Staging
10:45 AM: Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting at Registration
11:00 AM: Race Start
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: The Snowman Race!! (4.5 mile bike, 2.25 mile run)
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Soup provided by the Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe
1:00 - 3:30 PM: Post race happy hour amd Awards at Ri-Ra's on Commercial St (free appetizers for racers!)

Categories

Men's Duo: $40
Women's Duo: $40
CO-ED Duo: $40
Parent-Child Duo: $35
Kids Duo (12-17): $30

What you get:
Winter Hats guaranteed for Teams Registered by midnight Sunday February 14th
Souvenier Baton
Prizes for first place and other fun awards!

FMI or to register: www.snowmanadventure.com

64 Trails Open at Saddleback. New, 44-Acre Glade Open for First Time

RANGELEY, Maine - Approximately three feet of snow fell at Saddleback since New Year's Eve, allowing the ski resort to open all but two of its trails, including Casablanca, the largest glade in the Northeast.

"The weather folks were spot on with their forecasting of this most recent weather event," said Conrad Klefos, director of marketing at Saddleback. "The storm trough pulled directly over Saddleback and it dumped! Best estimate we have is 24 to 30 inches overnight which brings the snowfall total since Thursday to 34 to 42 inches."

Klefos was one of the first skiers to try out the new 44-acre Casablanca. "I believe that this glade will catch a lot of wind blown snow and we will ultimately have some very deep bases there. The glade skis very well and it was exhilarating with this deep thick powder."