Celebrate Valentines Day with your honey at

The Help Heat Homes Initiative will be hosting a Big Band Ball fundraiser for heating assistance.
Friday, February 10th from 7-10:30 pm at the Rockport Opera House located at 6 Central Street in Rockport.

The event will feature jazz/swing band “MoJo” and will include the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington,
Count Basie, and more. Semi-formal attire is requested. The event is sponsored by Mr. Tire, Midcoast Gym, and Brooks Trap Mill.

Admission is $10 suggested donation per person, $15 for couples.

Celebrity guests, cash bar, and raffles.
Ron Hawkes Photography will be available to take couples photos. Space is limited.

To purchase a ticket in advance, please contact a volunteer at 691-6867.
For online ticket purchasing, visit http://bigbandball.eventbrite.com/

NOTE: We were notified that another fundraiser was being held to raise money for an assisted living facility in the next town over.
The spaghetti dinner starts at 5pm at 63 Washington Street in Camden.

~ Dinner AND Dancing ~
So ~ Come Join Us!! Have dinner at 5 and come on over to the Big Band Ball at 7!!

LINK TO MAP
If you cannot attend, please consider a donation:
Checks should be made out to “Penquis” with “Help Heat Homes” in the memo.

Please, send your donation to:
Jan Dolcater
P O Box 867,
Rockport, Me, 04856

Click here to register for FEBRUARY 17!

Small Business Development, Recruitment and Retention for Downtowns: How to Survive in (small) Business and Keep on Thriving! - February 17
Engine Arts, 265 Main Street, Biddeford – first floor (across from the McArthur Library downtown)

Have you heard? Downtowns are HOT and opportunities for all sizes and varieties of businesses exist across Maine in our historic commercial districts.  The Maine Downtown Center is focusing its efforts this year with Business Opportunities On Main (BOOM):  matching resources to needs and boosting business development, recruitment and retention in our downtowns.  Join us for this informative and inspirational session where three Main Street downtown small business entrepreneurs will share their strategies to thrive in this economy.  The session concludes with an optional insiders tour of selected historic places, demonstrating innovative adaptive use and cutting-edge rehabilitation projects.
Presenters include:

• Brad Swanson, Business Counselors, Maine Small Business Development Center
• Gordon Platt, Business Counselors, Maine Small Business Development Center
• Jaimie Logan, Governor’s Account Executive, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
• Josh Davis, Gelato Fiasco, Brunswick
• Johanna Hoffman, Saco Framing, Saco
• Tammy Ackerman, Engine Arts, Biddeford

This session is co-hosted with the Maine Small Business Development Centers and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

Click here to register for MARCH 16!

SAVE THE DATES:

September 14 – Augusta Promotions, Events and Marketing for Downtown: Hot Ideas to Build Momentum

October 12 – BrunswickMarket Analysis/Market Edge for Downtowns: What’s Working and Why

Green Design, Good Design: Historic Preservation and Smart Energy Solutions – March 16
Bath, Bath Savings Institution, 105 Front Street, downtown Upper Level conference room (elevator accessible)
The cost of energy is a leading economic development challenge in Maine.  Add historic buildings, sustainable design, accessibility, modern infrastructure and energy efficiency needs to the mix and you have a recipe for downtown revitalization that requires creative skill and adept financing to deliver.  The Maine Downtown Center, Maine Preservation and the Environmental Funders Network present a practical and thought-provoking session geared to everyone interested in retaining the authentic historic character downtown, while being protective of the environment.  This is truly a global issue of our times and is timed perfectly for the construction season.   Project Canopy/Green Downtown street tree grant opportunities will also be presented.  An optional lunch presentation by the Maine Environmental Funders Network coordinators concludes the Institute.  There will be a small additional charge for lunch.  Co-hosts: Maine Preservation, the Maine Forest Service/Project Canopy, GrowSmart Maine and Efficiency Maine Trust.

All sessions are open to everyone and are held on Fridays from 9-Noon with a continental breakfast provided at registration check in (8:30 a.m.).  Advance registration and payment is required.

Maine Downtown Center
Maine Development Foundation
295 Water Street Suite 5
Augusta, Maine 04330

Questions or FMI: Contact Roxanne Eflin, Senior Program Director, at207.626.3117, 202.229.9465 (mobile) or via email.

Alberta Canada Tar Sand Pit

Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club Maine, Natural Resources Defense Council, and National Wildlife Federation, will host a media briefing Thursday morning and a public event Thursday night to raise awareness about the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline and a proposed project to pump dirty tar sands oil from Canada to Portland Harbor.

Proposed legislation introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate would approve the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline without completing the environmental review process and before a route for the pipeline is even finalized. This legislation may be attached to “must pass” legislation, such as the transportation bill or payroll tax extension legislation or as a stand alone bill sometime in the coming weeks.

So far, Senators Snowe and Collins have not endorsed these irresponsible bills, which would force approval of the Keystone XL pipeline before a final route is established and the health and safety review is completed, but Maine’s delegation may soon be faced with such votes.

More than 100 Mainers traveled to Washington, D.C. in November to protest the Keystone pipeline, which would increase dependence on oil and lead to vast amounts of pollution.

What: News Conference/Briefing about the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline and a proposed project to pump dirty tar sands oil from Canada to Portland Harbor.

When: Thursday February 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, 56 Commercial Street, Portland

Who: Representatives from Natural Resources Council of Maine, Sierra Club Maine, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation

Visuals: Photos, maps, and displays of the pipeline routes and potential effects

Max Garcia Conover CD Release Show with Sammie Francis – Friday February 10th at Mayo Street Arts.

About the CD:

Recorded with master engineer/producer Jonathan Wyman on that random snowy Saturday in October, Birches Lo is Max’s second official release. It’s a bare-bones, live EP that captures Max’s raw, energetic performance style, as well as his love of words and desire to connect to the natural world.

All profits from the sale of Birches Lo go to Chewonki, a Maine non-profit that offers a range of programs designed to foster an appreciation for the natural world and for working in community with others.

Feb 11: Second Saturday Swing Dance

The Joint is Jumpin’.

Second Saturday swing dance with WMPG’s DJPJ. Lesson at 7, dance 8-11. Admission $7.

About

Mayo Street Arts is a nonprofit center for art, music, and creative collaboration housed in an historic wooden church in Portland Maine. MSA offers a vibrant slate of music, dance, theater, and literary happenings. We support artists, artsgoers, and build community through the arts.

10 Mayo St Ptld ME 04101
email: info@mayostreetarts.org
Tel: 207.615.3609

http://mayostreetarts.org/calendar/

Cost for each 2-day camp session is $75/pp and includes the use of all equipment along with afternoon cocoa and snack.  Early registration is highly recommended as space is limited to just 14 campers per session!

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.watershedfriends.com.  FMI, contact Tamara Whitmore, Education Director at 621-4100 or tamara@watershedfriends.com

Tamara Whitmore
Education Director
Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
P.O.Box 5003
Augusta,ME04332-5003

207-621-4100
Email: tamara@watershedfriends.com

KIDS, KARTOONS & KOTZSCHMAR
Sun, February 12, 2012at 2:00 PM
A family concert with Rob Richards.

Presented by the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ
Children 12 & under are free but a ticket is required.
Call 207-842-0800 for children’s tickets.

A family concert with live illustrations to music featuring organist Rob Richards of Disney’s El Capitan Theatre and illustrator Christina Siravo.  This concert will also features a special tribute to the Girls Scouts of Maine who are celebrating their 100th anniversary!

PRE-CONCERT ACTIVITIES:  at 1:15 PM in the State of Maine Room-City Hall.  Kids come as your favorite cartoon character, chances to win prizes, and meet the Pipes! Photo OP – parents bring your cameras and take a picture of your child as a pirate or princess.

POST-CONCERT ACTIVITIES:  Girl Scouts reception and cartoon workshops after the concert (State of Maine Room – City Hall) and a walk through the windchest. NO SIGN-UPS necessary.

CHILDREN & GROUP 10+ priced tickets are available via phone and in-person.
Ticket price for this event includes a $3.00 service fee.

Romeo and Juliet
Tue, February 14, 2012
at 7:30 PM

Portland Symphony Orchestra in Portland, Maine.

Robert Moody, conductor
Henry Kramer, piano
Members of Portland Stage
PROGRAM:

TCHAIKOVSKY
Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy

MOZART
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major

PROKOFIEV
Suite from Romeo and Juliet

The ultimate Valentine’s Day extravaganza! Enjoy some of the most evocative, romantic music ever written, highlighted by readings from the Shakespeare play that has inspired artists and audiences for centuries.

Concert Conversation at 6:15 PM.

PostConcert Q&A with the artists.

SENIOR and STUDENT prices are available via phone & in person.
Ticket prices for this event include a $6.00 service fee.

Vasen
Thu, February 16, 2012
at 7:30 PM
at Hannaford Hall, USM-Portland
Presented by Portland Ovations

Spirit. Noise. Essence. These are among the most prominent meanings forvasen, making it the perfect name for this group of three of Sweden’s best musicians who have between them be featured with dozens of international groups, including the Kronos Quartet. A unique balance of the traditional sounds of the viola and nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle unique to Sweden) and the modern sounds of an alternatively tuned 12-string guitar, Vasen’s music is ” ‘local music’ in the best sense of the word – believable, human-scaled and fluent in the international language of musical interplay” (NPR’s All Things Considered).

SENIOR & STUDENT prices are available via phone & in person.
SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER discount available via phone or in person only.

Ticket prices for this event include a $6.00 service fee.

PortTIX, LLC
The Box Office at Merrill Auditorium
20 Myrtle Street
Portland, Maine 04101

phone 207.842.0800
for tickets and information, Mon to Sat, noon to 6 pm

fax 207.842.0810
TTY 207.842.0812

email boxoffice@porttix.com
online tickets.porttix.com

Stay in touch:

Join our Monthly Email List!
Follow us on Twitter!
Merrill Auditorium’s Facebook page

Janice Bailey Box Office Manager
R.J. McComish Assistant Manager
Liz Currier Supervisor
Tara McDonough Concierge – tara at porttix.com

For security reasons, please do not send credit card information in an email message.  If you don’t receive a reply from us, it may be because of a spam blocker.  (PortTix is not involved in the sending of spam or any kind of junk email).  If you don’t receive a reply from us within one business day, please give us a call at 207.842.0800 and we’ll be glad to help you.

Arts & Entertainment in the Portland Area

Learn more about the performing arts in Portland at these websites:

• Portland Ovations
• Portland Symphony Orchestra
• Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ
• Maine State Ballet
• Portland Ballet
• Portland Events
• PORTopera
• Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Westbrook Performing Arts Center

Directions to Merrill Auditorium

• From I-295 in Maine, take exit 7 (Franklin Street)
• Once on Franklin Street, go to the fourth traffic light and turn right onto Congress Street
• Parking is available for a nominal fee at “Central Parking Services” on the corner of Congress and Pearl Streets (this lot offers some accessible parking spaces) and at the “Top of the Old Port” on Pearl Street (your 1st right off of Congress)
• Merrill Auditorium/City Hall is one block from the parking lots on Myrtle Street

The entrance to Merrill Auditorium is about one fourth the way down Myrtle Street, on the left side. The box office is located just inside the main entrance. If you are attending an event at the Rehearsal Hall, you’ll need to enter by a different door farther towards the bottom of Myrtle Street.

From Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine

• Take US-302 into Portland. US-302 turns into Forest Avenue
• Continue on Forest Avenue until it ends at the intersection with Congress Street
• Turn left onto Congress Street and continue until you see City Hall on the left side of the street
• Turn left onto Myrtle Street immediately after City Hall

Get Directions from Google

Directions to THE ABROMSON CENTER & Hannaford Hall at USM
88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME  04101

• From I-295, take exit 6B ( Forest Avenue North) in Portland. Off the exit, immediately move to the far left lane on Forest Avenue to prepare for a left turn at the first stoplight (intersection of Forest Avenueand Bedford Street). Turn left onto Bedford Street at the stoplight and continue underneath the USM Alumni Skywalk. Immediately after the Skywalk, turn left onto Surrenden Street and continue into the USM Parking Garage.
• If approaching the campus from Brighton Avenue, follow Brighton Avenue towards downtown until it turns into Bedford Street. Turn right onto Surrenden Street immediately before the USM Alumni Skywalk, and continue into the USM Parking Garage.
• Parking: It’s easy and it’s free!  Take a parking ticket when you enter the garage and have it stamped by Continuing Education staff.  When you leave, present it for validation at the parking office on the lower level of the garage.

Open Tar Sand Mine in Alberta Canada

Greetings,

I hope you can join us in Portland Thursday February 9, 7:00 p.m. to learn about this major emerging environmental threat to the greater Portland area. Please do let me know if you think you may be there to report on this, and if you have questions or need more information. Thank you.

Best wishes,

Judy

Free public talk in Portland Thursday February 9, 7:00 p.m.

CONTACT:  Emmie Theberge, emmie@nrcm.org or (207) 430-0105, Glen Brand, glen.brand@sierraclub.org or(207) 749-3896

News Release and Calendar Listing below

Calendar Listing:

Stop Dirty Tar Sands Oil from Coming Through Maine

Have you heard about the proposal to pump tar sands oil in a pipeline from Ontario across Canada and past Sebago Lake to South Portland, Maine from where it would be shipped elsewhere? Come learn about this harmful proposal that puts the lake and Casco Bay at risk, along with our fishing and lobster industries at a public talk:Stop Dirty Tar Sands Oil from Coming Through Maine, Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Glickman Library at USM, University Events Room on the 5th floor, refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so please RSVP to emmie@nrcm.org or (207) 430-0105. Co-sponsored by Sierra Club Maine and Natural Resources Council of Maine.

News Release:

Stop Dirty Tar Sands Oil from Coming Through Maine

I bet you’ve heard about the disastrous Keystone XL tar sands pipeline proposed for the middle of the country and recently rejected by President Obama, but have you heard about the proposal to bring tar sands oil from Ontario to Portland, Maine, from where it would be shipped elsewhere? Come learn about the environmental and safety risks of this proposed project from people in the know, and learn about the effort to prevent Portland from becoming the tar sands capital of the eastern United States.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine and Sierra Club Maine have teamed up to bring national experts to Portland to discuss the environmental and safety risks of this proposed project, which would reverse the flow of existing pipelines to bring dangerous tar sands crude through our state.

The talk, Stop Dirty Tar Sands Oil from Coming Through Maine, will be held Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Glickman Library at USM, University Events Room on the 5th floor.  Refreshments will be served.

The Canadian oil and gas giant Enbridge is proposing to pump dirty tar sands oil from Ontario to South Portland, Maine where it would be shipped by tanker to refineries along the East Coast or Gulf of Mexico.

The pipeline passes next to Sebago Lake, the drinking water supply for Greater Portland –more than 15% of Maine people – and could endanger Casco Bay and Maine’s fishing and lobster industries. A pipeline leak in the Sebago watershed would be a nightmare. A single tanker accident in Casco Bay could devastate Maine’s fishing and lobster industries.

National experts from the National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, and Natural Resources Defense Council will present the facts and lead a discussion about preventing this risky project.

Jim Murphy from the National Wildlife Federation and Kate Colarulli from the Sierra Club will describe Alberta tar sands oil production—probably the dirtiest energy project on Earth—and its potential impact on Maine. They will share the story of tar sands oil, the environmental and global climate impacts, and how Maine is poised to become part of the larger battle by oil companies to bring tar sands crude to global markets via the Portland-Montreal pipeline and Portland Harbor.

Danielle Droitsch from the Natural Resources Defense Council will focus on tar sands oil pipeline safety issues, and reasons Maine people should be worried if this proposal goes forward.

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so please RSVP to emmie@nrcm.org or (207) 430-0105.

If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook. Thank You!

Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Heritage Hall (Oxford Street Entrance)

Tickets: $20 Adult – $5 students

Click Here to Buy Tickets!

Formed in the spring of 1990, The Irish Descendants, have been a mainstay in the Newfoundland and Canadian music industry for over two decades.  In that time the band has performed over 4000 shows across North America and beyond! With the founding members all hailing from various outpost fishing communities, the original goal for the group was to take the music that they all learned and performed home in their kitchens, to the festival stages, pubs, and concert halls of their beloved Newfoundland.

Club Series Dance Party
with VJ Pulse and DJ Hanzo

Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 8:00pm
Heritage Hall (Oxford Street Entrance)

Tickets: $7 / $5 with College ID

Click Here to Buy Tickets!

Video Djing 65″ HDTV and projectors with giant screen and the Center’s *huge* dancefloor Incredible light show (lasers,strobes,blacklight,LED’s,intelligent lights) Special V.I.P. seating on stage with DJ’s and private TV for the videos and special drink prices!! 2 Brothers mixing it up all night! VJ Pulse /DJ Fitts with the hottest music videos and biggest club bangers and DJ Hanzo with some incredible house music and Hip Hop

Franco-American Heritage Center
46 Cedar Street
Lewiston Maine

If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook. Thank you!

Spectrum Generation’s Cohen Center and AARP Offer Safety Driving Course

Spectrum Generations Cohen Community Center and AARP will offer a Safety Driver Course on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM with a snow date set for Friday, February 17^th.  This program is a refresher course for drivers age 55 and older.  Those completing the program will receive a Certificate of Completion which may offer participants a discount on their auto insurance. The cost is $14.00 for AARP members and $16.00 for non AARP members. Pre-registration is required by calling 626-7777.

“This year we are very pleased to welcome Don LaCount, AARP Driving Instructor, to the Cohen Center. For more than 5 years, the class was taught by now retired instructor, Norman Barrows. We wish Norman the best in his well deserved retirement.” stated Center Director, Maggie Tardiff.

Spectrum Generations, serving central Maine adults from the state line to the coast line, helps people live their best lives by fostering independence and promoting a healthy lifestyle.  For more information about Spectrum Generations other programs and services, call 1-800-639-1553, TTY 1-800-464-8703 or visit us online at www.spectrumgenerations.org.

Spectrum Generations Cohen Community Center
22 Town Farm Road, P O Box 272
Hallowell, Maine
207 626-7777

Bath Matters – February 2, 2012

February 2, 2012

Last night we released our new video produced as part of Main Street Bath’s submission to win a 2012 Great American Maine Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bath is one of 10 semifinalists, and in our bid to make the final cut we have spent the past few months collecting over 30 letters of support… and creating a video that is essentially a love letter to our downtown and the City of Bath.

It’s been gratifying to review all the accomplishments of our cool little city over the past decade. The winners will be officially announced on April 2nd at the National Maine Street conference.Click here to watch the video, and share in our excitement and pride in downtown Bath.

And as Valentines Day approaches, don’t forget to Love Your Downtown and shop locally!

Happenings around town in the next few weeks include:

SPECIALS

• Bath Farmers Market – Feb 4
• Zumba Gold Winter Special
• Wine Tasting at Now You’re Cooking – Feb 9
• “Whole Hog Sunday” at Beale Street BBQ – Feb 12
• “Maine Art To Touch Your Heart” at Markings Gallery
• Valentines Day Specials at JR Maxwell – Feb 14
• Valentine Specials at Admiral Steakhouse
• Love Thyself at Kismet Inn - Feb 14

ART/MUSIC/THEATER

• Friday Night Jazz at Solo Bistro – Feb 3
• Music in the Gallery, Midwinters Night Dream exhibit – Feb 3
• Les Miserables Revue at Winter Street Center – Feb 3 & 10
• Mardi Gras Party – Feb 11
• “Love Letters” at the Chocolate Church – Feb 14

JAPANESE CULTURE WEEKEND

• Sake tasting at Now You’re Cooking – Feb 2
• “Shall We Dance?” film at Winter Street Center – Feb 2
• Japanese Cooking Class – Feb 3
• “Seven Samurai” at Hampton Inn- Feb 3
• Noro Yarn Sale - Feb 3-5
• Benefit Breakfast – Feb 4
• Family Carnival – Feb 4
• Japanese Dinner – Feb 4
• Celebrity Sumo Wrestling – Feb 4
• Lectures and Green Tea Ceremony – Feb 5
• Haiku Workshop – Feb 5

EVENTS/CLASSES/LECTURES

• Community Read announced: “Shoutin’ Into the Fog”
• Town History Series at Patten Free Library – Feb 4
• Free  Low-Income Tax Preparation – Jan 28 – April 11
• Cooking Classes at Now You’re Cooking – Feb 14, 20, &21
• February in the Children’s Room, Patten Free Library

Scroll down for more details.

I’ll see you downtown!

Jennifer Geiger, Director, Main Street Bath

Bath Farmers Market, UCC, Congress Avenue

Browsing the Bath Farmers market on a cold Saturday at the start of February, it’s easy to relax and feel the warmth, the gentle music and the sense of community.  It’s a nice place to be.  Moving from table to table, take note of what is at its best, what is new, what intrigues you.

Hootin Gluten is always innovating-right now they are bringing blueberry muffins, carrot cakes and seeded anadama bread.-all tasty and gluten free.  Chase Farms Bakery now offers bagels-plain and whole grain.  Want to try your hand at baking your own crusty loaf?  Stop at Borealis for organic Maine grown whole wheat flour. For a great breakfast -work up some pancakes and top them with local honey or jam.  Add some homegrown ham or bacon.  This is good for supper on a cold night too.

Grab some wooden buttons or a felted alpaca laptop case from Shepherds and such, or a warm blanket from Meadowcroft Farm to make a happy valentine’s day for some lucky person..

Squire Tarbox has black Spanish radishes-slice thin and sauté in olive oil bacon fat, or just eat them raw with coarse salt.  They also have a variety of tasty sausages from this year’s pigs-both kinds of Italian, garlic, sweet.  This is surely pig season-over at Cornerstone farms the list of sausages and cuts is also  impressive-And they are  providing the pig to the Beale Street  Barbeque (on Water St. in Bath) pig roasts on February and March-check it out for music, ribs and fun.

Cheese make you happy?  Try Appleton Farms Camdenbert-a soft cheese that satisfies a crusty loaf of bread.  Or a slice of Hahns end’s nutty Noble Hill.  While accumulating your dairy products, try the new yogurt from Goransons Farm, or the flavored ones from Balfour.  Both are fresh, creamy, unpasteurized, the way yogurt should be.  A truly tasty way to start your day. Add granola from Pleasant Pond and some fruit preserves and feel good!

And don’t forget to enter the raffle every week-just stick your tickets from the vendors in the box by the door and you may win the $100 market gift certificate; the drawing is the last Saturday of the month.  See you at the UCC on Congress Avenue from 9-12 each Saturday.

FMI www.bathfarmersmarket.com or 549-7611.

Zumba Gold Winter/Spring Special, Tony Zumba Studio, 144 State Road

Tony Garreton, aka Tony Zumba has a mission in our community and this is to keep us healthy, especially as we age. We can avoid and control our blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, depression and anxiety by exercising. He also understands that the economy is not great right now, therefore Tony is offering Zumba Gold Class for only $3.00.

Classes are Fridays 9am and Saturdays at 10:30am.

Zumba Gold has easy to follow dance steps and is ideal for those who need modification due to injury, for baby boomers, for people with a weigh problem, or just for those that think they have two left feet when it comes to dance.

FMI Call your Zumba Gold Instructor Barbara Johnson 449-0113 or Studio 386-3221

Wine Tasting at Now You’re Cooking, 49 Front Street

join us on Thursday, February 9th from 5-7 p.m. for our monthly wine tasting. This month’s tasting is a repeat performance due to last month’s winter storm. Adam from South Portland Wine Company is bringing some pairs of wine in time for Valentine’s Day. From Markus Huber a sparkling rose and a Gruner Veltliner, from Eola Hills Winery a Pinot Gris and a Pinot Noir, and from The Other Guys, Inc. (siblings August and Mia Sebastiani) a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Zinfandel.

Our wine tastings include wine notes and light hors d’oeuvres. Our tastings are free and there is no need to sign-up—just come to 49 Front Street in Bath. For more information about our wine tastings, call the store at 443-1402 or visit us online.

FMI 443-1402

“Whole Hog Sunday” at Beale Street Barbecue, 215 Water Street

This winter, Beale Street BBQ presents  “Whole Hog Sunday” on February 12, and March 11.

Feb 12 –  Join us this Sunday for a one-price all-you-can-eat Pig Roast, featuring whole hog, pies, hams, sausage, pastrami, ribs, fried chicken, shrimp, pork liver pate, biscuits, pickles and other fabulous sides… from 12 noon ‘til the pig’s gone!

Plus live music by  illustrious local musicians including Trevor Geiger of “The Arrowsics” and.

Tickets: Adults $25, Kids U13 $14.

FMI 442-9514

“Maine Art To Touch Your Heart” at Markings Gallery, 50 Front Street

Markings Gallery has had some wintertime freshening up! Lots of new work from Maine’s talented artists with more arriving daily!

Thinking of Valentine’s Day?  Be unique and think… “Maine Art To Touch Your Heart” at Markings Gallery

Work in multi media from Maine Artists showing for the month of February, featuring  pieces in wood, clay, fiber, metals, glass, and more!

Winter hours: Open Daily 10-5 ( Sunday 10-4)

Closed Tuesday/Wednesday

FMI 443-1499 or Markingsgallery.com or Facebook.com/markingsgallery

Valentines Day Specials at JR Maxwell Restaurant, 122 Front Street

For the 25^th year JR Maxwell’s is celebrating Valentines Day with its famous dinner for two. Serving from 4:30-9:30pm get two complete dinners from our special Valentines Day menu with coffee and a dessert to share for only $34.95 for two, and receive a long stemmed red rose for your sweetheart. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the heart of downtown Bath.

Call 443-2014 for details and reservations.

Valentine Specials at Admiral Steakhouse, 798 Washington Street

Valentines Day is coming soon!  Treat your Valentine to a Special Dinner at Admiral.  We will be serving Valentine’s Specials all weekend leading up to Valentines day on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings for those who want to beat the crowds on Feb 14th.

We will also be having a Valentine’s Brunch on Sunday February 12th from 10-2 featuring a Sppecial Menu for the day and our very popular “Make your Own Bloody Mary Bar.”

Wipe the winter Blues away with dinner at Admiral!

Don’t forget our 3 course Specials on Tuesday (except Feb 14th) through Thursday for just $17.95. Tuesday we feature a $5 Martini list, Wednesday is 30% off Bottles of Wine, and Thursday $3.50 maine Draft Beers for $3.50.

Call (443-2555) or reserve on line at www.admiralsteak.com.

Love Thyself at Kismet Inn, 44 Summer Street

Valentine’s Day is meant for lovers…usually. Sweethearts can be spotted walking hand-in-hand through a carnival of hearts, chocolates, bouquets and balloons. It’s a romantic display like no other. But, if you’ve just ended a relationship or never had one to begin with, Valentine’s Day might have you running for cover! BnBFinder inns are turning Valentine’s Day on its head. While romantic rendezvous are typical, there are other ways to celebrate the day. From girlfriend’s getaways to something for the singles, these inns are giving everyone a chance to feel the love: 

Love Thy Self. So you don’t have a special someone to lavish sweet nothings on. That doesn’t mean the pampering should go to waste. Replenish and renew your spirit at the Kismet Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/Kismet) located in Bath, ME.  Start your day practicing your best downward dog followed by a centering meditation session. Enjoy a healthy midday meal before heading to the coast for a scenic and relaxing walk along the water. When you leave you’ll feel replenished and happy you spent your Valentines Day getting back in touch with you.

FMI http://www.BnBFinder.com/ValentineSpecials or (212) 480-0414 x16

Friday Night Jazz at Solo Bstro, 128 Front Street

This week up-and-coming Bowdoin jazz pianist Molly Ridley returns along with Solo newcomer Jason St. Pierre on alto sax. Molly plays with Jason’s jazz trio which has recently released a cd, and the third member of which is bassist Tom Bucci who has played the New Space a number of times. Molly is now in her sophomore year at Bowdoin and building quite a following here in the Midcoast, not least among the habitués of Solo’s Friday Night Jazz, and Jason is a well-known sax man who plays and teaches throughout the region and whom we are delighted to bring to Solo at last. Jason and Molly will be playing from 6:30 to 9:30 PM this Friday.

FMI www.solobistro.com

Midwinters Night Dream Art Exhibit- Music in the Gallery, Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington Street

Exhibit open through March 3;

Group show with work by John Orcutt, Sally Loughridge, Scott Redfern, Susan Mills, Kevin Mizner, Diana Johnson, Sara Cox, Allison Shutts, and Ann Thompson.

An exceptional evening of music and art is planned for Friday the 3rd of February at the Chocolate Church Art Gallery. Come out of the cold and step into a warm but brilliant winter wonderland. The Midwinter’s Night Dream exhibit has transformed the entire gallery into a dreamy white winter theme with stunning paintings, photographs and fine art crafts. Peter Alexander, President of Maine Songwriters’ Association, brings his wholehearted talent to the night adding his personal warmth and wonderful songwriting and guitar playing to create a perfect cross-disciplinary event.  The Chocolate Church Art Gallery presents an evening combining music and art. Consider this the best Cabin Fever Reliever Party around in the month of February! We look forward to seeing you.

Cost:     $10 at the door

FMI 442-8455, www.chocolatechurchgallery.blogspot.com

Les Miserables Revue at Winter Street Center, 880 Washington Street

New England Regional Theater Company presents a musical revue of Les Miserables, a Parisian cabaret style evening of captivating performances and culinary delights on Friday February 3 and Friday February 10. This performance is a fundraiser to help build a new community theater. Tickets: Individual $15, Couples $25.

7-8pm Cocktails and Silent Auction

8-10pm Performance and Desserts

FMI 798-6966 or to reserve tickets nertctickets@gmail.com

Mardi Gras Party, Bath UCC, 150 Congress Street

Join us for an all-ages Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 11th  from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The festivities will be held in Fellowship Hall at the United Church of Christ, 150 Congress Avenue in Bath. There will be music, dancing, refreshments, plus costumes and mask making! Suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for kids, kids under 6 are free. All proceeds benefit the Connecting Neighbors Capital Challenge.

FMI 443-2187

“Love Letters”, Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington Street

COMING RIGHT UP: LOVE LETTERS!

Looking for something to do to spoil your Valentine?  Join us for a one night showing of LOVE LETTERS performed by Thom Watson and Suzanne Rankin, back by popular demand on Valentine’s Day at 7:30PM in the Curtis Room of the Chocolate Church.  This will be a pay what you can night, with a suggested donation of $10.  This staged reading is a classic, sweet story which has become a Studio Theatre of Bath tradition!

Japanese Culture weekend, Downtown Bath and Bath Middle School

Japanese Celebration weekend Feb.2-5

Thursday, February 2

SAKE TASTING ?5:00 – 7:00?, NOW YOU’RE COOKING, 49 FRONT STREET, BATH • FREE

Experience the famous Japanese drink brewed from rice! You will be amazed at the wide range of flavors, similar to fine wine or beer. Accompanied by light hors d’oeuvres. No need to sign up, just come by and join Mike and Staff for a Japanese taste tour!

FMI call Now You’re Cooking at 443-1402.

MOVIE SHOWING SHALL WE DANCE? ?7:00- 9:00?, WINTER ST. CENTER, 800 WASHINGTON ST., BATH

“Dansu Wo Shimasho ka”, written and directed by Masayuki Suo and winner of 13 Japanese Academy Awards. A joyful movie, appropriate for the whole family, about pursuing hidden dreams. Terrific dance scenes! ?Donations accepted • Home-made desserts available

Friday, February 3

JAPANESE COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF CHRIS TOY?5:00 – 7:00?, NOW YOU’RE COOKING, 49 FRONT ST., BATH

$40 per person or $35 per person per pair Call Now You’re Cooking at 443-1402 or visit acooksemporium.com to reserve your space!

MOVIE SHOWING SEVEN SAMURAI ?7:00 – 10:30?, HAMPTON INN, 140 COMMERCIAL ST., BATH

Akira Kurosawa’s classic tale, the basis of the later American film “The Magnificent Seven.” With Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. One of the best Japanese movies ever–don’t miss this one! ?Donations accepted • Home-made desserts available

Saturday, February 4

BENEFIT BREAKFAST ?8:00 – 11:00, ?STARLIGHT CAFE, LAMBARD STREET, BATH

Yummy Starlight food starts your day with a smile! A portion of the proceeds benefits the Bath-Tsugaru fund for scholarships and hosting.

FAMILY CARNIVAL ?1:00 – 3:00, ?BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL, 6 OLD BRUNSWICK RD., BATH

• Carnival games • Japanese crafts and activities?• Martial arts demonstration and dragon parade by Five Elements School of Martial Arts?. Donations accepted • Refreshments available

JAPANESE DINNER ?5:30 – 7:00?, BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL, 6 OLD BRUNSWICK RD., BATH

Enjoy delicious Japanese food, plus chances to win fabulous gift baskets! ?Advance Tickets $5 each, $20 max per family;? Available at Now You’re Cooking till Wed., Feb.1.? At the door: $7 each, $25 max per family.

CELEBRITY SUMO WRESTLING AND BOWDOIN COLLEGE TAIKO DRUMMING GROUP ?7:00 – 8:00, ?BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL, 6 OLD BRUNSWICK RD., BATH

Two amazing Japanese traditions come to Bath for a fun family evening of entertainment! Sumo is an ancient wrestling style, and Japan’s national sport. In Bath, our wrestlers will don inflatable Sumo suits for the occasion. Join the fun and cheer on our local celebrities who are sharing their talents in this fund raising event! Click here for more information. Between matches, Bowdoin Taiko will entertain! Bowdoin Taiko is an ensemble group which uses huge Japanese drums, and combines music, rhythm, and dance into a stunning audio-visual spectacle. Donations accepted

Sunday, February 5

All activities are at the Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St., Bath, and are free to the public.

“CREATING JAPANESE-INSPIRED GARDENS IN MAINE” ?12 NOON

Talk and slide presentation by Lee Schneller Sligh, owner of Lee Schneller Fine Gardens, Inc. Lee is a Master Gardener volunteer and has designed and built over 200 gardens in Maine.

GREEN TEA CEREMONY?TWO SESSIONS: EITHER 1:00 – 1:45 OR 2:15 – 3:00

The Japanese tea ceremony or “chanoyu” is an aesthetic pastime unique to Japan. The basis of the ceremony still practiced today was established in the 16th century. The spirit of the tea ceremony embodies “the beauty of studied simplicity and harmony with nature.”?Call Patten Free Library, 443-5141 to reserve a space

GEISHA: IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS ?3:00 – 4:00

Read one of four titles and come for a lively discussion on this ancient Japanese tradition. Led by Pat Parker, professor emerita from Salem State College in Massachusetts, who lived and taught at universities in Kobe and Hiroshima, Japan.?Come by or call Patten Free Library for details?443-5141

HAIKU WORKSHOP ?4:00 – 5:00

Haiku reading, discussion, and an opportunity to write your own!

SPECIAL WEEKEND SALES – Feb 3-5

Halcyon Yarn  – 12 School Street,  ALL WEEKEND – On Japanese Weekend, Halcyon Yarn will be offering 15% off all Noro Yarns… Japan’s most beautiful yarns. Just mention the Celebration to receive the discount. Discount good all weekend.

The weekend is organized by the Bath-Tsugaru Sister City Exchange Program, to celebrate more than 20 years of student cultural exchanges between the two cities.

FMI http://bath-tsugaru.org

KELT and PFL OFFER 2^ND ANNUAL WINTER READ

Shoutin’ Into the Fog: Growing up on Maine’s Ragged Edge by Thomas Hanna

The Great Depression hit hard all across our country, but isolated communities such as Georgetown, Maine really felt the pinch. The resourceful and resilient population had significant support through this hardship, however, from its natural resources and spectacular landscape.

Those natural gifts provided solace, income, sustenance and entertainment to Thomas Hanna as he relays in his 2006 memoir, Shoutin’ Into the Fog: Growing up on Maine’s Ragged Edge. Hanna tells the story of his childhood amidst the depression; his meager possessions and his rich life thanks to the benefit of his location.

The ways we measure scarcity and abundance, richness and poverty, needs and wants will be discussed in a series of community conversations as part of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust’s second annual Winter Read, a community book group offered in conjunction with the Patten Free Library and the Georgetown Historical Society.

On March 8, Laura Sewall will guide a discussion at Hyde School from 6:00-8:00pm with delicious refreshments provided by Mae’s Café. Ms. Sewall is the Director of Bates-Morse Mountain in Phippsburg and the author of Sight and Sensibility: The Ecopsychology of Perception as well as the former Executive Director of the Kennebec Estuary Collaboration.

On March 14 at 6:30pm the Patten Free Library will host a public discussion on the book as part of their monthly book group. Gene Reynolds of Georgetown will be the guest speaker . Mr. Reynolds and his wife had close connections to “Tommy” Hanna and shared many of the experiences described in the book. Refreshments are provided in the Community Room.

The Patten Free Library Children’s Room has selected complimentary books for young readers, including Between the Tides by Fran Hodgkins.

Please contact the Patten Free Library, the Georgetown Historical Society or your local book store for a copy of Shoutin’ Into the Fog. These events are free and open to the public thanks to generous sponsorship from First Federal Savings Bank. To register for the March 8^th event please contact KELT at 442-8400 or email Alicia Heyburn at aheyburn@kennebecestuary.org.

TOWN HISTORY SERIES 2012 at Patten Free Library, 33 Summer Street

The Sagadahoc History and Genealogy Room announces its eighth annual Town History Series, jointly sponsored by the Patten Free Library and the Bath Historical Society.  On six consecutive Saturday mornings, from 10:30-11:30 A.M., people from the towns served by the Library will present aspects of their towns’ histories in the Community Room of the Patten Free Library.  This year’s Series will be dedicated to Barbara Esmond, long-time volunteer in the History Room.  Again this year, Raymond James and Associates, Inc. will be the financial sponsor of the Series.

January 21 – Bath:  Peter Goodwin & Robin Haynes:  “History of the Patten Free Library”

January 28 – Arrowsic: Fred Kahrl: “Saving Squirrel Point Light Station”

February 4 – Georgetown:  Rich Start: “The Terrible Fire of ‘34”

February 11 – Woolwich:  A Panel: “Stories of Woolwich Schools”

February 18 – Phippsburg: John G. Morse IV:  “Phippsburg Then and Now”

February 25 – West Bath:  Frank Roberts & Charlie Burden:  “The Littlefield School: West Bath’s Historic One-Room Schoolhouse”

Free  Low-Income Tax Preparation, Bath

Your CLIENTS, your CUSTOMERS, your EMPLOYEES, your FRIENDS, even YOU may be eligible!

SPREAD THE WORD!

FREE Tax Preparation, offered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers? for those who made less than $50,000 in 2011.

Appointments offered Jan. 28 ~ April 11, 2012 in Brunswick, Topsham, Bath, Richmond & Wiscasset

Call 319-1390 to make an appointment or learn more at www.CashMaine.org/locations/midcoast

Cooking Classes at Now You’re Cooking , 49 Front Street

MAGNIFICENT MAINE SHRIMP

with Monique Coombs

Tuesday, February 14th | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Monique Coombs of Lobsters on the Fly will teach you about shrimp: how and when it is caught and the best ways to cook it and store it. Learn how to cook shrimp on its own and how to toss it up with some delicious recipes!

DOWNEAST MEETS FAR EAST

with Chris Toy

Monday, February 20th | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join Chris Toy as he puts a Far East flare to your Maine shrimp. Chris will show you how to roll shrimp egg rolls, create shrimp wontons, and prepare shrimp fried rice. Also on the menu is a delicious seafood soup and for dessert, amaretto poached pears.

MARVELOUS MEDITERRANEAN

with Archie Banfield

Tuesday, February 21st | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

If February’s colder weather has you thinking about the warmer temperatures of the Mediterranean, then this class is for you! Join Archie Banfield, one of Bowdoin College’s wonderful chefs as he shows you how to prepare three of his favorite dishes from this region of the world: Ravigote, a piquant vinaigrette sauce that typically contains onions, capers, and herbs and is served with mild proteins, such as shrimp or mussels; Linguini with Mushrooms and Mussels; and Mussels with Israeli Couscous.

All classes are $40 per person or $70 for two

FMI call the store at 443-1402 or visit us online.

February in the Children’s Room, Patten Free Library, 33 Summer Street

The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing… (anon)

IPADS & EARLY LITERACY: Facilitated Classes for Parent and Child

We will continue to offer early literacy classes for parents and children (ages 2-6), using six new iPads purchased with a generous grant from the Senter Fund in Brunswick.  In these small, supervised gatherings, we’ll show you and your child some of the best “apps” for teaching letters, phonics, and numbers, as well as those that build vocabulary and reading fluency.  We also have some great book apps that we’ll all read together.  And you’ll have plenty of time to explore the iPad features on your own.

Beginning Thursday, February 16, you can come and use the iPads with your child on Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30 and Thursdays from 1:00-2:00, on a first-come first-served basis.  We’ll be there to help you learn the basics and find the right apps. Or, you can pre-arrange a time for your own iPad “playgroup” by contacting Roberta Jordan by phone at 443-5141 (extension 25) or by e-mail (rjordan@patten.lib.me.us).

Wee be Yoga – Join us, Thursday, Feb 2, 10:30am –  in our Storytime Room, for a Family Yoga Program with Amy DelaTerre of Wee Bee Yoga. This will be a fun and engaging children’s yoga play session for older babies to preschool-age children, along with their caregivers. We will move and stretch our bodies, share songs, hear stories, and explore playful movement activities and yoga poses inspired by nature, animals, and the world around us. No previous yoga experience is needed, and children and adults should wear comfortable clothing that they can easily move around in. Older and younger siblings are most welcome to attend this program. No registration required.

Amy DelaTerre has been sharing yoga with people of all ages for over a decade. She is a Kripalu-certified yoga instructor, and has completed teacher-training programs in Children’s Yoga with Shakta Kaur Khalsa, creator of The Radiant Child Yoga Program, and Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga with De West of The Yoga Workshop. Amy received her MA degree in Environmental Leadership and Contemplative Education from Naropa University. Her thesis project was the completion of a book entitled Yoga for Wholeness: An Exploration of Yoga as Holistic Education. Before having her own children, Amy was a preschool teacher for many years. She lives in Bath with her husband and two young boys, and teaches two weekly Family Yoga Classes at Bath Dance Works, on Mondays at 3:45-4:45pm, and on Tuesdays at 10:15-11:15am. Visit www.weebeeyoga.com for more info about Amy’s local class.

All Aboard…The Maine 3 Railers Model Train Club will be here all day time, during February vacation week, Feb 21, 22, 23, and 24, for a special show and tell. Electric train displays will take over the Storytime Room and “engineers” will be on hand to talk about their exciting collections. All ages.

Our STORYTIMES program runs throughout the school year with a December and June break. It’s a wonderfully fun way to teach your child early socialization and literacy skills. Each age appropriate program is thoughtfully prepared and no registration is required. Parents and caregivers have a chance to make and meet friends, too!  After Storytimes, you’re welcome to stay and read to your children or play with our castles, pirate ship, blocks, puzzles, Legos, and storybook character toys. Climb aboard our little red sailboat, Time of Wonder, built in collaboration with the Library and the Maine Maritime Museum, by area children and master boat builders. While you’re here, get a library card and check out some wonderful books to bring home.

Tuesdays with Miss Jessica ~ 10:30am-11:15am – Stories & Crafts for young ones, with volunteer, Jessica Mahnke.

Book Babies ~ Wednesdays, Feb 1, 8, 15 & 29, 10:30am – Gather with your little ones (babies & toddlers), for twenty minutes of fun rhyming stories, finger plays & songs. Children’s author, Rosemary Wells says, “Read to your bunny often. It’s twenty minutes of fun. It’s twenty minutes of moonlight, and twenty minutes of sun.”

Time for Twos ~ Thursdays, Feb 2, 9 & 16, 10:30am-11:00am – Join the circle of little two year old friends and enjoy short stories, songs & puppets

Preschool Storytimes ~ Fridays, Feb 3, 10 & 17, 10:30am-11:15am – Join the fun reading adventure for three to five year olds with stories, songs, puppets & crafts.

KIDS’ BOOK CLUB, Tuesdays, Feb 7, 14 & 28, 4:00pm-4:45pm, ages 9 & up – We’re reading The Day of the Wave , a gripping story of courage, by local author, Gina Hamilton who will join Book Club, Feb 14. Here’s what it’s about…“On the day after Christmas, in 2004, an earthquake and tsunami devastated the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, especially the northern Banda Aceh region. This book, written for the 9-12 age market, follows the story of Merpati, a 12-year-old girl, separated from her parents and sister, and responsible for the care of a tiny orphan and an ancient blind villager, as she tries to keep them all alive, while refusing to give up hope of seeing her cherished family again in the grim days that followed the day of the wave. Day of the Wave is a coming of age story in a very complex and difficult setting. It also offers young people and teachers a strong multicultural component about daily life for villagers, especially girls and women Sumatra”.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Building a better Bath… The Morse Mentors, a mentoring group from Morse High School, are available, afterschool, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, to help elementary and middle school students with homework. Kyle Hietala, a Morse High School sophomore honors student, summer camp counselor, and energetic tutor, is our enthusiastic leader who has brought this new program to fruition. His tutoring will emphasize mastery of material, and its practical applications to the real world, including reading, writing, math, even music writing! Other high school students have joined Morse Mentors and are ready to help your child. We will select the suitable mentor match for your child. All tutoring takes place in the Children’s Room’s new Home Work section. Mentors will meet the parent before the tutoring begins and apprise the parent with the tutoring progress. For further information and to register your child, please contact Carol in the Children’s Room.

Exploring Art Series with Carol McFadden ~ Wednesdays, 4:00pm-4:45pm – This a hands-on art history program in which children, ages 6-11, recreate their own versions of the masters’ works of art & explore craft techniques of world art. Limit 12, REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Feb 1 ~ The Color Power of Henri Matisse. This French Fauvist painter was known for his rich, bright colors, fanciful patterns, flattened abstract forms, and graceful lines.  Scissors, paper & glue will be used.

Feb 8 – Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Picture Writing. Ancient Egyptians left stories on their pyramid walls. What is a mummy, a scarab, a shawabtis, a sarcoffagus? Come and explore the meaning behind these ancient artifacts as we investigate them by drawing pictures on “papyrus” scrolls.

Feb 15 – Beyond the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Explore the art of distinguished children’s book illustrator Eric Carle by painting a wall mural.

Feb 29 ~ George-Pierre Seurat’s Dots. Learn about the Neo-Impressionism art style by using his Pointillism technique. Ink pad paint will be used.

Chess Club meets Fridays, 3:30pm-4:30pm, ages 7-11 – Join enthusiastic chess leader, Nathaniel Rines, along with beginners and seasoned chess players. We supply the chess sets.  If you’d like, bring a snack. No registration required.

Lego League meets Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:15pm, for ages 6+ – A few things to know…our Lego Leader is Matt Boyle, a high school junior; bring your own Legos in a bin; either bring your finished work home at the end of each session or leave it in our display case for a short time. If you’d like, bring a snack. No registration required.

Learn Italian for children ages 6 & up, Thursdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm, with Morse High School exchange student, Ruyao Zhou who likes to be called Zhou, pronounced Zoo. She was born in China, raised in Italy and is currently a senior at Morse High School.  Your child will learn Italian words, numbers, songs and basic communication.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Homeschool Time ~ Thursdays, 1:00pm-2:00pm

All homeschooling families are welcome to join other homeschoolers in the Children’s Room at the Patten Free Library. The goal is to offer a place of connection, to have fun, to learn new things using the resources of the Library, and to socialize with other area homeschooled families. Drop by and see what happens. Please pass the wordJ

“Do We” Really Know Dewey? Children’s Library Class, Feb 2, 1:00pm-2:00pm.  – Need help locating books in the library? Have fun while learning about how books are arranged on the library shelves with the Dewey Decimal System. Your child will learn some important searching skills by looking up items in the MINERVA Library Computer Catalog. Group classes for other days and times may be arranged. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Pictorial Haiku, Thursday, Feb 2, 3:30pm-4:30pm, ages 7+ – Let’s learn about Haiku through words and pictures! Children will pick a word out of a hat; draw a picture of the word; and write words to describe the picture. Then, they’ll add the words into the picture to create a pictorial haiku. There are no rhyming words in haiku, and each 3-line verse has only 17 syllables or less! The three lines are often arranged so that the first line has five (5) syllables, the second line has seven (7) syllables, and the third line has five (5) syllables. This is called the 5-7-5 rule. Haiku does not always follow the 5-7-5 rule. But to be haiku, the verse must express a thought, feeling or mood. The verse cannot be composed of more than 17 syllables; it cannot have more than 3 lines; and it cannot rhyme. Here’s an example… Snowflakes by Kaitlyn Guenther

Snowflakes are our friends (5)
They descend when winter comes (7)
Making white blankets (5)

VACATION WEEK ~ FAMILY FILMS (upstairs in the Community Room on the big screen!)

WINNIE THE POOH (rated G; 63 minutes; 2011) Wednesday, Feb 22, 2:00pm                                     “This all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo-and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. It’s business as usual in the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh wakes up absolutely famished, but has no honey. That sets him out on his journey, which is derailed when he finds a note from Christopher Robin that reads: “Gone out. Busy. Back soon.” But when Owl misinterprets the note, the whole gang is on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from the imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply hoped to find some honey.”

CARS 2 (rated G; 113 minutes; 2011) Friday, Feb 24, 2:00pm                                     “Star racecar Lightning McQueen, and the incomparable tow truck, Mater, take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world”.

If you haven’t done so yet, please take a few seconds and “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook.

February 2, 2012

VisitBath.com

Events Calendar

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About MSB

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Weekly Email Sponsors

Main Street Bath, Maine Inc., 15 Commercial Street, Bath, Maine 04530
Tel: 207-442-7291 – Fax: 207-442-9481

Republican Caucus

February 4th, 9:00 A.M.
Farrington Elementary School
249 Eastern Avenue, Augusta
Caucus Contact Person: Kim Pettengill
Phone #: 907-8205    E-Mail: kimepettengill@gmail.comt.

Democratic Caucus

February 26, 12:30 p.m.  (time may change)
Greater Gardiner Boy’s and Girl’s Club
14 Pray Street, Gardiner
Contact Information:   Diane Potter
For voters who are currently unenrolled in a party or new registrants, a Registrar will be available 1 hour before the actual caucus begins. 

Dear Friends of CIFF,

We hope you all are enjoying the beginning of the new year.  Here at CIFF we’ve already begun the planning process for the 2012 Festival and we hope you’ll save the dates.

The 8th Annual Camden International Film Festival and Points North Forum will take place from September 27 – 30, 2012 at a number of venues throughout Camden and Rockland, Maine.  Passes will go on sale July 1.

In just about 2 weeks we’ll begin the exciting journey of seeking out stories for the 2012 Festival.  This year we’ll begin at the Big Sky Documentary Festival in Montana, followed by True / False in Missouri and SXSW in Austin.  If you happen to be attending any of these, let us know.  We’d love to connect.

There’s been a lot of exciting news to report over the past few months and we hope you’ll take a minute to read about it below.

Submissions Now Open.

The Camden International Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the 2012 Festival.  CIFF is open to documentary films of all shapes, sizes, styles and length.  We love a darn good story, and are always looking for new voices in documentary, so help us spread the word and submit today!

(Q&A after US Premiere of BLUE MERIDIAN with dir. Sofie Benoot)

For more information on how to submit, visit  www.camdenfilmfest.org/submit. 

CIFF Selects Are Coming.

Despite this winter being a mild one, there’s still a real threat of cabin fever for folks in New England.  This year we decided to do our part.

Starting in March, CIFF will be collaborating with the Strand Theatre in Rockland, Maine on a monthly screening series.  The series will take place the 3rd Thursday of the month and will highlight some wonderful stories from 2011.  CIFF Selects begins March 15th.

The program is close to being locked so stay connected for all the latest information.

(Outside the Strand Theatre during CIFF 2011)

CIFF Gets Recognized.

In January, CIFF was recognized by PBS POV as “one of the nation’s best small-town film festivals (with populations less than 100,000).” We think our small town is pretty awesome, and couldn’t be more excited about this recognition!

To read the entire article, click here.

CIFF Is Hiring.

We’re gearing up for a very busy spring, summer and fall and we need your help.

The Camden International Film Festival is currently accepting applications for a part-time administrative assistant based in midcoast Maine.  If interested, please visit  www.camdenfilmfest.org/jobs

More jobs will be posted in the coming months, including production positions for the 2012 Festival.

CIFF @ Cinema Eye.

For the past three years CIFF has hosted the annual Nominees Reception the night before the Cinema Eye Honors, an annual award for documentary filmmakers held in NYC.  This year doc legend Fred Wiseman was recognized for his lifetime achievements by none other then Peter Davis and Michael Moore.

We’re extremely proud to be part of bringing the documentary community together and recognizing the very best in nonfiction storytelling.

(Inside the CIFF sponsored Nominee’s Reception for the Cinema Eye Honors.  Hudson Hotel, NYC)

Check out all the photos here.
To view all the winners, click here.

CIFF Films In The News.

Congrats to CIFF Alums HELL AND BACK AGAIN (2011 Opening Night Film) and INCIDENT IN NEW BAGHDAD (2011 Short).  Both films were nominated for an Academy Award.

We wish them all the best on February 26th.  And remember, you saw them first at the Camden International Film Festival!

CIFF In Boston.

If you find yourself in Boston, make sure to check out the CIFF sponsored DocYard screening series, recently recognized by the Boston Society of Film Critics for “presenting a vibrant forum for the Boston documentary community to see important new non-fiction works.”

CIFF Alums OUR SCHOOL and BOMBAY BEACH are two of the great docs being shown.

Special thanks to all our Sponsors and Supporters.
We can’t do it without you!

Made possible in part by the generous support from:

Camden International Film Festival | PO Box 836 | Camden | ME | 04843

Talaria 48 class yachts built by The Hinckley Company, Southwest Harbor, Maine

AUGUSTA – The Hinckley Company, founded in Southwest Harbor, Maine, has been building and servicing the finest yachts in the world since 1928. On Wednesday, Governor Paul LePage joined company officials and staff to celebrate the launch of the very first yacht of Hinckley’s Talaria T48 series at The Hinckley Company boat yard.

For more than 79 years The Hinckley Company has been producing Maine-made renowned sail and power boats. The Talaria T48 represents another significant achievement. Being the first of the series to be launched is a historical event for the company and Maine boat building.

During Wednesday’s launch the Governor, The Hinckley Company CEO Jim McManus and the Captain of the new Talaria T48, Dan Duffy christened the boat with a bottle of champagne on the bow before safely boarding the vessel for a short ride.

“The craftsmanship of the Hinckley is truly an original piece of art,” said Governor LePage. “The men and women who build these boats have a lot to be proud of. Boat building has a strong tradition here in Maine and The Hinckley Company has built upon that workmanship and I wish them continued success for years to come.”

Maine’s 3rd largest industry, boat building remains an anchor to our economy and continues to realize a need for skilled craftsmen. The Governor’s dedication, support and focus on workforce issues that directly impact Maine’s boat building industry will ensure continued contributions to Maine’s economy.

“My Administration is committed to introducing policies that will encourage job creation,” said the Governor. “A continued focus on balancing the needs of job creators and protecting our environment will assist in revitalizing our economy and provide more job opportunities for Mainer’s.”

Additionally, the Administration’s efforts to steer energy policy in Maine towards lower costs will certainly have a positive impact on Maine’s boat building industry. When competing against boat builders from warmer climates, Maine’s boat builders carry an energy expense that places them at a competitive disadvantage.

In November, Governor Paul LePage visited The Hinckley Company to learn more about what the Administration can do to help the boat building industry. Through the Administration’s assistance, Hinckley has taken advantage of several Maine economic development incentive programs, such as Tax Increment Finance (TIF) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). According to Andy Fitzpatrick, Plant Manager for Hinckley Production Operations, more than 60 employees have been added at the Trenton plant in the past 10 months bringing total employment to 170 Mainers.

At Wednesday’s launch, the head of Hinckley, Jim McManus thanked Governor LePage for the Administration’s support and offered words of encouragement about the past, present and for the future of the Maine company. “Sales exceeded our expectations and the company as a whole enjoyed a very healthy 2011,” said Jim McManus, president and CEO of The Hinckley Company, “We are excited about the prospects for 2012. We continue to invest in new product development and as a result we will continue to launch exciting new models into the marketplace like the Talaria 48 and this summer the new Hinckley T34.”

MORE: The Hinckley Company Christens Its Talaria 48

When Governor Paul LePage of Maine christened Hinckley’s new Talaria 48 for her official launch into Somes Sound on February first, the boat joined the first family of American yachting, a family with roots in Maine workboats and branches as distinguished as the Bermuda 40 and the Picnic Boat.

With its state-of-the-art construction, classic styling above the waterline, and innovative design below, jet propulsion and patented JetStick control, this stunning 48-foot yacht is already earning her place in the Hinckley family.

In preliminary sea trials, targeted boat speeds of 30 knots at cruise and 35 knots top were easily met on the motoryacht version of the boat with standard twin Cummins QSM 11s. In heavy seas and breeze, the boat rode very comfortably. Hinckley Production VP Mike Arieta credits Michael Peters who designed the Talaria 48. “A fuller bow with convex sections that reduce the rise and fall motion gives the boat a softer ride. Whether you’re crossing the gulfstream for the Bahamas or you’re making your way across Vineyard Sound, the ride quality is so important. Talaria 48 owners will also enjoy reduced cabin sound levels and the enhanced visibility that the forward positioning of the cabin and helm station affords in this boat.”

Meeting the yacht’s design weight is a result of Hinckley’s artful blend of construction technologies. The company makes use of SCRIMP vacuum bagging and the latest in foam coring to prevent burdening the hull with non-structural components. “The boat sits perfectly on her lines which aids performance and also makes her beautiful to look at,” says Arieta.

The public debut of the Talaria 48 is at the Miami Boat Show at the Sea Isle Marina venue February 16-20. And we have made special arrangements for her admirers to park conveniently and be shuttled by private Picnic Boat to the show. For details, contact echamplin@hinckleyyachts.com

===Registration is CLOSED ===

2, 3 & 4 Person Divisions are FULL
Weekend Reserved Parking if FULL

[Rules] [2012 Teams] [Parking & Directions][Visitor Information] [2012 Sponsors]

2012 Gold Sponsors

2012 US National Toboggan Championship Schedule

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012

10am to 7pm
Team registration and toboggan inspection in Tobogganville

10am to 5pm
Toboggan chute open to public $5 per person (conditions permitting)

12pm to 4pm
Mechanical Bull Rides

10am to 8pm
Bonfire, food vendors, souvenir sales, music, skiing and snowboarding on Snow Bowl slopes

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012

7am to 11am
Team registration and toboggan inspection at info booth in Tobogganville

7am to 4pm
Free bus shuttle service from downtown Camden ($5 limited on-site parking) click here for map

8am to 10:30am
FIRST RUNS* for 2 & 3 person teams (* First run must be done by 10:30 or you forfeit that run)

9am to 4pm
Snow Bowl open for skiing, snowboarding & tubing

10am to 4pm
Mechanical Bull Rides

10am to 2pm
The Coastal Children’s Museum will sponsor and host special Children’s Events!  Located next to the Lodge.  Highlights:  snow sculpture contest, a snow maze/obstacle course, jr sledding hill & more!

10:30am to 1pm
SECOND RUNS for 2 & 3 person teams

11am to 2pm
Chili Challenge in West Bay Rotary Tent

1pm
Experiment division (1st run)

1:30pm to 4pm
FIRST RUNS runs for 4 person teams

5:30pm
Fireworks over Camden Harbor sponsored by

7pm to 10pm
Knox Mill – Dance to music by Creatures of Habit

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012

7am to 9am
Pancake breakfast in Snow Bowl Lodge sponsored by

8am to 4pm
Free bus shuttle from downtown Camden ($5 limited on-site parking) click here for a map

9am
Qualifying runs for 4 person teams (2nd run)

9am to 4pm
Snow Bowl open for skiing, snowboarding and tubing

11am to 2pm
Chowder Challenge in the West Bay Rotary Tent

11am
Experimental division (2nd run)

Noon
FINAL RUNS – begin with 2 person teams, then proceed with 3′s, 4′s and experimental

TOP 25 – 2 person division

TOP 25 – 3 person division

TOP 50 – 4 person division

TOP 5 – Experimental teams

3pm (approx)
Awards ceremonies & drawings

All times are approximate. Announcer will update the schedule.

AWARDS:
First-Second-Third places in each division

Special Awards:
Best costume, oldest team, fastest team, fastest women’s team, fastest children’s team, fastest high school team, fastest college team and best crafted toboggan.

Click here to visit our toboggan image gallery for more images from our events.

The following video was produced by Cassandra Moore & Francisco Sabatier

For Terri from Francisco Sabatier on Vimeo.

The following video was produced by Singlemalt TV/Visionmill Productions

click here to download a registration form

TIPS & HINTS FOR FIRST TIME COMPETITORS:

• Wear old clothes
• Be sure costume is not too bulky
• Consider wearing goggles and/or helmet
• Keep face covered
• Plan to stay all day, there’s lots to do and see and food for sale at the lodge and at the Toboggan Chute
• During the race, if you need any help or information, go to the Chute Shop located near the Toboggan Chute
• Carpooling recommended
• Volunteers sought. Call the Snow Bowl 236-3438 or stop by the Chute Shop to volunteer any time during the weekend.
• Click here for 2011 FINAL RESULTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS OF THE 2010 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Camden Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 1207
Camden, ME 04843
info(at)camdensnowbowl.com
207.236.3438

Contact us online »

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Legacy Publishng Company Expansion
Location: 100 Larrabee Street, Suite 130, Westbrook

Background

Governor Paul LePage will congratulate and deliver remarks to Legacy Publishing Company at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Westbrook. The business will announce the expansion of a new customer engagement center. The new center is located a few minutes from their Westbrook Headquarters and employs 125 Mainers.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
The Hinckley Company
Location: 130 Shore Road, Southwest Harbor

Background

The Hinckley Company is planning to launch the very first yacht of Hinckley’s Talaria T48 series in Southwest Harbor at The Hinckley Company Boat Yard. The official launch is planned in Southwest Harbor at Hinckley’s docks.

Governor has been invited to join the company in the pilot house of this launch and participate first-hand in the activities.

For over 79 years The Hinckley Company has been producing Maine-made luxury boats and this one represents another significant achievement. Being the first of the series to be launched will be a historical event for both their company and Maine boat building.

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MON. 30th

TUES. 31st Ticket Tuesday!!! all day run a Food and Drink Tab and get a $1.00 Scratch Ticket for every $10.00 Dollars you spend. Spend $20.00 and get two $1.00 or a $2.00 Ticket. Ask server for DETAILS. (Tab must have food)

WED. Feb 1st This Wednesday Trivia with Buzztime Trivia from 7-9 come in and have some fun CASH PRIZES AND GIVEWAYS and the best part is you meet new friends! Trivia Players get 10 Wings for a 3 Bucks and everybody that plays gets a chance to win a $50.00 Gift Certificate at the end of the month.Who will win this Month!!! Honestly who does That!!!!!!!!!

THURS.2nd We are Changing up and doing something out of the norm. For those who just want to come out and relax with Friends we are doing Music Trivia From 7-9 with Roger Collins Followed by Dance Tunes and Karaoke till 11. $2.00 16oz. Domestic Drafts, $2.00 Domestic Bottles and $2.00 14oz well drinks Check out our Half Price Burger Specials.

FRI. 3rd This Friday it’s Roger Collins W/ Performance Entertainment and the best light show in town Takin your Requests! It’s 50 cent Natty Light, PBR and Rolling Rock Drafts and $1.00 Dr. Shots from 9-11 What a Combo Let the Party Begin!

SAT.4th Its Party Time with BAD PENNY these guys rock the house. Get here early to grab a seat because you’re going to want to dance to the great entertainment of Earl Blake and the GANG! 9-12:30PM

SUN.5th.is a Huge Super Bowl Party so stay TUNED!!!!!!!! GO PATS

Don’t forget to check out our Full menu and Great Beer And Bar Selection. Eat In Or Take Out!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike’s Water St Grill
463 Water Street,
Gardiner, ME 04345

View Map · Get Directions

Johnson Hall
(downtown on Water Street)

PARTICIPATING FARMERS & PRODUCERS

Balfour Farm
Borealis Breads
Bridge Farm
Dragonfly Cove Farm
Emery Farm
Geroux’s Café Mixes
Longmeadow Farm
Oaklands Farm
Paula C’s
Pretzel Logic
Roseberry Farm
Snafu Acres Farm
Wholesome Holmstead

(To read more about your farmers & producers, click on the VENDORS page)
Website: http://gardinerfarmersmarket.org/

_______________________________________________

EBT CARDS & WIC ACCEPTED

The Gardiner Farmers’ Market is thrilled to be outfitted with one of the first market-wide EBT machines in the state of Maine. The card is swiped through the machine in exchange for tokens which can be used at any of the vendor tables.

Some of the vendors also accept WIC.

Bring any questions to the information table at Wednesday’s market.

____________________________________________

FOOD DONATIONS

BRING CANNED GOODS FROM HOME  or  BUY A LITTLE EXTRA AT THE MARKET & PASS IT ALONG

Every week, vendors pass along unsold products to people who might not otherwise have easy access to fresh and local foods.

We will also gladly accept any food donations you choose to leave.

Just look for the plastic deposit bin.  ALL DONATIONS GO TO THE FAITH CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY

THANK YOU!

Disney On Ice presents “Treasure Trove” Feb. 9 – 12!

February 9, 2012 – 7:00pm – February 12, 2012 – 3:30pm

Seven Shows!

• Thursday, Feb. 9 @ 7:00pm
• Friday, Feb. 10th @ 7:00pm*
• Saturday, Feb. 11th @ 11:00am*, 3:00pm & 7:00pm+
• Sunday, Feb. 12th @ 11:30am & 3:30pm

Tickets:  $60 (Front Row), $50 (VIP), $25 and $15 – All seats reserved

Discounts:
*Groups of 15 or more: $3 off the $25 and $15 tickets (discounts not available on Front Row or VIP seats.)
+Kids/Youth ages 2-12: $12 tickets in the $25 and $15 seating locations (discounts not available on Front Row or VIP seats.)

Watch a Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove video!

Buy Tickets

More Information

DIRECTIONS

I-295 to Portland. Take Exit #7, Franklin Street. Go through 4 sets of traffic lights. Turn right at the 5th light, onto Middle Street. The Civic Center is 3 traffic lights ahead on the right.

For patrons using internet direction websites please use 45 Spring St. as your end location. Or you may enter the intersection of Spring St. and Center St.

NOTE: If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment to “Like” The Valley Voice on Facebook.

art credit: skreened.com

Join Hallowell Mayor Charlotte Warren, Associate Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby and Betsy Smith, Executive Director of EqualityMaine, at Easy Street to celebrate the submitting of over 105,000 signatures to put marriage equality on the 2012 ballot!

Supporters are encouraged to bring family and friends to this special community reception.

Questions? Call Matt at 207-761-3732 ex 18

Marriage Coalition Partners:

EQME | GLAD | ACLU | Maine Women’s Lobby | Family Planning Association of Maine | Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence | Maine People’s Alliance | RCAD | League of Young Voters | GLSEN | Maine Children’s Alliance | Maine Psychological Association | NASW-Maine | PFLAG | Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

Easy Street Lounge
7 Front St., Hallowell, ME 04347
View Map · Get Directions

NOTE: If you are reading this on The Valley Voice, please take a moment to “Like” us on Facebook.

Presented by Portland Ovations
Online sales end at 4:00 PM on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Day-of sales & Will-Call pick-up will begin at 6:00 PM on Thurs, Feb. 2 at WPAC.

Combining “astonishing physical mastery” and “poetic resonance” (New York Times) with playful sensuality, Australia’s CiRCA breaks out of the big top to create a bold new vision of circus as a delightful, provocative and contemporary art form.  Over the course of 80 intense minutes, the streamlined troupe of seven moves from highly connected acrobatic and tumbling sequences through fast-paced intricate scenes to a haunting finale.  Blending bodies, lights, and sound – including tracks by Leonard Cohen, Sigur Ros and Cake – CiRCA’s boundary-pushing work plumbs the philosophical depths where cirque and dance collide.

Tickets: $28  $25
Members: $25  $23
Students: $10

NOTE: Student, Member and Subscriber tickets are not available on line. To purchase these tickets, call PortTix at 207.842.0800 or visit the PortTix Box Office at Merrill Auditorium.

buy tickets online

Become an Ovations Fan on Facebook!

Directions

WESTBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @ Westbrook Middle School
471 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, ME 04092

COASTAL HEADING SOUTH:

• I-295 SOUTH
• EXIT 5B (ME-22 W/Congress Street)
  destination is approx. 3.5 miles from this exit
• slight RIGHT onto Congress Street
• RIGHT onto Westbrook Street
• once in Westbrook this street becomes Stroudwater Street – continue on
• Westbrook Middle School will be on the LEFT.  Open air parking available on site.

FURTHER POINTS NORTH & SOUTH:

• I-95
• EXIT 47 toward Rand Road
  destination is approx. 2.5 miles from this exit
• turn LEFT at Rand Road
• continue onto ME-25 W/Westbrook Arterial
• take the exit toward Forest Street
• slight LEFT at Woodlawn Avenue
• turn LEFT at Stroudwater Street
• Westbrook Middle School will be on the RIGHT.  Open air parking available on site.

Note: If you are reading this on The Valley Voice, please take a few seconds and “Like” us on Facebook.