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

“What’s so disappointing about this situation is that it was completely unnecessary,” said Hillary Roberts, KVHS Executive Director. “Seven days a week we have staff available to take in stray or abandoned animals, so there is never a reason for community members to simply dump animals at our facility, particularly when the temperatures are so low and could seriously harm these animals or even lead to death.” Roberts says that the cats were left on the loading deck of the shelter, an area that donations are often dropped off at.

“We had staff available that could have taken these cats in from the people who could no longer care for them. This way, the cats would not have been left outside in the freezing cold in cages with no way to find warmer shelter, and we could have collected information about them such as any vaccination histories or their ages. The most important thing to our team at KVHS is, however, that no animal is left to suffer outdoors in these temperatures.”

Roberts says she hopes that community members in need of surrendering their animals will do this responsibly and not abandon pets outside at KVHS or any other location. Winter can be a very dangerous time of year for pets to be left outside and the low temperatures can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, or death.

“Things could have turned out very differently for these animals if they hadn’t been found quickly or had been abandoned in the evening. Luckily, the three cats abandoned at our shelter were found early enough that they are expected to have a full recovery. They are now warm and safe, which is the most important thing. Eventually they will be available for adoption and will have a second chance for a loving home, which is what our work is all about here at KVHS” said Roberts.

Hillary Roberts also says that the shelter’s ability to provide shelter, food, medical care, and a second chance to animals just like these three cats is made possible by donations from local people committed to helping local animals in need. Any one interested in donating to KVHS can do so online at www.pethavenlane.org or by sending a check to 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330. For more information please contact Kennebec Valley Humane Society at (207) 626-3491.

Attached: photos of the 3 cats, named Eva, Fleur, and Tilly by the KVHS staff as well as the cage two of the cats were abandoned in.

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"There are reports from Maine church officials who have received phone calls from individuals requesting help to pay rent," said Attorney General Schneider. "One particular caller was very believable and stated that she needed $170 to rent a home in Winthrop. As it turns out, this particular property is a home which was recently listed for sale and the owner was still living there."

It is believed the scammer obtained the information on any number of websites where properties are listed for sale.

The caller requests the payment be mailed to the "land lady" whose address is a post office box in Washington, D.C.

If you think you have experienced a rental assistance scam, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at(207) 626-8849.

Where Online Fundraiser

URGENT!! URGENT!! URGENT!! URGENT!! URGENT!!

Friends of Homeless Animals, INC was contacted to help rescue six Boston Terriers from a Puppy Mill. Of course, we said we would take all of them. Our mission is to help ALL dogs in need.

These dogs were severely neglected, abused and being used for GREED. We now have them and have had them evaluated for vet care. Every one of them is in need of extensive medical need. One girl, who appeared to have a tumor in her abdomen, turned out to have a herniated womb, with a dead pup inside. She was on the verge of pyometra.

WE NEED OUR SUPPORTERS HELP NOW! PLEASE DONATE TODAY!

WE ACCEPT DONATIONS THROUGH PAYPAL: friendsoha@yahoo.com

These 6 dogs have never walked on grass, never played with a toy – their only purpose in life was to breed pups for a GREEDY breeder. The 3 girls have mammary tumors & one of the boy’s teeth are ground down to nothing from years of chewing on a wire cage. The smallest girl has little muscle mass in her back due to years of being in a cage. ALL need major dentals, extensive medical care & lots of TLC.

Yet, after all these Boston’s have been through, they’ve readily cuddled up in the arms of the rescuers’, giving kisses eagerly. They love and trust their foster mom.

Friends of Homeless Animals has taken them into their rescue, they are now in a foster home in MO and getting the love & care they need.

Please help us to give a happy and healthy life to these adorable Boston’s – their medical needs are astronomical!

Every dollar helps!!!

About Friends of Homeless Animals Inc.

Our Pet List

How we work

Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) is a non-profit organization. We are not a facility but an adoption service. We choose cats and dogs , spay or neuter them and try to get them into foster care or permanent adoptions. No dog becomes a FOHA dog unless we feel that it will make a great pet. These animals can be seen on our website or at our Saturday adoption sites..

How to Adopt

Our application process is streamlined for your convenience. When a person falls in love with the animal we do our best to assure a good match for parent and pet. We rely on our professional judgement and experience in effort to place the pets in permanent loving homes. No adoption happens without an interview and a personal meeting between pet and perspective adopter. We charge $250.00 for dogs + $100.00 refundable on proof of spay/neuter and $50.00 for cats.

How to Foster

We are looking for families that can open up their homes as well as their hearts. Fostering is such an intregal part of what we do. When a dog is fostered it does 3 things: 1)it provides a loving enviornment for the animal to thrive. 2) it gives us very important feedback on the true temperament of the animals, which helps us find it a permanent home and 3) it opens up a space for another abused, abandonded, unwanted or stray animal. A shelter is not a permanent answer. No dog or cat should have to stay there for long term.

Spay and Neuter Policy

Part of your adoption fee goes towards spaying or neutering. We try to have all animals sterilized before they are adopted but that doesn’t always happen. When it doesn’t happen we ask that a spay/neuter agreement be signed and we will reimburse you for a portion of the costs.

Adoption Days

The cats and dogs are transported from the Shelter on Saturday mornings to our adoption site. Our adoptable pets can be seen at Petsmart, West Windsor, NJ from 11:00-3:00pm.

Volunteering and Donations

Volunteers can help the animals by fostering and facilitating off-site adoptions on Saturdays. Donations are always welcomed and appriciated. To become part of the FOHA family please call 609-919-9897.

Friends of Homeless Animals Inc.
44 Nassau St. Suite 375
Princeton NJ 08542
Phone: 609-919-9897
Email: kazarchi@comcast.net
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

sponsored by the Knights of Columbus to benefit the WHCA heating fund

Saturday, January 28th at 7pm

Tickets:
$12 General Admission

“To Warm A Winter’s Night” will feature great music by our local talented musicians, and be a fundraiser for the Washington/Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) heating assistance fund.

Support for the event is community wide, with businesses helping with advertising and musicians donating their talents. Local performers include MacLir Ceilidh Band (Celtic), Bobbi Lane (blues), Stesha Cano and Ben Layman singing duets, and Live Bait (traditional fiddle band). Finn’s Irish Pub will offer a cash bar for beer and wine in the lobby.

“We really wanted to be able to support families who need help with heating this winter,” said Chris Whalley, event organizer for the Knights of Columbus, “and we wanted to bring the community together to share in that. The Grand loved the idea of helping us put on a show … so everybody gets to have fun.”

Businesses or individuals who would like to help sponsor this event by advertising in the program or making a donation can contact Chris Whalley by email or call 667-8288.

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To Warm A Winter’s Night

The Grand Auditorium, 165 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605
Box Office 207.667.9500 | Grand Offices: 207.667.5911 | Email

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

Photo Credit: Nancy McGinnis

Freeport-  Despite the winter weather outside– if you own a female cat, now is the perfect time to ‘BEAT the HEAT’.  Having your female cat spayed in advance of her spring heat cycle will prevent an unwanted litter before the arrival of “kitten season” — when animal shelters are typically faced with a huge rise in the number of unwanted kittens and cats.

During the month of February, the skilled and caring veterinarians and staff at the Community Spay-Neuter Clinic encourage low-income Maine residents to get your female cat fixed for only $20.  This offer is available to eligible cat owners throughout the entire month of February by appointment only– please call the Clinic at (207) 865-0772, and mention BEAT the HEAT. You can also find out about no-cost round trip transportation between the clinic and Augusta, Waterville, Norway or Thomaston.  The Clinic offers year round low cost spaying and neutering for cats and dogs, but special funding through PetSmart Charities has made possible this low cost opportunity at a time when spaying can do the most good.

Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population– and reduce the euthanasia rate at animal shelters.  While some may worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as 8-10 weeks old. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before her first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure can actually improve the health of your pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.  The $20 special price even includes a rabies vaccination.

The Community Spay-Neuter Clinic, located just off Rte. 1 in Freeport, is the only Maine facility that is part of the Humane Alliance‘s National Spay-Neuter Response Team (NSNRT), strategically addressing the American epidemic of our unwanted pet overpopulation.  Dr. Elizabeth Stone, Clinic Director and one of its two veterinarians, notes that “our staff are trained in high-volume, high-quality, targeted low-cost spay-neuter to benefit pet owners who cannot otherwise afford it.”

“Many people don’t realize that female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as six months old,” explains Dr. Stone.  “It’s our goal to bring female cats in before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our ‘Beat the Heat’ promotion is one way to call attention to a serious concern in our community, and to partner with pet owners in our communities to prevent unwanted litters.”

To schedule an appointment, or for more information:

Community Spay-Neuter Clinic
(207) 865-0772
www.communityspayneuterclinic.com

Harold Alfond Foundation Announces Gift to the Maine Community College System and Good Will-Hinckley

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage joined the Harold Alfond Foundation today to announce a $10.85 million gift to the Maine Community College System (MCCS) and to the Good Will-Hinckley (GWH) school in Hinckley, Maine.

The Foundation’s gift will enable the Maine Community College System to expand the capacity of Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield by an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students through the purchase of 600 acres and 13 buildings at Good Will-Hinckley.  By assisting the Maine Community College System in purchasing the property, the gift will help Good Will-Hinckley reopen and support its new Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, a magnet high school offering residential and day programs focused on agriculture, sustainability, forestry, and environmental studies.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Maine Community College System, an institution so vitally important to bringing higher educational opportunities to the people of Maine,” said Greg Powell, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “That we can assist the Maine Community College System and Kennebec Valley Community College while also investing in the future of Good Will-Hinckley, makes this gift a win-win.  We applaud Governor LePage, President Fitzsimmons, and Glenn Cummings for demonstrating extraordinary leadership in facilitating this transaction.”

In addition to the Foundation’s $10.85 million gift, and with the support of Governor LePage and key lawmakers, the State of Maine has appropriated $750,000 to the Maine Community College System to support annual operating costs at the new campus, and $530,000 annually to Good Will-Hinckley to fund operating costs for the Academy’s residential program.

“These were wise investments that will have long-term effects on our youth and our economy,” said Governor LePage.  “By 2018, nearly 60 percent of all jobs in Maine will require post secondary education.  Currently, we have a 20 percent drop-out rate.  We can do better.  Students deserve better.  But we must be willing to blaze a new trail and find out what works best for our kids.  It’s all about our students and offering them a chance to succeed.”

The Foundation’s gift to the Maine Community College System and Good Will-Hinckley comes at a time when the economic mission of education – to prepare students for the workforce – is more important than ever.  This is especially true in Maine, where only 37% of the population has completed a college credential.  The Maine Community College System is meeting this challenge head on – with 93% of its graduates placed in jobs or continuing their education and 85% of its programs being the only ones available in Maine.

Maine’s community colleges are some of the fastest growing in the nation.  Together, the seven schools have grown 83% in the past nine years, from 10,127 students to over 18,500.  However, last year, the colleges were unable to enroll over 4,000 students in their preferred program of study.

Kennebec Valley Community College has doubled in size in the past decade (to over 2,500 students) and has limited room to expand on its Fairfield campus, which the college will continue to operate and which is located eight miles from the new campus.  The Maine Community College System’s acquisition of Good Will-Hinckley property will enable KVCC to address its immediate capacity issues and help meet the state’s workforce development needs in the future.

The property includes an academic building, modern recreation center, organic farm, and a number of other buildings.  Initially, Kennebec Valley Community College anticipates locating several of its programs at the new campus, including line-worker technology.  The college also intends for the property’s organic farm to become home to the state’s first associate degree program in agricultural sciences.

“Harold Alfond dreamed bigger than most of us, and through his foundation his big dreams continue with this remarkable gift to the people of Maine,” said MCCS President John Fitzsimmons in expressing his appreciation for the gift.  “This investment will create a new college campus and will mean that 1,500 to 2,000 more Maine people have access to a college education.  It is a gift that will transform the lives of generations of Maine people.”

The total value of the transaction being announced today is $15.35 million. Of the $10.85 million Harold Alfond Foundation gift, $8.35 million will be awarded to the Maine Community College System for capital improvements to the new Kennebec Valley Community College campus, including $5 million to construct a new wing on the Averill/Alfond school and $3.35 million for campus upgrades and infrastructure. In addition, $1 million will be directed to the MCCS in support of its $4 million acquisition of the land and property at Good Will Hinckley.  The balance of the Foundation’s gift – $1.5 million – will be allocated to Good Will-Hinckley to support school operations and the school’s needs in the future, including the funding of scholarships.  A critical part of completing the transaction was a gift of $2.5 million from the newly formed Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges.

The Maine Community College System’s acquisition of the property, coupled with Good Will-Hinckley’s rebirth as a natural sciences-themed high school with a residential option, has paved the way for an educational partnership among the parties to provide young people with a clear path and the necessary resources to successfully transition from high school to college, and on to the workforce.

The September 2011 launch of the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences represents a new chapter in the history of Good Will-Hinckley, which has served youth and their families for over 120 years.  In 2009, the organization was forced to suspend most of its programs, following a shift in state and federal funding.

“Today begins a new era at our historic institution, one that will transform the lives of a new generation of Maine’s young people. I have no doubt that George Walter Hinckley would be proud of the stewardship of his legacy, which we are securing today,” said Glenn Cummings, Ed.D., President of Good Will-Hinckley. “We are so grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation, Maine Community College System, Governor Paul LePage, and the State Legislature for recognizing the asset this campus is to the state of Maine and what it can mean for Maine’s future.”

The new Academy is the culmination of a broad strategic planning process involving close to 500 stakeholders and volunteers, and led by Larry Sterrs, a former chair of the school’s board, and Kathryn Hunt, the current board chair.  The school will continue the legacy that Reverend George Walter Hinckley started in 1889, with a new focus on hands-on, project-based, and theme oriented learning designed to prepare students to live successful lives as they continue their education and career training.  The school currently enrolls 20 students and is currently accepting applications for next year.  Projected enrollment of day and residential students is over 40 for next year and is expected to grow to 200 in the next decade.

The announcement of the Foundation’s gift to Good Will-Hinckley follows two significant developments of the state level, including funding for its residential program and the passage of charter school legislation.  In regard to the latter,  $1 million of the Harold Alfond Foundation support will be awarded upon the Academy’s successful designation as a charter school under Maine’s new charter school legislation.

About the Harold Alfond Foundation

Founded in 1950, the Harold Alfond Foundation furthers the philanthropic legacy of Harold Alfond, the founder of Dexter Shoe Company and a longtime supporter of Maine communities in which he and his family worked and resided.  Harold Alfond awarded matching challenge grants to organizations to build community partnerships and to inspire and leverage additional giving by others.  He ensured that his philanthropy would live on by committing nearly all of his wealth to the Foundation, which continues to support charitable causes in the State of Maine.

Consistent with Harold Alfond’s own giving pattern and philanthropic principles, the Foundation favors education, healthcare, youth development, and other selected charitable causes.  The Foundation applies Harold Alfond’s business approach to funding decisions, his belief in teamwork, and his love of competition by continuing to award matching challenge grants to projects that meet a demonstrable need, are entrepreneurial, promote teamwork, have measurable performance outcomes, are financially viable, and have quality management and board leadership.

Cheryl Gifford
Spectrum Generations
Director, Muskie Community Center
38 Gold Street
Waterville, ME  04901

(207) 873-4745 ext 102
(207) 872-6168 (fax)

cgifford@spectrumgenerations.org
www.spectrumgenerations.org

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — There is a real concern this year, that people in Maine will not be able to heat their homes. Federal funding that usually helps those on low income, has been slashed nearly in half.

That is why this station is starting Project Heat, a campaign to raise awareness and money for the Keep ME Warm.

The fund is distributed by the United Way, the aims to bridge the gap for families who no longer qualify for federal funds and have no place else to turn when the tank is empty.

The United way will collect and disperse 100 percent of the money all over the state based on poverty levels and population. Most of it will go to the 10 Community Action Programs, which screen people determine if they qualify for federally funded Low Income Heating Assistance. If applicants miss that cut off, if they could then qualify for Keep ME Warm funds.

Some of money raised for keep me warm will also go to towns and churches that have their own heating assistance programs, and can help people who just need a little help filling the tank.

If you need help with heat, call 211. They will direct you to a program that might be able to help.

On Thursday the 19th, WCSH6 and WLBZ 2 are holding a Project Heat Telethon, to raise money for the for the Keep ME Warm fund. We’ll be here from 6am to 8pm answering your calls and taking your donations.

The third in a series of three travelogues will be presented by Marty and David Thornton of Hallowell on Tuesday, January 24th. This program will feature their adventures in Nepal and will include a Tea House Trek. It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta.

The cost for the evening is $6.50 which includes delicious homemade dessert and coffee.

Reservations are required in order to plan for seating and desserts.

Please contact the Thorntons at md travels@ymail.com to make your reservation Proceeds to benefit UUCC.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church
69 Winthrop Street
(Corner of Summer Street)
Augusta, Maine
897-3683

Bailey Public Library, Winthrop, Maine

As 2011 came to a close several Maine libraries were the fortunate recipients of good news in the form of grants. The list includes only those libraries that reported this information to the Maine State Library.

Gibbs Library (Washington) received two grants. One was awarded by for $5,000. The money will be used to replace an 18 year old carpet with new carpet tiles. Another $5,000 came from the Davis Family Foundation to purchase eReaders and content as well as pay the subscription for the Downloadable Books consortia.

Buck Memorial Library (Bucksport) received $2,000 from the Maine Community Foundation/the Maine Charity Fund for the purchase of two public access computers.

Maine Medical Center Library (Portland) received $12,590 with an Express Outreach Award from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine – New England Region to fund a Knowledge Management project. The project will initiate a repository of locally generated research and clinical & academic content to support a KM service built on the foundation of a pilot project with their Sports Medicine Department.

Monhegan Memorial Library received a grant from the Liza Underhill Fund in the amount of $2,800 to repair the gutters and replace the rotten woodwork on their building.

Camden Public Library received $20,000 from the Davis Family Foundation to replace carpeting and a $750 grant through the Maine Memory Network to digitize their Edna St. Vincent Millay collection.

Bailey Public Library (Winthrop) received $74,282 from the Communities for Maine’s Future program to replace the roof on their building.

The Patten Free Library (Bath) has been awarded a $3000 grant from the Alfred Senter Fund in Brunswick to purchase iPads as part of an early literacy program. The iPads will be used in small, supervised classes with parents and their pre-school children, and will focus on teaching and learning early reading skills.

The Bangor Public Library received a grant for $3,600 grant from the Maine Community Foundation for an E-Book Reading Club. The purpose is twofold: to provide access to new technology to those who have not yet experienced using E-Readers; and to reacquaint those who are using E-Readers with Library service in the “digital age”. The Library would purchase E-Readers loaded with the selected title to be discussed at a monthly book discussion group. Also pre-loaded would be reviews of the title, information about the authors and other interesting information about the book, the author and its subject. The Library would also purchase 5 additional digital copies of the title that could be borrowed by those having their own E-reader and 15 paperback copies and audiobook versions, if available. This would allow group participants to see which format best suits an individual’s need. After the first year, these kits could be passed along to other reading groups, at this or other libraries.

Another Davis Family Foundation grant in the amount of $6,000 went to the Auburn Public Library. The funds will be used for their Teen Space. Worn out and broken furniture will be replaced, a flat screen LED TV with built in DVD for the room will be purchased and healthy snacks will be provided to teens each week for one year. The grant will also fund after-school homework help for teens 5 hours per week for the next 20 weeks.

Springvale Public Library received a Let’s Talk About It” Maine Humanities grant for a “Making Sense of the Civil War” book discussion program which they will coordinate with Parson’s Memorial Library and Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library.

Long Lake Public Library (St. Agatha) also received the same grant for a series entitled “Entering Nature: Contemporary Views of the Human Self in the Natural World.”

Washington County Community College was awarded $25,000 for print books to update various subject areas. This was part of a grant awarded to the Maine Community College System by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.

The Naples Public Library received a grant in November from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation in Portland. The purpose of the grant is to improve access to technology. This will include upgraded equipment, monthly classes for library patrons, upgrade and secure our wireless network, provide eReaders, and provide an audio listening center in the children’s library. Bridgton Public Library (Youth Services) was just awarded a planning grant from Maine Reads for $250 for the next three years. The Jesup Memorial Library (Bar Harbor) recently received $8,419 from the Belvedere Fund for Historic Preservation and $5,000 from the Hattie A. & Fred C. Lyman Trust to replace antiquated skylight panels with laminated glass.

Baxter Memorial Library received a $250.00 planning grant from Maine Reads! Community Literacy Project.

The second in a series of three travelogues will be presented by Marty and David Thornton of Hallowell on Tuesday, January 17th. The program will feature The Aegean and Mediterranean Regions of Turkey and will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta.

The cost for the evening is $6.50 which includes delicious homemade dessert and coffee. Reservations are required in order to plan for seating and desserts.

Please contact the Thorntons at md travels@ymail.com to make your reservation Proceeds to benefit UUCC.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church
69 Winthrop Street
(Corner of Summer Street)
Augusta, Maine
897-3683

Rockland Elks Lodge

Event is January 20th
Tickets on Sale Until January 19th

Help Heat Homes Benefit!
200 tickets
Jan 19, 2012
$6.00 Tickets
$1.32 Fee

Order Now

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Help Heat Homes – a volunteer local initiative to help raise money for heating the homes of those in need.
Spaghetti Dinner w/ live entertainment featuring Static Coda ~ with Mary Bergey!!

Doors open at 5 pm
$6 per person
50/50 raffle
100% of the proceeds go to heat the homes of those in our community.

Event Location:

Rockland Elks Lodge
210 Rankin St., Rockland

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

For more information, contact:
Jan Dolcater: 236-8625
Cynthia Rosen: 691-2803

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

The first in a series of three fascinating travelogues will be presented by Marty and David Thornton of Hallowell on Tuesday, January 10th. The program  will feature Istanbul and Cappadocia and will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta.

The cost is $6.50 for the evening which includes delicious homemade dessert and coffee.  Reservations are required in order to plan for seating and desserts.

Please contact the Thorntons at  md travels@ymail.com  to make your reservation    Proceeds to benefit UUCC.

md travels@ymail.com to make your reservation Proceeds to benefit UUCC.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church
69 Winthrop Street
(Corner of Summer Street)
Augusta, Maine
897-3683

Homeless Man in Portland, photo credit: duckpondworks.com

Monday, January 9, 2012
5:00pm until 7:00pm

Portland City Hall
Council Chambers
389 Congress Street,
Portland, ME

Description

This project is being created in Portland Maine as a model to stabilize our local economy through business involvement in the community with corporate sponsorship and employment opportunities for apprentice programs.

This new organization is being founded to give homeless, unemployed and underemployed Mainers the opportunity to gain viable skills that can get them back on track and making livable wages while helping to stabilize local businesses and re-educating people who have fallen on hard times and want to help themselves. Also, at the base level this project will help people find their voice, a purpose, and empower them to realize their potential as human beings and contributing members of our community and society at large.

We want to tell the stories of those who have fallen on hard times and also to help get people back on the right track while helping our local businesses and community through private partnerships. Our goals are still being set and although this project is a very ambitious one, we are sure with the help of volunteers and businesses we can all make it a reality.

We are currently seeking people who would like to participate in the steering committee and other groups to get this program off the ground. We are also seeking corporate partners who are willing to offer their business as a potential apprentice location or who can help with corporate funding.

If you have marketing skills, or you want to be involved in your community more or just want to help us get this program going, please feel free to contact Charles E Bragdon at 207-615-9353 or email theportlandmainegazette@gmail.com. Or Chris Ledue Shorr at cshorr@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Please share this event with all your friends, family and business contacts and help us make this a reality and help our neighbors get their lives back on track while creating a model that the rest of the country can look to for ideas in innovation, community involvement and economic development.

Brunswick Hotel and Ocean Side Grill
39 West Gran Avenue
Old orchard Beach, ME 04064

Date

January 1st, 2012

Times

Dip at Noon sharp

Fees

Each dipper must raise a minimum of $100 in pledges in order to dip

ENVIRONEWS

From Maine’s Leading Environmental Voice

The Natural Resources Council of Maine www.nrcm.org
NRCM Polar Bear Plunge and 5k Race 

Saturday, December 31, East End Beach, Portland

POLAR BEAR DIP AND 5K RACE TO HELP FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING, DECEMBER 31 IN PORTLAND

Looking for a feel good adrenaline rush? Be bold in the cold with a plunge into the Atlantic and/or winter jaunt around Back Cove to support the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to reduce global warming pollution.  The bone-chilling fun will take place at Portland’s East End on Saturday, December 31,and the 5k finish line is at East End Beach for those who would like to walk or run and dip too.

Registration for the run begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Back Cove parking lot (across from Hannaford’s). Registration for the Dip begins at 11:30 a.m. at East End Beach. The walk begins at 11, the run at 11:15, and the dip at noon – the “warmest” part of the day!

The run will be timed by 5k Sports Race Management and all runners or walkers will receive a custom bib to keep forever as a badge of honor. In addition, the first 200 to sign-up for the Dip, the Dash, or both will receive a commemorative water bottle.

The registration fee is $30 and friends and family can pledge to help raise money and awareness about global warming and what NRCM is doing right here in Maine to curb it.

The two top fundraisers will receive a snazzy Patagonia jacket and hand-made-in-Maine polar bear mug. The third place fundraiser will also receive a Patagonia jacket. The next eight fundraisers will receive hand-knit polar bear hats. And, the first male and first female to finish the 5k and the two best polar bear costumes will all receive hand-made polar bear mugs!

And, it will be fun, with folks in polar bear costumes, hot drinks, and pastries from Whole Foods.

To participate, register at http://supporters.nrcm.org/register. Pledge online at http://supporters.nrcm.org/dipdash.

Judy Berk * Natural Resources Council of Maine * 3 Wade Street Augusta, ME 04330 * jberk@nrcm.org * 207.430.0103 * mobile 207.462.2192 * 1.800.287.2345 ext 203 * fax 207.622.4343 * www.nrcm.org

Local Maine businesses sponsoring the event are: WCLZ, Clynk, ReVision Energy, Delorme, Patagonia, Penobscot Home Performance, Portland Financial Planning Group, Spectrum Medical Group, Malley Weber, and Whole Foods Market.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Get the best seats and enjoy flexibility with free exchange privileges. Save today with 5-Show subscriptions starting at $175. CLICK HERE Please note that seating restrictions apply.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: There’s only short number of days left before Christmas! Order your gift certificates online for a fixed amount or call the box office directly at 207.646.5511 to buy gift certificates in other amounts. CLICK HERE to order your gift certificates online and then print out a gift announcement right from your home computer.

3-SHOW SUBSCRIPTIONS: See the first show, the last show, and one other show of your choice. Prices start at $99. CLICK HERE Please note that the $99 Mini-Subscription is restricted to Super Saver seating areas only. Seating restrictions apply.

MEMBERSHIPS: Memberships come in different levels and make fantastic gifts. Make that special someone a “Playhouse Insider” with special discounts, events and so much more! CLICK HERE now.

GIVING GARDEN GIFTS:  Remember that special someone with a part of our new Giving Garden coming in 2012.CLICK HERE for more info.

Dear Friend of the Ogunquit Playhouse:

Actors, community members and charitable foundations all have their reasons for supporting the Ogunquit Playhouse. What is your reason? Is it the Broadway quality performances? Is it our unique education and outreach programs for young and old alike? Is it to preserve the National Historic Registered theatre? What does the Playhouse mean to YOU?

Many people don’t realize that ticket sales cover only a portion of the costs to maintain our historic Playhouse and produce the high-quality Broadway shows each season. We, therefore, depend on the generosity of people like you to ensure that this jewel of our country’s theatrical heritage continues to shine. Please help us by making a contribution in any amount, to our annual fundraising appeal online or by mail.  Want to mail in your donation? CLICK HERE to print out a donation form now.

When you contribute to the Ogunquit Playhouse, you are not just supporting our cultural heritage and quality of life, you are also supporting the economic vitality of our region. The Playhouse draws 80,000 visitors annually to our community who spend over $2 million at local businesses; and employs hundreds of full and part-time staff. A financially strong Playhouse means a strong regional economy!  CLICK HERE to read more!

I’ve never felt like I had to make an appeal but I, too, provide a service and have supported the The Valley Voice out of pocket since its inception in April of 2009. But, I recently got to thinking that money is getting a little tighter and there are some little things I feel would really help me improve The Valley Voice mission. I would love to have a video media capability, a new computer and new software installed that would allow for live interviews, video streaming etc. Just a few things like that.

So, this Holiday Season if you could send whatever you might be able to my magazine I would really appreciate it and what a great start to the New Year it would be.

I do believe in Santa Claus!

Thanks for you consideration.

I have no pay-pal capability so please make your donation by check and mail it to:

George L. Tibbetts Jr.
85 Marks Lane
Gardiner, Maine 04345

Thank You Very Much, Happy Holidays and a Happy and Prosperous 2012

(Hallowell – December 20, 2011) Since 1998 Spectrum Generations has worked with our local partners on a special project to remember those who are elderly and frail.  The Meals on Wheels Christmas Ornament Project continues to be a success thanks to the generosity of our community.  Individuals, businesses or organizations purchase handmade Christmas ornaments crafted and donated by local volunteers and school children.  The money collected ($4.00 for each ornament) goes toward the cost of the meals while the ornaments are gifted to the homebound seniors and disabled adults.

Spectrum Generations collaborates with central Maine schools and organizations to create these special ornaments. Some of the schools and organizations participating in the ornament project include; Pittston School, Girl Scout Troop 522, Manchester Elementary, Winthrop Grade School and the Henry Cottrell Elementary School.  Year after year these donors have worked “SO That No Senior Goes Hungry.”  Shelly Simpson, Principal of Pittston School, states, “It has been such a pleasure to be partnered with Spectrum Generations for the last seven years helping others in need.  The students at Pittston School have really embraced this opportunity to lend a hand in the community.  They take great pride in making ornaments, special gifts for our local citizens during the many holidays throughout the year and collecting coins for the annual Meals on Wheels Penny Drive.  We hope to maintain our partnership for many years to come.”

The ornaments are very much appreciated by the Meals on Wheels consumers.  Often the ornaments are kept on display throughout the year!  “One elderly lady comes to mind.” states Lynda Johnson, Nutrition Coordinator, “she was very frail, after falling and breaking her hip, but always had a smile on her face and had something nice to say each time she was delivered a meal.  After receiving the ornament last Christmas, she was very quiet and thoughtful, looking at me with tears in her eyes, she said, “Is this really for me?  Please thank the children that made me this ornament.  I will treasure it forever.”  “I found out later that this homemade gift was the only gift she received that year.”

Approximately 1,500 homebound adults depended on Spectrum Generations to deliver as many as 200,000 Meals on Wheels to 128 towns across central Maine last year! The average cost of each meal is approximately $5.60, although the average donation is less than $1.00 per meal.  If you would like to support the Meals on Wheels 2011 Holiday Ornament Project, contact Lynda Johnson, PO Box 272, Hallowell, Maine 04347.   Please make checks payable to Spectrum Generations.  For more information, call (207) 626-7777 or email atljohnson@spectrumgenerations.org.

As an advocate and voice of homebound and disabled residents, Spectrum Generations thanks you for your support of this project and its many other efforts to bring services and resources to central Maine adults.

The public is invited to call the Spectrum Generations Consumer Helpline at 1-800-639-1553.  The Agency’s web site is located at www.spectrumgenerations.org.

Holly Couture
Public Ed Coordinator
Spectrum Generations
1-800-282-0764 ext. 146
TTY 1.800.464.8703
www.spectrumgenerations.org