Bath Matters – December 29, 2011

Today Main Street Bath will ring out the old year, and ring in the new… a little early… with a noon time tolling of the Paul Revere bell hanging in historic Bath City Hall. Please join us a few minutes before noon at the corner of Front and Centre streets for a short ceremony followed by refreshments in City Hall auditiorium.

In my last posting for 2011, I’d like to say thanks to all who have participated this year in making downtown Bath lively, lovely and fun! Here’s to our vibrant downtown district, and to all the people who help make Bath the place we love to live, work and play.

Thanks also to all who have supported Main Street Bath’s annual campaign this year. If you haven’t donated yet, it’s not too late to make a 2011 tax deductible donation… Click here to make your donation online.

Other happenings around town in the next week include:

SPECIALS

• Bath Farmers Market – Dec 31
• Party Prep Specials at Centre Street Hair
• “Home for the Holidays” rates at Hampton Inn – thru Jan 1
• Free “New Year Resolution Tony’s Fiesta” At Tony Zumba Studio! – Jan 1
• Bath Historical Society 2012 Calendar – now available
• Front Street space for rent - now available

MUSIC/FILM/ART

• Friday Night Jazz at Solo Bistro – Dec 29
• Big Chips Trio at Kennebec Tavern – Dec 31
• Japanese Poster design contest for teens – deadline Dec 31

EVENTS/CLASSES/LECTURES

• Power Surge Workshop – Jan 4 – Feb 1
• Marvelous Mediterranean at Now You’re Cooking – Jan 9
• Children’s Music Classes at Bath Dance Works – beginning Jan 11
• January in the Children’s Room, Patten Free Library
• Family Yoga with Amy Dela Terre

Scroll down for more details.

Happy New Year!

Jennifer Geiger, Director, Main Street Bath

Bath Farmers Market, UCC, Congress Avenue

We will be back to our regular schedule on Saturday, the 31-so plan to stock up for the start of the New Year.

Try filling a handcrafted birch container (Shepherds and Such) with  cranberries from Sparrow Farm.  Hawkes has lovely boxwood and pine centerpieces, great for hostess gifts or just to brighten your table.  Get some exotic dried mushrooms from Oyster Creek, or a jar of richly roasted Coffee from Big Barn Coffee.  Claudia Sortwell offers her finely made Columbian jewelry in vivid earth tones.  Shepherds also has potholders, table runners and wallets woven from alpaca.

Stop at Balfours or Hahns End for yogurt, move on to Pleasant Pond for granola and apples, honey.  Layer them all in a pretty glass dish for holiday breakfast trifle! How much fun is that?  If you are counting on a pie from Chase Farms, call Robin by Wednesday at 549-7611.   Only pre ordered pies will be available.  She is bringing Tourtiere and chicken pies as well as mince, pecan and fruit.  Little fruitcakes, plum puddings, and Christmas cookies too.

Goransons, Small Wonder, Squire Tarbox will all there with greens, potatoes, parsnips and carrots to brighten the meal.  Lots of squash as well-pile them up with some pine boughs for a quick centerpiece and eat the next week.  Squire Tarbox and Cornerstone Farms also have fresh pork-all cuts, lots of roasts for a festive meal.  Pick up a selection of hard and soft cheeses from Hahns End for snacking or unexpected guests.

Bon appétit!

FMI www.bathfarmersmarket.com

Party Prep Specials at Centre Street Hair, 25 Centre Street

You can afford to look your best for the holidays!

Party prep sampler:

Cut & Style $30

Color Touch Up $50

Color & Cut  Combo $75

Updo’s $45

Brow and Lash Tint $15

Appts. Available .. hurry to book for New Years! And don’t forget; beauty products make great stocking stuffers!

FMI 443-6868

“Home for the Holidays” rates at Hampton Inn, 140 Commercial Street

Home for the Holidays friends and family rates include Breakfast on the house, Warm fireplace in our lobby, Free wifi and wireless TV, Hampton Clean & Fresh Cloud Nine beds, Saline indoor pool and hot tub.

Merry Christmas!

FMI 386-1310 or www.bathbrunswickarea.hamptoninn.com

Free “New Year Resolution Tony’s Fiesta”, Tony Zumba Studio, 144 State Road, West Bath 

If your New Year Resolution is to be healthy, loss weight and have fun… This is the perfect event to maintained and get hook.

Tony Dance Fiesta (TDF) is the ultimate party for all ages and bodies, helping people leave their worries at the door and dance their way to good physical fitness and health.

New Year Day Schedule

• 2:30 to 3:15pm ONLY 50% off on Fiesta Fitness Wear
• 3:30 to 4:30pm Free Tony Dace Fiesta (please bring non-street footwear to change)
• 4:30 to 5:00pm 30 Minutes-Only Sale – Unlimited Fiesta enrollment program 50% off for January – Non-Expired studio card 25% off (3 cards maximum)

TDF is a dance program and doesn’t have beginner or advanced levels and is not choreography so you can go with your own pace   Tony combines Latin dances with his own unique style of steps, movements, motivation, catchy music and party-like atmosphere, which provides each student with a total body workout, yet doesn’t feel like a workout at all!

FMI 386-3221 or www.tonydancestudio.com

Bath Historical Society 2012 Calendar

The Bath Historical Society 2012 calendar is now available.  Filled with historic photographs of Bath and facts about people and events in the storied past of the City of Ships, the calendar costs just $12.  You can buy one at the History Room on the second floor of the Patten Free Library during its hours on Tuesdays through Fridays,  from 12:30 to 4:00 P.M., and on Saturday, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. or at the Circulation Desk on the first floor.  Calendars are also available downtown at Bath Book Shop, Brick Store Antiques, Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine, Main Street Bath, Now You’re Cooking, Ornament and the Library Bookstore.   All proceeds go to Bath Historical Society, which was formed in 1989 to support the Sagadahoc History and Genealogy Room in the Library, and to collect items pertaining to the history of Bath and the surrounding area.

FMI call 443-5141, ext. 18.

Downtown space for rent,30 Front Street

Looking for downtown office space in the New Year?

We have a Class A space on the 1^st floor. Free parking, excellent location!

FMI 522-6704

Friday Night Jazz at Solo Bistro, 128 Front Street

Maine Magazine’s food blogger Joe Ricchio wrote a review of some of the offerings of smaller Champagne producers present on the Maine market (which you can find here). I tried the last one he mentions, the Baudoin Brut Prestige, and found it to be among the tastiest I’ve ever had. It’s not very widely available, but we’ll be getting a few bottles in for New Year’s Eve at Solo Bistro!

For the penultimate night of the year, Friday Night Jazz will bring us Peter Blue at the keyboard accompanying vocalist Sue Sheriff, the eponymous Sue n’ Blue Duo. Sue and Peter made their first appearance in the New Space a month or so ago to raves. If the whole NYE thing just isn’t your cup of tea, come on out on Friday for some great jazz from Sue n’ Blue from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.

FMI www.solobistro.com

Big Chips Trio at Kennebec Tavern for New Years Eve, 119 Commercial Street

KICK BACK ON THE KENNEBEC FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

Great Dinner Specials- Serving 11:00am – 11:00pm (Reservation Recommended)

Baked Stuffed Lobster

Surf & Turf

Tenderloin and Lobster

Prime Rib

Plus

LIVE MUSIC with the BIG CHIPS TRIO, 9:00PM – MIDNIGHT  in SEGUIN HALL

Ring in the New Year with music, dancing and friends! No cover, cash bar, kitchen open until 11pm.

Just across from the Hampton Inn Bath; check out their Special Holiday Rate 386-1310

FMI 442-9636

Japanese Celebration Poster Design contest for teens

The Bath-Tsugaru,Japan Sister City Exchange Program is excited to announce a Japanese Celebration weekend with activities for children and adults, coming to Bath, February 2-5, 2012.  As part of this event, The Exchange Program is sponsoring a poster design contest open to Maine students in 6^th through 12^thgrade.

Entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2011, or hand-delivered to the Superintendent’s office by Tuesday, January 3, 2012.  Send to: Japanese Poster c/o Cindy Matthews, Bath-Tsugaru Coordinator, Superintendent’s Office, RSU1, 39 Andrews Road, Bath, ME, 04530.

The purpose of the poster is to advertise the Japanese Celebration weekend. The winner of the design contest will be awarded a $50 Gift of Bath certificate good at over 70 Bath stores and restaurants; free admission to all Japanese Weekend events;and full acknowledgment in publicity.  Here’s a chance for students to use artistic and graphic design talents!

Designs must be original work, and cannot include any copyrighted characters or designs.  The design should measure 8 ½ by 11 inches, with no writing.  The winning design will be the visual focal point of a larger poster advertising details of the weekend events.

The entries will be judged on visual impact, clarity to the observer, relevance to the Japanese theme, and originality. Weekend events will include a family carnival, Japanese dinner, Bowdoin College Taiko Drumming Group, Japanese films, Starlight Cafe Benefit Breakfast, Celebrity Sumo wrestling, a book discussion, Haiku writing, and much more!

The weekend is organized in recognition of the historic relationship between Bath and Shariki Village (now Tsugaru).  More than 100 years ago, a Bath-built ship, the Cheseborough, wrecked in a tsunami off the coast of Japan.  The villagers rescued the survivors, and have celebrated the rescue every year since.  On the basis of this event, a sister city relationship, with yearly student cultural exchange visits, has been going on between Bath and Shariki (Tsugaru) for the past 20 years.

For complete contest information, visit the sister city website, http://bath-tsugaru.org.

Power Surge Workshop, InspireME Fitness, 1 Front Street

Register Now: Channel Your Power Surge – Five-part Workshop Explores How to Take Charge of Hormonal Changes

Has stress and anxiety zapped your energy? Have you lost your joy? Have hormonal changes gotten the best of you? Join InspireME in a unique five part workshop series that explores various aspects of menopause and periomenopause – and strategies for coping. Learn how nutrition and stress management can make all the difference.

Who:  Women of all ages interested in exploring how to manage hormonal shifts

What:  Menopause: Channeling the Surge—A Workshop

January 4:            The Biology of it All

Dr. Louise Bryant, D.C. Chiropractor

January 11:            Nutritional Support

Kate Nicholson, L.M.T, Holistic Nutritional Coach

January 18:            Dealing with Changes

Elizabeth Sylvester, ICF Certified Life Coach

January 25:            Dealing with the Stress and Anxiety

Bambi Thompson, OTR/L

February 1:            Building Your Vision

Elizabeth Sylvester, ICF Certified Life Coach

Where:   Customs House, 1 Front Street, 2^nd Floor, Bath

When:   January 4-February 1^st,   Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The fee for the entire workshop series is $75.00 or $20.00 for a per class drop-in rate. Register by December 23 and save $5.00.

FMI www.inspiremept.com or call 207-443-2509.

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

MARVELOUS MEDITERRANEAN with Archie Banfield

Monday, January 9th | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

If January’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.

FMI 443-1402.

Children’s Music Classes at Bath Dance Works, 72 Front Street

Can’t Hold a Tune?… Don’t Know Any Children’s Songs? Sing and Dance With Your Child Anyway !!!

Are you a parent who would like to sing more with your child??   You may feel like you have no musical talent or you may be a music teacher who has no idea of songs to sing to your baby. Research shows that musical or not, all parents can pass on the love of music to their children when they sing and dance…..sing about cleaning up, about going to town and sing goodnight. Make up songs or dance to popular hits. Songs don’t need words. Dance and march. Hum and chant. If you have fun with music , your child will too.Children’s Music Classes Downtown Bath Wednesday  January 11th – Music Together Class  10:15- 11:00for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with parent, grandparent or caregiver.$145  10 weeks with  CD and SongbookFriday  January 13th – Preschool Music Playgroup   noon -2:00for preschoolers 3-5years old; parents not required to attend.

$145     10 weeks and CD

FMI call Sharon at 522-3900 emailsharonpynemusic@gmail.com

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

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 Story times, 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. Here’s a wonderful article about the attributes of reading a book while holding a child,  http://braininsights.blogspot.com/2011/10/reading-book-while-holding-child.html

Tuesdays with Miss Jessica ~ 10:30am-11:15am, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 ~ Stories & Crafts for young ones, with volunteer, Jessica Mahnke.

Book Babies ~ 10:30am, Wednesdays, Jan 4, 11, 18 & 25 – 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, 10:30am-11:00am, Jan 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Join the circle of little two year old friends and enjoy short stories, songs & puppets.

Preschool Storytimes ~ Fridays, 10:30am-11:15am, Jan 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Join the fun reading adventure for three to five year olds with stories, songs, puppets & crafts.

SATURDAY EVENTS

Saturday, Jan 7, 10:30am-11:00am – Miss Heather will be our Guest Reader

Saturday, Jan 14, 10:30am-11:00am

Gather around to listen to a wonderful story, The Mayor of Apple Tree Crossroads by Jeanette Samuels. Jeanette Samuels (or as she would like to be called, J) passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2009. J loved to write and she loved to read to children. Jeanette’s husband, Myron Samuels, as well as the illustrator of this book, Sue Clukey, will be in the Children’s Room to read the story, as well as talk about the late author.The Mayor of Apple Tree Crossroads finds a unique way to meet his neighbors. Although the Mayor wants apple pie, he finds that other things are more important. Children will enjoy meeting the townspeople of Apple Tree Crossroads. Parents will appreciate the message. Everyone will enjoy the story.

Saturday, Jan 21, 10:30-11:00am

Dina Bernabò from Woolwich will be on hand to read the book she wrote and illustrated, Favorite Fogs.  This colorful story of three siblings is the first of many.  The themes of this panoramic tale are:  the celebration of individualism, the senses, family, forgiveness, and that goodness and patience are rewarded in the end. Check her websites for further information:

http://www.wherethefishlive.com/index.htm;http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wherethefishlive; http://wherethefishlive.blogspot.com/

KID’S BOOK CLUB, Tuesdays, 4:00pm-4:45pm, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. – Are you a Warriors fan? To kick-off the fun, we’re reading #1 in the Warriors Series, Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter. Join Marissa Parks, Warriors group leader. Registration required, ages 8-11

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.

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.

Exploring Art Series with Elaine Reed ~  Every other Wednesday, starting Jan 4 & 18, 3:30pm-4:30pm, Limit 12, ages 6+                                   Elaine says, “We’ll be using paints, paper, Model Magic, markers, mixed media, etc. The goal is to let each child explore their creative selves. I’ve been an art teacher and artist for my entire life. My studio and home are on Oak Street.” If you’d like, bring a snack. 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, Jan 5, 12, 19 & 26 – 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 word.

“Do We” Really Know Dewey? Children’s Library Class, Jan 5,1:00pm-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.

Family Yoga with Amy DelaTerre

Mondays, 3:45 – 4:45pm

On-going classes, beginning October 3, 2011

A playful, imaginative yoga class designed for young children (approx. 18 months to 4.5 years) and their grown-ups. Each session includes nature-inspired yoga, movement activities, songs, games, and stories.

Older and younger siblings welcome!

$50/family for 6-week series. Ten-class punch cards: $100/family. Drop-ins welcome: $12/family. First class is free for new families!

FMI www.weebeeyoga.com or email Amy at:www.weebeeyoga@gmail.com

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

by Suzzanne Martin

While you’re in downtown Gardiner picking up bargains at Reny’s department store Early Bird Sale on November 6th—check out the other great deals you can snag up at local retail shops and eateries! The Girltrend Shop, The Mad Dog Pub, Monkitree, The Village Jeweler, and Sweet Love Bridal Boutique are all opening early to bring shoppers to town for a day of deals they can’t be passed up!

The Girltrend Shop—a high end women’s consignment shop is opening up at 7:00am with great discounts that will vary by the hour. Door prizes and giveaways will be called throughout the day for first customer in the shop, last customer remaining in the shop, as well as numbers pulled at random through the length of the sale.

The festivities at Girltrend will carry on throughout the evening with wine, refreshments and massages from 7:00pm-9:00pm, with 10% off merchandise. The Girltrend Shop, 236 Water St. Gardiner, 512-5442.

If grabbing up the deals makes you feel a little hungry or the wait in the long lines make you wish you had something to drink you’re in luck! The Mad Dog Pub will be open at the bright and early hour of 7:00am for brunch! Brunch will feature a variety of sweet and savory crepes, frittatas, bloody Marys, Bellini’s, and many more of your favorite brunch foods and drinks!. Enjoy your meal in their bright Water Street window front or in their cozy wine cellar dining room! Brunch will be available all day followed by dinner and drink specials at 5:00pm. Happy Hour 4:00pm-6:00pm! The Mad Dog Pub is located at 259 Water Street Gardiner, 203-2500.

The Village Jeweler is also opening bright and early at 5:30am! Take advantage of the 60% off savings available from 5:30am-7:00am only! The sale continues from 7:00am-11:30am with 50% off all in-stock items throughout the store. The Village Jeweler is known for their diamonds. Put a little sparkle in your loved one’s eyes or bring home a beautiful diamond for yourself! The Village Jeweler, 221 Water Street, 582-6676.

Monkitree gallery has the perfect gift savings for the art lover in your family! Visit the gallery between 6:00am-9:00am and take 15% off all purchases of jewelry, pottery, prints, and textiles (sale excludes all wall art). Fill out a wish-list card to give to your family or friends. They will receive 15% off their gift to you from Monkitree by presenting the wish-list card! Monkitree Gallery, 263 Water Street, 2512-4679.

Having a winter wedding? Check out Sweet Love Bridal Boutique’s one day only Bridal Blowout Sale! Beginning at 7:00am, the boutique is offering bridal gowns starting at $99.00. Complimentary bridal consultations by Team Tres Level Salon are available from 1:30pm-5:00pm. Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories galore! Don’t miss this sale! Sweet Love Bridal Boutique, 289 Water Street, 512-5859.

Take this great opportunity to not only find some great holiday shopping deals, but to also check out what downtown Gardiner has to offer you all year ‘round!

Salt Institute for Documentary Studies will be be hosting an opening reception called "About Face" on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 561 Congress Street in Portland. Documentary student, Aida Curtis from Atlanta Georgia, spent several hours interviewing Robert Saunders for an essay that she has prepared to illuminate his inspiring career in creating visual poetry.

Mr. Saunders will be one of the guests of honor for the evening at Salt and they would like to invite everyone to attend the show which will run through February 26, 2010.

PHOTO ©2009 Mary Becker Weiss

In the meantime, you and your friends are invited to view Mr. Saunders’ new works of visual poetry at Corniche at 325 Water Street in Gardiner directly across from the Gardiner Post Office. We have his new triptych called "Language I, II and III" and his most recent "Twins Duet." Please call before you come; we’d love to meet you and show you Mr. Saunders luminous new work.

For more information contact:

Corniche

325 Water Street
Gardiner ME 04345
207.590.5517

http://www.cornicheonline.com

Corniche is a unique gallery for Antiques, Books, Art and Prints,
Vintage Home Furnishings and Architectural Salvage

Flexible hours by appointment or chance

A special holiday deal for Facebook friends and fans only! From now through Christmas eve, the following packages are available to you (great gifts for the artists and art lovers in your life, or for yourself!)

Deal #1

1 year membership in the Kennebec Valley Art Association and The Muse by Susan Elliot artist designed t shirt — a $45 value for only $38!

Deal #2

1 year membership in the Kennebec Valley Art Association and $25 gift certificate toward any purchase at the Harlow Gallery– a $55 value for only $45!

Deal #3

1 year membership in the Kennebec Valley Art Association, "The Muse" by Susan Elliot artist designed t shirt AND $25 gift certificate toward any purchase at the Harlow Gallery– a $70 value for only $50!

This would be a great time to give the gift of art, become a fan of The Harlow Gallery and help the Gallery on a year round basis.

The Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street, Hallowell, ME 04347

(207) 622-3813

“Thanks for being our friend, and Happy Holidays!”

This holiday season, shop at locally owned businesses and support your neighbors!  Even if you can’t do all of your shopping in downtown, Waterville Main Street would like to challenge to you buy at least 3 gifts in Downtown Waterville and keep your money in your community. Check out  the 3/50 Friday web site for heart-warming reminders of why it feels so good to support locally owned businesses.

Just as a heads up, we will be sending out updates on holiday events and sales once
a week or so from now through December so that you can be sure not to miss any great
bargains or special events. In January we will be back to our once per month enewsletter,schedule. Following is a sampling of holiday events, sales, and activities that you can experience in Downtown Waterville this holiday season!

Finally, for all of you spontaneous folks, if you find yourself without plans for this evening, may I suggest that you check out The Bread Box Cafe’s spectacular Beer Dinner at 6pm?  This is a 5 course meal featuring delicious food, like pumpkin soup, Cornish game hen, and grilled sausage, paired with a variety of tasty beers. Call 207-873-4090 right away for more information.

Please join Freshwater Arts &
Barrels Community Market for a
Holiday Open House
Friday, December 11 , 6-9pm
74 Main Street
Downtown Waterville

Art demonstrations by Freshwater Arts teachers, including painting, wood carving,
wheel thrown pottery, and more

Fabulous holiday shopping

Live music
Free refreshments, including a tasting of local cheese tasting from Echo Ridge and
Kennebec Cheesery

While you are Downtown, take a stroll and visit the many other stores open late
for the holidays (scroll down for a list), and stop by one of our fine restaurants for some holiday cheer!

Day’s Jewelers
Men’s Night

December 10!

Stop by Day’s Jewelers for our annual Men’s Night on December 10th (this Thursday) from 5-9pm. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and expert assistance in selecting
a gift for that special someone. And if she was at Ladies Night we know exactly
what she wants – we are making it that easy for you!

Day’s Jewelers
80 Main Street
207-872-9025

Thomas College Students Present The Grinch at the Waterville Public Library Stop by the Waterville Public Library on Saturday, December 12 from 10:30-11:30am for a special Saturday morning Story Time event: Members of Thomas College Horde  of Entertaining Students present an adaptation of Dr Seuss’ "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Fun for the whole family!

Waterville Public Library
73 Elm Street
207-872-5433

40th Annual Kringleville
November 27-December 22

One of Downtown’s oldest and most beloved traditions. Parents, bring your children to visit Santa at his Waterville home, Kringleville in Castonguay Square. Professional photos will be available for $5 per photo courtesy of Central Maine Photography.

Special thanks to the official Kringleville sponsor: Bangor Savings Bank.

Visit the Waterville Main Street web site to download Santa’s schedule ].

PLEASE NOTE: Kringleville will not be open tonight due to snow!

Also, the Corpus Christi Carolers will be at Kringleville Saturday, December 12

at 6:30pm!

December Events at Spell Bound

Zendikar Booster Draft
Friday, December 11

Registration starts at 6:00pm, first round starts at approximately 6:30pm; $15 draft event

Magic the Gathering School Vacation Special During Christmas vacation we will be offering Magic tournaments on Tuesday & Thursday starting at 2PM. Dates are December 22, 24, 29 & 31.

Spell Bound
67 E Concourse
207-872-8200

Community Ornament & Dreidel Making Workshop

Freshwater Arts and the Colby College Museum of Art will host a community ornament and dreidel making event on Saturday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

First, take a tour of the Museum collection to view interesting depictions of the holidays in art. Then head over to Freshwater Arts (74 Main Street, beneath Barrels Market) to make your ornaments in paper and dreidels in clay! This free event is open to all ages, but attendance is limited and preregistration is required.

To register, please contact Kim Brennan by phone at 207-859-5613.

Enjoy Live Music & Holiday Cheer at Jorgensen’s Cafe!

This holiday season Jorgensen’s Cafe will be staying open late and offering live  entertainment every Friday night from 6-8pm. Stop by and enjoy delicious soups,  sandwiches, and baked goods… and of course, coffee!  You can also find lots of great holiday gifts for your favorite foodie!

Jorgensen’s Cafe
103 Main Street
207-872-8711

Take 20% off Acorn Slippers at Maine Made & More

All Acorn slippers are 20% off from now through Christmas.  We also have a huge selection of Stonewall Kitchen food items, delicious honey products, Maine balsam
pillows & sachets, and tons of other great gift items!

Maine Made & More
93 Main Street
207-872-7378

Enjoy fun movement to Holiday Songs with Kennebec Music Together

Join Kennebec Music Together for fun music and movement to holiday songs at the REM Forum, 93 Main Street. Wednesday, December 16th at 10 a.m. Space is limited, so please register A.S.A.P. Class Fee: $10 per class per child (3rd sibling is free).

For more information call Kennebec Music Together at 582-3027 or email Joanna [mailto:joanna@kennebecmusictogether.com].

Tickets on Sale now for Bela Fleck at the Waterville Opera House

Give the gift of music this holiday season!  Sweet People Productions is presenting the amazing Bela Fleck and the Africa Project at the Waterville Opera House on February 26, 2010.  Tickets are on sale now at the Opera House box office at 207-873-7000 or online at www.operahouse.org [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?

Extended Holiday Shopping Hours in Downtown Waterville

The following stores are providing extended hours during the holiday season for your shopping convenience!

Paragon Shop, 36 Main Street
Open until 7 pm, December 17-23

Jorgensen’s Cafe, 103 Main Street
Open Fridays until 8pm, featuring live music every Friday night from 6-8pm

Sign of the Sun, 22 Silver Street
Open Fridays until 8pm and Sundays 12-5pm
Also open until 8pm on December 18, 19, 21, 22, 23

Maine Made & More, 93 Main Street
Open Monday through Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturdays 9am-6pm; Sundays 11am-5pm

The Framemakers, 46 Main Street
Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-5pm; Sundays 12-4pm

Children’s Book Cellar, 52 Main Street
Open Friday nights until 8pm; Open Sundays, December 6 & 20, 12-5pm

Barrels Community Market, 74 Main Street
Open Monday through Saturday, 10am-7pm

A Holiday Tradition: The Nutcracker Ballet at the Waterville Opera House

The acclaimed Bossov Ballet Theater presents this perennial holiday favorite. Whether the first time or fifth, children of all ages are thrilled to see Marie at the Christmas party, the marching toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the adorable mice. Delight in Tchaikovsky’s memorable music, the beautiful dancers and costumes, magical sets and the Christmas tree no one can forget.

December 11, 2009 7:30 PM
December 12, 2009 2:00 PM, 7:30 PM
December 13, 2009 2:00 PM
Tickets: $17, $15 (Youth/Senior)

For tickets, call 207-873-7000 or visit www.operahouse.org

Thanks for your continued support of downtown and its independent businesses. If you would like more information on how to support Waterville Main Street, check out at www.watervillemainstreet.org

Shannon Haines
Waterville Main Street
177 Main Street
Waterville, ME 04901

Johnson Hall

The stock market is shaky. Many families are in trouble. Employment, education and health care opportunities seem to be shrinking on a day to day basis. Mainers, however, have always been survivors in times of adversity. That said, I believe, along with many other people, that Gardiner is poised to continue on a track of becoming one of Kennebec Valley’s more prosperous and engaging communities.

Today, Gardiner already offers many unique shopping and service opportunities, fine eateries and an artistic flair. Gardiner’s historic districts are among the finest in the state. Our waterfront areas including the Cobbossee Watershed and the Kennebec River (a coastal waterway) are being preserved, protected and promoted. Gardiner’s other commercial assets include existing property that once housed mills or shoe factories and countless plots of land that could be developed to accommodate new residential, commercial or industrial undertakings. Tomorrow could be the dawn of a new day.

Gardiner's waterfront is a true natural treasure

The real good news is that Gardiner skirted the pox of other communities that erroneously based their entire economic future through endorsing ill-conceived concepts. Communities that played all their cards on the continuous stream of box stores and mall development may find that they made a big, yet predictable, mistake. What were they thinking?

A bad idea for Maine and Maine people

People in many cities seemingly just watched from the sidelines as their entrepreneurial sectors comprised of locally owned businesses, artisans, trades people, local farms, dairies and the like were simply gobbled up by the tenacious tentacles of big business. For those places prosperity became contingent upon the decisions being made by distant investors and came to rest largely in the hands of outside interests.

Gardiner, on the other hand, is a great place for business development. It is home to people who are hard working, reliable and offer a wide range of skills and levels of education. They also offer a willingness to adapt to accommodate the labor needs of any prospective employer who may choose to locate here.

Signage is needed for visitors to be directed to waterfront areas, historic districts and downtown shopping districts

The bad news is that Gardiner has a lot of challenges ahead for the city to experience a major rebirth. Customer traffic translates into more business. Farmingdale and Hallowell are assured a heavy traffic flow through their business and historic districts and, as such, have a distinct advantage over places like Gardiner and, to a degree, Richmond. Route 201 is the heaviest traveled secondary road in Maine. But in Gardiner Route 201 skirts its way around downtown, historic districts and the waterfront in the blink of a traveler’s eye.

According to the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) the annual average daily traffic flow for 2008 was 8,060 vehicles using Route 201 as measured at the top of Brunswick Avenue. At the intersection of Water Street and Route 201 the vehicle count was 7,060. A total of 16,520 vehicles were reported to have made their way to the section of Bridge St. between Middle St. and Highland Ave. Of those, only some 2,000 vehicles made their way along any stretch of Water Street.

Presently, Gardiner Maine Street is working along side city officials with disbursing an important $25,000 grant to improve signage in the city that would help direct travelers to shopping, waterfront and historic areas as well as informing them of convenient parking opportunities in all areas of the city. Exactly how this money and other grant money will, or has been utilized certainly will be fodder for discussion down the road.

Without a doubt, Chapman Brother's property at the bottom of Brunswick Hill and on the corner of Gardiners shopping district could play a key role in Gardiner's future.

However, even with the inclusion of signage into the mix of Gardiner’s business strategy, a larger issue looms in the background. Gardiner lacks a “front door” to its community. There is no clear area at any intersection coming into Gardiner that makes travelers feel like they have arrived someplace. There is no property that stands out as a place where traveler information booths could be easily constructed. There is no place where the city could develop localized mass transit systems throughout the city, along the waterfront, to parking areas and into historic districts. All the four corner areas of Gardiner along Route 201 and the adjacent side route down Church Hill are taken. There seems to be nothing available where you can feel the pulse of this city. EXCEPT for, what I feel is, the tremendous potential for development on the site currently owned by the Chapman Brothers who operate a fuel company and car lot there.

Always an important player in Gardiner’s economic development is the Savings Bank of Maine who donated $1 million dollars to continue development efforts in the Waterfront District. Work has already begun and will continue  through the summer. These funds will, among other things, be used to construct a riverfront information center and new pedestrian and handicapped accessible gateways to and from Water Street and Maine Ave. Additionally, the old New Mills Bridge is being replaced and that entire area of town will benefit.

The City of Gardiner offers abundant parking opportunities

Unlike some other area communities, Gardiner continues to secure new interest in the city with the recent addition of a Family Dollar store on the corner of Winter and Water streets, a chiropractic office on the corner of Water St. and Church Hill. At the Libby Hill Industrial Park, Dennison Lubricants join other Gardiner mainstays to include On Target Services, Scientific Games, E.J. Prescott and Pine State Trading.

Key Gardiner businesses include The Sportsman’s Barr, Reny’s, On Target Utility, Curves of Gardiner and Raggamuffins which is a really neat consignment store. Up and coming is Pastaz, a new Italian restaurant on Water Street, Mike’s Sidetrack Cafe, Mr. T’s a new car wash and quick lube being built on 201 and a host of long term Gardiner businesses such as Ladner’s Landscaping, Ainslies Market, the Isamax Bakery, New Mills Market, Hopkins Plumbing, Wingate Oil, Maine Drilling and Blasting, McGee Construction, Berry & Berry, Chapman Brother’s, Andy’s Barbershop and the Village Jeweler as well as others.

The new New Mills Bridge currently under construction

In conclusion, I am of the opinion that: “We can do this.”  Gardiner has, simply put, everything going for it. After everything is put into perspective Gardiner’s success or failure will be based on the city’s ability to be positive and active in the community’s affairs.

TAKE NOTE: You can get more information on these and other exciting projects at www.gardinermaine.com/public or by calling Jason Simcock, Planning & Development Director at 582-6888. Furthermore, you can Google search “Gardiner, Maine” for a repository of information of all city departments and links to all groups and associations that impact on the direction of the city and surrounding communities. You will also want to contact Gardiner Maine Street at www.gardinermainst.org.

Location: Barker Farm, Leeds

Contact: Jane Heikkinen, jane.heikkinen@me.nacdnet.net or (207) 753-9400 x400

Julie Omsberg is the owner of Floorz 2 Ceilings

Julie Omsberg, owner of Floorz 2 Ceilingz, first opened her doors in June 2009 after operating a home based business in Belgrade. But, she is looking forward to Old Hallowell Day.

On that day, Julie will have gone all out to provide current and potential customers with a host of decorative ideas to suit any taste or decor. Like rugs? If you do, and who don’t, then Julie is your “go to” person. Her selection is huge and offers customers a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. If you got your own idea for a rug, then you will want to talk to Julie about custom rugs made with 100% New Zealand Wool and pure silk by JuliesRugs.com.

Maybe you’re not looking for rugs. Julie also offers wonderful furniture pieces. You will see the works of many artists like the works of Bella Bella – art by Lara Moore. Bella Bella designs and builds contemporary tables, mirrors, seating, wall art and accessories featuring Lara’s distinctive, hand cut, paper patterns in rich, saturated colors.

Swag Camel Table from Bella Bella

Every piece is made by hand, to order, and all pieces are protected by a thick, glossy, resin finish for easy care and cleaning. Lara is constantly creating innovative new designs and specializes in custom sizes and patterns. Bella Bella is carried by fine craft galleries and design professionals nationwide. Much of Floorz to Ceilingz inventory were designed and created by Maine artists and artisans.
If you have an interest in murals, Floorz 2 Ceilingz represents the work of Jane Burke at Maine Murals. Maine Murals has been involved in the creation of exciting interiors for well over a decade. Sisters Suzanne Norton and Jane Burke are artists who work both collaboratively and independently. Their commercial work graces  hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and offices; while residential projects range from a tiny 1950″s camping trailer to celebrity mansions.

Faux fireplace by Jane Burke at Maine Murals

Floorz 2 Ceilingz is located at 184 Water Street in Hallowell – right across the street from Slates Restaurant. They are open Wednesday to Saturday 11-5 or by appointment. Their telephone number is 314.0990. You should drop by and see for yourself all this store has to offer.

The former location of Paper Kicks, a mainstay of the Hallowell economy for decades, is about to experience a rebirth. Chickadee and Pine, a card and gift store, will be adding their own flair to Hallowell’s business community at 142 Water Street and from what I’ve seen they have all the ingredients necessary to become a important player in Hallowell’s mercantile sector.

Store Managers, Mary and Gay Patterson, plan to offer a selection of over 850 unique cards from independent suppliers as well as an assortment of seasonally appropriate gift ideas each month. They also plan to continually shop for new items that do not appear in the local area’s retail sector and their offerings will target all age groups.

Their business approach also includes having on hand an ample inventory of bath and beauty products, and, perhaps, candles. It will be interesting to see what else this new business will offer in the weeks and months ahead.

Store hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 – 5 p.m. Be sure to drop by on Old Hallowell Day and take a look around. I suspect this will be one of those stores where anyone who goes in will not come out empty handed.

Remember to always Think Globally and Shop Locally

After winning approvals from the State Department of Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture office in Boston, and the City of Gardiner – and the installation of a phone line at the Gardiner Common by FairPoint, Market Manager Ann “Boo” Hubbard ran a “dry run” last Wednesday, June 10, recording $50 in sales.

“We are very happy that we can make good, fresh food available to a much wider audience now that we can run a food stamp debit card through an EBT (Electronic Business Transfer) machine provided by the State of Maine,” Hubbard said. Statewide, nearly 200,000 Maine residents – 15 percent of the state population – receive food stamps.

Gardiner is only the second farmers’ market in the state to be able to accept food stamps. Lewiston is the other. Most farmers’ markets do not accept food stamps because of the complexity of the approval process, and the lack of managerial help. Typically, farmers’ market managers are vendor/volunteers who perform minimal financial duties.

At the Gardiner market, sponsorship by Gardiner Family Chiropractic and vendor dues help to pay a market manager to keep finances in order. Installation of the land telephone line ($56) and monthly charges of $40 are paid from the market budget by market manager Hubbard, who also manages the food stamp transactions.

People with food stamps can shop the market by purchasing tokens in $5 and $1 amounts from the manager. Vendors redeem the tokens periodically.

“Our biggest job now is to get the word out that we are open for business for people at all income levels,” Hubbard said. “We know this is a big personal priority of Governor and Karen Baldacci and we want everyone to know that day-fresh food is available to all.”

“We also want other farmers’ markets to know that, if they put some effort into it, they can make their products available to a much wider audience,” Hubbard said. There are over 75 farmers’ markets in Maine.

Now in its second year, the Gardiner Farmers’ Market has 15 vendors featuring fresh vegetables, baked goods, grains and flour, prepared foods, fruits and berries. The market is looking for new vendors looking to sell seafood, cheeses and other dairy products. Call Hubbard at 582-3950.

The Summer Market returns to the Gardiner Commons on Wednesday, May 20. The market will be open from 2-6 p.m. every Wednesday until October 28. Stay tuned for information on vendors and events!

Popp’s Farm will be returning to the Gardiner Farmers’ Market along with many other vendors.

Savor Locally Grown Produce at these Regional Farmer’s Markets