The carnival continues on Thursday and Friday beginning at 4 pm and will run until about 9:30pm. Bring the whole family down to the beautiful waterfront and enjoy food from our vendors and the live bands playing.  Enjoy the sounds of Kate and the Kindred on Thursday, and Sweatband on Friday as they entertain visitors on the Kennebec River boardwalk from 7pm to 10pm.

Plan on spending most of your day in Gardiner on Saturday, June 23.  Christ Church will be hosting a pancake breakfast to start things off, and Colossal Yard Sale from 8 to 3.  From 9am to 4pm the Gardiner Public Library will be holding its annual book sale with many great treasures to be discovered.  Downtown Water Street will be closed to vehicular traffic so we can celebrate the 10th Annual Gardiner Arts & Crafts Festival from 10am – 4pm.  There will be specialty food vendors, and wonderful arts and crafts from Maine artisans.  In front of Johnson Hall from 10 am to noon, children can work with artists from the Center for Maine Craft. to create art projects to take home.  Great live music and entertainment will be presented in Johnson Hall mini-park. At noon, Ampersand Academy of Dance will perform; at 1:15pm, Magician Bruce Johnson will amaze and entertain; and at 2:30pm, the Maranacook String Band plays bluegrass music.  In case of rain, the entertainment moves inside Johnson Hall.  From 12pm to 4pm, entertainer Rick Adam will wander from Water Street to the Waterfront and make you laugh with character comedy, clowning, balloon animals, stilt-walking, and more.

The Gardiner Waterfront is another fun place to be.  The carnival will be open all day and there are plenty of food vendors.  There will also be an opportunity to support many local non-profit organizations at their tables.  Fire Department demonstrations throughout the day are a new addition to the events. A Coast Guard vessel will be docked along the waterfront and it will be opened for tours all day.  The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gardiner will be on hand from noon to 3 pm with children’s activities, face-painting and games.

Why go home for supper?  Restaurants downtown and food vendors at the waterfront will remain open all day.  The famous Johnson Hall Waterfront Talent Show, hosted by comedian Gary Crocker, will begin at 6:30PM.  Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the sights and sounds of talented amateur performers from throughout our greater Kennebec Valley area.  There will be no need to move as the fabulous fireworks display, sponsored by Gardiner Federal Credit Union, will be launched from the river right by the stage.  Rain date for the Talent Show only, is Sunday, June 24 at 3PM in Gardiner Area High School Theater.

Don’t miss this wonderful festival!  Come to Gardiner, Maine and enjoy the beautiful waterfront, dine on some delicious local cuisine and support our local arts and culture. Shops and restaurants are open as well. Bring the whole family and stay for the day. There is plenty of designated parking and lots of entertainment. The event is organized by the GGRF Committee and brought to you by generous sponsors: The Bank of Maine, Central Maine Pyrotechnics, City of Gardiner, Gardiner Federal Credit Union, Eagles/Cobbossee Aerie #4330, Macdonald Page & Co., Kennebec Savings Bank, Pine State Beverage, Portland North Truck Center, Russ Williams Fuel, Country Fare, Inc., Chapman’s Fuel, American Legion Smith Wiley Post 4, Kennebec Tailoring and Mending, Fuller’s Market, Harvey’s Hardware, and The Depot Pub.  Please call the Gardiner Public Library at 207-582-3312 if you need more information.    ##

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center
“Entertainment & More Since 1864″
280 Water Street, PO Box 777
Gardiner, ME 04345
(207) 582-7144
www.johnsonhall.org

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Gardiner, Maine -

This family friendly event begins with a bicycle parade through Historic Downtown Gardiner, followed shortly thereafter by a motorcycle parade from Mike’s Water Street Grill, around Gardiner, to Waterfront Park.  Waterfront Park is reserved for motorcycle and bicycle parking only.

“The summer season is about spending time outdoors with family and friends.  I can’t think of a better way to officially usher in summer in Maine than on the beautiful Kennebec River.”  Says Patrick Wright, Executive Director of Gardiner Main Street.  “To arrive in style on the two-wheeled vehicle of your choice is just icing on the cake.”

All are welcome to participate in the parades, pre-registration is not necessary.

Some of Downtown Gardiner’s great restaurants will again be vying for the coveted title of “Gardiner’s Best Pizza”.  The format for this competition is a “walkabout”.  Registrants will be able to purchase a ballot for $8 at Waterfront Park, Johnson Park, and at participating restaurants.  Merchants will punch the ballot once the participant receives a pizza sample.  Ballots will include a map of Downtown Gardiner showing location of participating restaurants.  Complete ballots will be accepted at a table located in Waterfront Park.

Spaces in Waterfront Park will are available for other food and novelty vendors, and the National Guard will again showcase their inflatable obstacle course.  Several nonprofit organizations such as the Kennebec River Rail Trail, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, and The Dempsey Challenge will be presenting information about their organizations.  New in 2012, beginning at 6:30pm, The Nikki Hunt Band will entertain crowds as they gather for Maine’s Largest Fireworks display at dusk.

Schedule of Events:

4:00pm – Gardiner Police Department’s annual “Bike Rodeo” – Gardiner’s Safety Officer will be hosting bicycle and helmet checks, along with safety training and a biking obstacle course.  (Hannaford Parking Lot near Rail Trail Kiosk)

5:30pm -   Bicycle parade from Rail Trail (Hannaford parking lot), Right onto Maine Av., Right through Arcade Parking Lot, Left onto Water Street, Left onto Maine Av and into Waterfront Park. (Lineup at 5:20pm) – Brought to you by The Dempsey Challenge

5:30pm – 7:30pm – 3^rd Annual “Gardiner’s Best Pizza” people’s choice competition.  Participating restaurants in 2012 include Gerards Pizza, Dennis’ Pizza, Red’s Pizza, Water Street Café, Sweet Love, and Mike’s Water Street Grill.  Ballots can be purchased at participating restaurants and at two central locations (Waterfront Park and Johnson Park). – Brought to you by Kennebec Savings Bank.

6:00pm – Motorcycle parade from Mike’s Water Street Grill (469 Water Street), Left onto Water Street, Right onto Brunswick Ave (US 201), Right onto (I-295 exit 49), Right onto Lewiston Rd. (US 126 exit 51), through Historic Water Street, Left onto Maine Av, Right into Waterfront Park.  (Lineup at 5:50pm) – Brought to you by North Country Harley Davidson.

6:30pm – 8:30pm – Nikki Hunt Band at Waterfront Park. – Brought to you by Quirk Ford and The Depot Pub.

9:00pm (ish) – Maine’s Largest Fireworks show, at Waterfront Park. – Brought to you by Pyro City.

This event is made possible by generous sponsorships from Pyro City, Quirk Ford, Kennebec Savings Bank, The Dempsey Challenge, North Country Harley Davidson, Lisa’s Legit Burritos, Dennis’ Pizza, Gerard’s Pizza, Mathieu’s Cycle and Fitness, and Auclair Cycle and Ski.  Mix 107.9 is the official media sponsor.  Gardiner Main Street is a non-profit organization committed to revitalizing Downtown Gardiner, Maine as a regional commercial, civic, and cultural hub.  For more information, visit www.gardinermainstreet.org , email info@gardinermainstreet.org, or call 582-3100.

Patrick Wright, Executive Director
Gardiner Main Street
207.582.3100
director@gardinermainstreet.org
www.gardinermainstreet.org

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PO Box 194
Gardiner, ME  04345

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Wed., May 23, 5-7 pm
Sat., May 26, 2-4 pm

All ages and all talents are welcome to try out.  Amateur only!  Acts will be auditioned in the order of arrival.  Advance registration is not required, but you can call 582-7144 to advise which day you will be auditioning. A limited number of acts will be chosen to perform at the Talent Show, to be held on the evening of June 23 on the Gardiner waterfront. Cash prizes.

Part of the Greater Gardiner River Festival.

Lincoln School
30 Lincoln Street  
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 626-2483

Teen-Elementary School Shows (TESS) – an after-school program

TESS 2012 theme is Dr. Seuss.   Plays will be based on “If I Ran the Zoo,”  “And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” and “The Butter Battle Book.”  This year, funding allows us to present only one session, at Lincoln School, Augusta, in May.  The performance will be at Lincoln School on May 24, at 6 pm.

Support for TESS 2012 is from:

Wing-Benjamin Trust
Evergreen Foundation
Gosline-Murchie Insurance Agency
Attorney Karen Boston
Lincoln School

STAFF, 2012:

Theater Director: Kathleen Nation
Art Director: Nancy Barron
Teen Theater Directors: Sarah Kaplan, Noah Gallagher, Shaun Gallagher (all of Cony H.S.)
Teen Art Directors: Willa Barron, Maggie Coffin (both of Gardiner Area H.S.)

Teen-Elementary School Shows (TESS) – an after-school program

Depending on grant funding, Johnson Hall offers this program to two or three schools in the Capital area each spring.  TESS is offered free to participating students, because it is funded by grants, business sponsors, and $600 from each School PTA.

In Teen-Elementary School Shows, Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center hires professional theater and art directors to supervise the after-school program, and teenagers who are accomplished in theater and art to conduct it.  The program works on several levels–as a learning experience for teenagers and for elementary students, and to introduce school communities to live theater.  The adult theater director works with the theater teens to choose a subject and to write several short plays.   The themes over the eight years of the program have ranged from Aesop’s Fables and Winnie the Pooh, to the books of a local author and Greek myths. In 2007, the theme was Wicked Far Off-Broadway: Maine Stories and 2008, “TESS Goes Green,” and in 2010, “Classic Talespins,” new takes on favorite fairy tales.

Our professional director helps the teens write appropriate plays for the developmental level of the elementary students who will be performing. Johnson Hall staff work closely with the school administration and teachers to educate them about the program and contract with each school. Then JH staff distributes information and registration forms in the schools for the free program. The professional art director and several teens make a lively sign-up poster for the school bulletin board, and visit classes to promote interest in signing up. Students are accepted as theater or art students on a first-come, first-served basis. When the after-school program begins, teens lead the elementary students in theater exercises, decide who to cast in each play, rehearse and produce the plays. The art students, with teen directors supervising, create props, backdrops, and costumes. (The adults are always available for assistance.) The sessions are two weeks in duration at each participating school. Finally, they present the finished plays to each school population at an afternoon show, and to the parents and community at an evening show the same day.

TESS provides a live theater and creative art experience to elementary students and their proud parents. A lot of learning is woven into the fun and humor of the plays- about literature, performance, creativity, art, the children’s own abilities, and about how important each of them is to the whole. Many programs feature adults conducting theater or music in the schools. But the special magic of TESS is the key role of the teens.

Benefits of TESS:

Helps schools meet the Maine Learning Results performing arts and public speaking requirements.

TESS plays are based on literature, so it encourages students to read books, and increases their interest in literature.

Provides a creative activity after school, when many children are unsupervised and studies show they are more likely to get in trouble.

Offers a live theater experience in elementary schools.

Offers an art experience to those who may not want to appear on stage.

Brings children and teens together for a positive, creative experience. The young people see the teens as good role models.

The teens also learn– theater techniques and terms, time management, flexibility, how to work with a group of lively children, and leadership skills. The program encourages creativity and initiative among teens, and gives them job experience.

Professional Staff:

Theater Director: Kathleen Nation
Art Director: Nancy Barron

Summer Shenanigans

Visual and Performing Arts Camp at Johnson Hall

Summer Shenanigans

Visual and Performing Arts Day Camp at Johnson Hall

2012 Schedule:

June 25-June 29 : Session I, is a half-day, 9 am-noon, for kids entering grades K-1.

July 9-13: Session II, 9 am-4 pm, for kids entering grades 2-4.

July 16-20: Session III, 9 am-4 pm, for kids entering grades 4-6.

July 23-27: Session IV, 9 am-4 pm, for kids entering grades 7-9.

Registration brochure available here: Summer Shen Brochure–2012.

Teen Job Application, for volunteers or paid staff, click here: Teen job app update 2012

Summer Shenanigans is an unusual theater and art camp, because kids create and perform a play, from A to Z, based on their own ideas. ANYTHING can happen when they create a play! At the beginning of the week, they decide what character they want to be, and they develop the locations and plot as a group. They learn how to make the audience believe they’re someone else: travelers from another country, a flying asteroid, a slippery shadow or maybe a giant grasshopper! They learn stage directions and acting techniques, and they make their own props, costumes, and sets. At the end of the week, campers’ family and friends come and watch the performance, which is sure to be fun and amazing!

Summer Shenanigans Visual and Performing Arts Day Camp incorporates both the visual and the performing arts.  Our staff is made up of artists and performers experienced in teaching children of all ages.  Our goal is to provide developmentally- appropriate, stimulating artistic experiences that are FUN!

Performing Arts instruction involves character building, improvisation, creative movement and story-telling skills.  Visual arts instruction will include a variety of possible media, ranging from painting through clay sculpture, fiber art, print or mask making, simple set and props construction.

Four sessions are held, for varied age groups. 

What is a week at Summer Shenanigans like?

Campers spend their time with a minimum of two adult staff members and one teen intern at all times. On the first morning of each session, the Performing Arts Instructors will use structured, age-appropriate activities to help the campers use their imagination to develop a story they can tell together through performance. The Visual Arts Instructors will join the group during the morning to help decide which media and activities will match the play that has been born.

From then on, instructors and campers will spend half of each day on performing arts, half on visual arts. On Friday, they present a show for parents and also have artwork to take home. Campers need to provide their own bag lunches for sessions II, III, and IV and a snack for Session I. To get some fresh air, campers spend time outside in the mini-park next to Johnson Hall, and also occasionally go to the Common or the riverfront. They visit the Gardiner Public Library to learn how to use the library and to get resources for developing their characters and ideas for sets and costumes.

Tuition is charged for this day camp.

STAFF

Kathleen Nation, Theater Director, Sessions 2-4 and Upstage Youth Company
Kathleen trained at USM, Roehampton Institute in London, New Playwright’s Theater in Denver and Orange Coast College in California. She has directed both Winter and Summer Shenanigans for several years, and Johnson Hall’s Teen-Elementary School Shows (TESS) after-school program. She is a performing arts instructor for Augusta Adult Ed and Monmouth Middle School. She is also the Artistic Director for Monmouth Community Theater and directs the Olios of Cony’s Chizzle Wizzle.

Laura Howe, Art Director, all sessions
Laura studied at Maine College of Art and received her BFA from University of Southern Maine with a specialty in printmaking. She has taught art at Spiral Arts, Camp Vega, MECA, Portland Museum of Art, and in public schools. Laura has exhibited in community and gallery shows. She is currently an art teacher in MSAD#52, in the Greene and Leeds Schools.

Iona McCabe, Theater Director, Session 1
Iona has studied theater and dance in New York City and at USM.  She spent a year touring and directing with the Missoula Children’s Theater, has conducted Creative Movement Classes at Johnson Hall, and has been directing Shenanigans camps here since 1998.

*********************

johnsonhall

Johnson Hall is available for rentals for shows, events, meetings. FMI (207) 582-7144

Diverse Arts Programs, Year-Round Professional Shows

Sounds Good! Music Live at Johnson Hall Series
Classical concert
Center Stage theatrical series
Lively Lunches in Johnson Hall Mini-Park—music and theater
Entertainment Stage in the Park at Greater Gardiner River Festival

For Children and Teens:

Teen Band Shows
Summer Shenanigans Visual & Performing Arts Day Camp
Winter Shenanigans Visual & Performing Arts Day Camp
Art in the Park at Greater Gardiner River Festival
Teen-Elementary School Shows (theater and art after-school)

Community Shows
Waterfront Talent Show at Greater Gardiner River Festival
“Omar Ricardo” cabaret shows
Open Book Players–Community Readers’ Theatre

Rentals for events, meetings, classes, rehearsals and more, year-round.

Blog

New Board member and New Board Officers

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center Elects New Board Member and Officers

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center welcomes a new member elected to the Board of Directors at its recent Annual Meeting.  Dennis Carolin is Chief Financial Officer of The Bank of Maine. He has had diverse experience, including auditing for the Big 8 companies, real estate development, international trade, reinsurance,…
Read more…

Challenging Theater?

If you like to be challenged by theater, as well as entertained, try Jimmy Higgins: A Life in the Labor Movement on Saturday, Nov. 19.  Jimmy dramatically takes you through his childhood in Ohio, the death of his older brother in World War I, and the beginnings of the labor movement, which he observes as a reporter.  Reservations are slow…
Read more…

Live Performance Magic

We like to bring you variety, depth of experience, and entertainment. Let us know what shows you’d like to see and hear. We are always looking for ideas.  It’s fun to fill Johnson Hall with music or theater-lovers. They enjoy the shows, but also enjoy the company of their neighbors, friends and even strangers (who don’t stay that way very…
Read more…

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center | 280 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine | 207-582-7144
www.johnsonhall.org | email us

For RFP:  http://www.gardinermaine.com/Public_Documents/GardinerME_WebDocs/20120516%20City%20of%20Gardiner%20Libby%20Hill%20Business%20Park%20Outreach.pdf

NEXT ELECTION DATE:   June 12, 2012

Maine residents may register to vote anytime, including the day of the election.  You must be 18 years of age and a resident of the City of Gardiner.  Proof of residency and proof of identity is required, such as a driver’s license indicating a physical street address in Gardiner (not a post office box or mailing address).

***Any 17 year old that will be 18 before the November election may vote in the June Primary.

If you are in a party but are considering changing your party enrollment for the June 12 primary, the last day to make changes is May 28.   City Hall is closed on Memorial Day so May 25 will be the last day for changes in Gardiner.

If you are currently not enrolled in a party, you may declare a party up to and including June 12.

The last day to register to vote by mail is May 23.   However, the Registrar of Voters is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.

We have four voting districts, however, all voting is held at one consolidated voting place

Gardiner Area Boy’s & Girls Club
14 Pray Street
Polls open 8:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Absentee ballots are available at City Hall or applications are available online or by calling 582-4460.   In addition to normal business hours, the Clerk’s Office will also be open for absentee voting and registration the following:

Sample Ballots for June 2012 Election

MSAD11 will hold a Budget Validation meeting on May 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the High School.    The budget that is determined at the meeting will be voted by District Referendum on June 12.   Absentee ballots will be available on May 30 for the MSAD11 Referendum

The Gardiner Library Association is a non-profit organization composed of more than 100 volunteers.  This Association owns and maintains the library and the surrounding grounds and it also donates money towards the purchase of library materials.

Next time you are in the library, visit the gorgeous Children’s Room and see why everyone is raving about this new technology.  Please bring your own earbuds if you wish to listen in private. For more information about library services, please call 207-582-3312.

The library is located at 152 Water Street, Gardiner.

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

TO:     Mayor MacLean, Members of the City Council, and Department Heads

FROM:    Scott Morelli, City Manager

DATE:    May 18, 2012

RE:      Weekly Memo

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Next Week’s City Meetings are available on our Calendar

Below please find an update on recent City activities:

• REMINDER: Members of the public can view the FY13 budget information by visiting the City’s website at www.gardinermaine.com
• Phase one electrical work at the waterfront should be completed by today. City staff has also completed the installation of the finger docks at the waterfront, with others to be installed in short order.  Finally, McGee Construction will be re-paving the waterfront on Monday and Tuesday, and should soon be finishing up their punch list items as well
• REMINDER: Gardiner Main Street’s “Ride Into Summer” event (formerly “Hawgs, Pies, and Fireworks”) will be held downtown next Friday, May 25^th.  Events begin at 4 p.m. and will be capped off by a generously donated fireworks show by Central Maine Pyrotechnics at 9 p.m.  For more information, please visit Gardiner Main Street’s website
• The American Legion will be hosting their annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 28. The parade will be followed by a dedication ceremony for those who dedicated time and money to the “Flags Across Gardiner” effort, as well as those for whom flags were donation in honor of
• The City of Gardiner seeks proposals from marketing/advertising and public relations firms to create an outreach strategy for the municipally-owned Libby Hill Business Park as well as reinforced efforts to promote an appealing Gardiner identity to prospective businesses in Maine, New England, Québec, and the Canadian Maritimes; effective communication of Libby Hill’s business advantages and financial incentives; a strategic plan for cultivating relevant business development contacts and attendance at trade shows and trade events; and Internet-based resources and outreach that project Gardiner’s rich industrial history as a foundation for progress.  Deadline for submissions is June 13, 2012 at 10:00 AM
• The City of Gardiner is seeking proposals from marketing/advertising and website development firms to create a community-focused information distribution website for our residents and community, with a strong branding element that also creates an appealing identity to visitors and the outside world.  Deadline for submissions is June 13, 2012 at 10:00 AM
• REMINDER: The City of Gardiner is seeking bids for sixteen (16) park signs demonstrating historic and natural resources, to be installed at the Waterfront Park and Marina.  Sign material must be suitable for exterior installation and meet the criteria specified in this request.  Completed Bids must be delivered by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2012
• REMINDER: The City of Gardiner is accepting proposals for Planning Consultant Services to Update the Comprehensive Plan.  The deadline for submission of proposals is 4:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2012
• REMINDER: There will be a District Budget Meeting on the proposed MSAD 11 budget on Tuesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. in the Gardiner Area High School Gymnasium.  The budget approved that night will go before voters for a referendum vote on Tuesday, June 12.   Under the proposed budget, Gardiner will see a reduction of over $97,000 in its assessment
• REMINDER: The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will occur tomorrow, Saturday, May 19^th, from 9 am to Noon at the Augusta Public Works garage on 55 North Street.  Residents can get rid of unwanted chemicals (such as cleaners), medications, sharps, and electronic waste (such as old TVs).  You must pre-register by stopping in to City Hall or calling 582-4460

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Gardiner as City Manager

Gardiner City Hall – 6 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm   (207) 582-4200

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On Monday, May 21, the Gardiner Conservation Committee, Buildings and Grounds and Public Works will be planting trees purchased with a grant from Project Canopy at the Arcade Parking lot and on the Gardiner Common. Trees make our world a better place. They filter the air we breath, they give us shade on a hot day and healthy trees beautify our surroundings.

Volunteers are needed to fertilize, stake and mulch the new trees.

We will begin about 8:30 at the Arcade Parking lot. Bring a spade or rake or edger.

Please help!

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For RFP Specifics please follow this link:

http://www.gardinermaine.com/Public_Documents/GardinerME_WebDocs/20120516%20City%20of%20Gardiner%20EconComDev%20Community%20Website%20RFP.pdf

Ride Into Summer:

Come on two wheels or two feet, but make sure you come to Gardiner Main Street’s Summer Kickoff event “Ride Into Summer” – brought to you by Gardiner Main Street and Pyro City, is a wicked tasty way to kick-off the summer season in Maine.  Mark your calendar for Friday, May 25th. Formerly known as “Hawgs, Pies, and Fireworks”, this 3rd annual event includes a motorcycle and bicycle parade, peoples’ choice pizza contest of local traditional and non-traditional pizzas, live music, and Maine’s largest fireworks display.

This family friendly event begins with a bicycle parade through Historic Downtown Gardiner, followed shortly thereafter by a motorcycle parade from Mike’s Water Street Grill, around Gardiner, to Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park is reserved for motorcycle and bicycle parking only.  If you’re going, please let us know on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GardinerMainStreet

Volunteers are still needed for this event.  If you are interested in helping out, please emaildirector@gardinermainstreet.org or call 582-3100

For a full list of activities and times, CLICK HERE

See you on the street!

Patrick Wright

Lights……Camera…..and YOU!
Gardiner in the moving pictures!

DiBacco Films

Gardiner Main Street is thrilled to announce that a little bit of Hollywood will be coming to Gardiner!  DiBacco Films, a local movie production company, will be shooting their fourth feature film, “Dark MInds,”  in Gardiner in late July.  DiBacco’s executive producer (and Gardiner native) Laura Allen met recently with Gardiner Main Street recently to discuss opportunities to highlight Gardiner’s beautiful downtown and diverse companies in the film.  DiBacco Films is committed to promoting Maine to an international audience:  all of their movies have been shot in Maine with local casts and crews.  Two of their films are available worldwide via Hulu, Netflix, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart, with a third due to be sold this summer.

“Dark MInds” is a psychological thriller about a hypnotherapist who uses her subconscious powers to catch an elusive criminal (think Patricia Arquette on “Medium”).  To help showcase Gardiner to the DiBacco Films’ worldwide audience, the company is offering opportunities for Gardiner businesses to be featured in “Dark MInds” via product placement or financial sponsorships.  Sponsors of DiBacco’s last film, “Early Grave”, included prominent Maine companies such as LL Bean, New Balance, Amato’s, and Stonewall Kitchen, all of whom donated clothing and/or food for the 20 cast and crew members.  As part of the commitment to telling the Gardiner story to the world, Gardiner Main Street is delighted to bring you this opportunity for promoting your business to a young, affluent audience who are highly receptive to advertising embedded in entertainment!

For this project, Gardiner Main Street is collaborating with DiBacco Films to identify sponsors who can provide shooting locations, food, and lodging.  In addition to exposure in the movie, DiBacco Films will shoot and produce 30-second commercials for select sponsors.

You may be contacted directly by Laura and her team to discuss this opportunity further.  You may also reach her at laura_e_allen@hotmail.comfor more details.

It’s Your Time
National Curves Day is May 17!

May is National Women’s Health Month, and Curves is giving away 30 million 30-day memberships!

The theme for the 13th annual National Women’s Health Month is “It’s Your Time.”  Curves empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

~Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings

~Get active

~Eat healthy

~Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

~Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seat belt or bicycle helmet

Give Curves a call at 582-6461 to set up a time to get started on being healthier!

Tour Johnson Hall, Thursdays in May

Get an inside look at the wealth of history and potential in downtown Gardiner’s very own Johnson Hall.

Refreshments will be served at 5 pm, tours begin at 5:30 and take about 30-45 minutes on May 17, 24, and 31.

Castlebay brings Celtic music to Gardiner
Friday, May 18, at 7:30 pm

Tickets are $16, JH members $13, and students under age 22 are $6.

Youth Concert with  the Sam Whitman Band

Saturday, May 19, at 7pm
Blues, rock, and funk from Readfield-area Sam Whitman Band.
Megan Murphy sings with them and The Golden Prize opens the show.
Chem-free, supervised. $6

Talent Show Try-Outs for River Festival
Wednesday, May 23rd 5-7pm, Saturday May 26th 2-4pm

All ages and all talents are welcome to try out.  Amateur only!  Acts will be auditioned in the order of arrival.  Advance registration is not required, but you can call 582-7144 to advise which day you will be auditioning. A limited number of acts will be chosen to perform at the Talent Show, to be held on the evening of June 23 on the Gardiner waterfront. Cash prizes.

More information about events can be obtained by calling 582-7144 or visiting www.johnsonhall.org.

Arbor Week Tree Planting

Volunteers needed who don’t mind getting dirt under their fingernails!

On Monday, May 21, the Gardiner Conservation Committee, Buildings and Grounds and Public Works will be planting trees purchased with a grant from Project Canopy at the Arcade Parking lot and on the Gardiner Common. Eight Red Maples will be planted in the Arcade Parking Lot, 2  Pears on Water Street to replace trees that have been lost and 8 Sugar Maples on the Gardiner Common.   Volunteers are needed to fertilize, stake and mulch the new trees. We will begin about 8:30am at the Arcade Parking lot (behind historic Water Street buildings by cobbossee stream). Bring a spade or rake or edger. Please help!

Parting Photo:

If you have a great downtown photo you would like to submit for the next newsletter, email it to director@gardinermainstreet.org

Youngsters answer the question “Tell us What Gardiner Means to You” as part of Gardiner’s Heart and Soul project during last week’s ArtWalk.

Noteworthy Mentions

* Outdoor seating in Gardiner! Now you can enjoy some pizza or BBQ from Red’s Pizza and Grill on their newly completed deck! Word on the street is that the deck will accompany a new sports bar, that is currently under construction.  Exciting!

Gardiner Main Street exists to promote and support a vibrant, healthy Downtown Gardiner.  You can help by volunteering, buying locally, and spreading the word about Downtown Gardiner.  Be part of the fun and excitement!

Quick Links…

Our Website

Event Sponsors

Lisa’s Legit Burritos

Dennis’ Pizza

Gerard’s Pizza

Auclair Cycle and Ski

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Gardiner Main Street | 177 Water Street, 2nd floor | P.O. Box 194 | Gardiner | ME | 04345

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Saturday, May 19, 7 pm
$6 at the door.

Blues, rock, and funk from this Readfield-area band.  Megan Murphy sings with them.  The Golden Prize opens the show.  Chem-free, supervised.

“Hi, we’re the Sam Whitman Band. We play blues-funk-reggae. Kinda all in one to create a new unique groovy style! If you like artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan-The Grateful Dead-Bob Marley-and more, you will love the show that we put on.   Please come out and join the jam!”

The Golden Prize — Jam-Space-Blues-Reggae-Funk-Dead

Duncan Allen – Vocals/Guitar; Simon Quist – Vocals/Lead Guitar; Jon Lawrence – Bass; Ryan Benoit – Drums

Golden Prize says: “A group of best friends with lots of character, pumpin’ the heart & soul. Since the age of 13, these four boys wanted nothing but to hone their artistic talents and create, inspire, and enlighten. It’s truly amazing to see these guys come back together from living separate lives and devote to getting people on their feet dancin’!

They’ve began to make a name for themselves by starting late night shows and holding it down till sunrise! The rhythm section unleashes a thick groove while psychedelic guitar tones mesh and float together to steal your face! Duncan Allen’s voice comes shining through to get the other side of your brain moving with some powerful lyrics.

These guys are just getting started!! With a mix of originals and Grateful Dead covers, you can’t go wrong!! “

Johnson Hall
280 Water Street
(Mail) P.O. Box 777
Gardiner, ME 04345

Office hours
M-F, 9:30-5:30
For more info.,
call 582-7144

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Friday
5:30pm until 9:00pm

On May 18th from 5:30-9pm, Monkitree will hold an opening reception for the current show “Natural Inclination.” Monkitree is celebrating two years in business with a show to benefit the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The artwork in this show is informed by each artist’s appreciation of the natural world, compassion for others, and the desire to connect with them to create solutions. This show will run through July 20th.

Monkitree will donate 10% of all artwork sold during the show to the Natural Resources Council of Maine as well as 20% of the total sales the day of the opening which will include all that Monkitree has to offer- pottery, jewelry, textiles, wood products and more.

Monkitree Gallery
263 Water Street,
Gardiner, ME 04345
View Map · Get Directions

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

WEEKLY MEMORANDUM

TO:     Mayor MacLean, Members of the City Council, and Department Heads

FROM:    Scott Morelli, City Manager

DATE:    May 11, 2012

RE:      Weekly Memo

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Next week’s meeting agenda

Below please find an update on recent City activities:

• A reminder that members of the public can view the FY13 budget information by visiting the City’s website at www.gardinermaine.com
• As you likely have noticed, City Staff and local volunteers have installed 76 flags on telephone poles across Gardiner.  This is a result of an idea proposed by Farmingdale resident and Legion member Jim Keenan, and coordinated efforts between City staff and Gardiner Main Street.  All flags and poles were paid for with donations.  No tax dollars were expended.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Boy Scout Troup 672, who assembled all of the flags.  The flags run down Rt 201 from Northern Avenue to past Ainslie’s, encircle the Common, and also run down 126 from the downtown to just past Mike’s Sidetrack Grill.  Pictures can be viewed on the City’s website.  There is a potential for more flags to be erected in the downtown, towards South Gardiner, and in other areas.  A ceremony will be held on Memorial Day after the parade to recognize those who donated to the effort.  I’d like to thank the following individuals for volunteering their time last Sunday morning to put up these 76 flags:

• McFarland Electric – Don McFarland, Ben McFarland, David Lucas, Garrett Lucas
• Hickey Tree Service – Chuck Smith, Tim Somes
• D B Nadeu Construction – Dan Nadeau, Alex Nadeau
• GMS – Patrick Wright
• Legion – Jim Keenan
• City Staff – Scott Morelli, Chuck Applebee, Mike Minkowsky, Nate Rudy, Dee Berglund, Robin Plourde
• GPD officers on duty also provided assistance (not volunteer)

• After a hiatus of 34 years, the City of Gardiner once again has produced an annual city report.  The report, dedicated to the late Mayor Brian Rines, provides an insight on departmental accomplishments throughout calendar year 2011 and also provides detailed financial information about the FY11 budget.  You can view the annual report on our website, view public copies in City Hall or at the Library, or purchase your own printed copy for $5 from the City Clerk’s office.  Special thanks to City Clerk Dee Berglund and Deputy Clerk Ruth Glaeser for their efforts in assembling this report
• A reminder that Gardiner Main Street’s “Ride Into Summer” event (formerly “Hawgs, Pies, and Fireworks”) will be held downtown on Friday, May 25^th.  Events begin at 4 p.m. and will be capped off by a generously donated fireworks show by Central Maine Pyrotechnics at 9 p.m.  For more information, please visit Gardiner Main Street’s website
• I am pleased to confirm that the City has enter into an exclusive listing agreement with the Fontaine Real Estate team located in Auburn to list city-owned property, including our lots at Libby Hill.  With our Economic Development Director Nate Rudy working also as an independent contractor for them, we will be more aggressively and successfully marketing our lots
• Updates from Economic Development:

• Gardiner hosted a successful seminar on historic preservation in the floodplain, drawing visitors from Pittston to Portland and beyond to discuss how owners can maximize their investment in property without risking their National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP) status and possibly having their plans rejected by a local Code Enforcement Officer
• Gardiner’s Libby Hill Business Park ad ran in the April 16th Mainebiz, and Gardiner’s sponsorship of the MEREDA Spring Conference on New Urbanism also yielded a logo placement in MEREDA’s April 30th ad in Mainebiz
• Gardiner will run a series of ads with summer tourism messages in Down East’s June-August issues and Mainebiz magazine’s tourism and Fact Book issues

• In January the City contacted the Bureau of Labor Standards for the purpose of conducting a voluntary safety audit of the Fire Central Station.  Proactively requesting a survey allows the City six months to correct compliancy issues without being subjected to fines.  That same month, Tammy Gross of the BLS conducted surveys of apparatus bays, living quarters, equipment and the South Gardiner Station.  She identified 31 points as potential violations that needed to be addressed.  Predominantly the issues identified were in record keeping (e.g. training records, gear checks, annual review of action plans).  Captain Rich Kindelan was assigned to oversee corrective measures with assistance of all fire personnel.  After 3 months all violations have been addressed with the exception of several minor issues that will require an outside contractor to repair. It is anticipated the outstanding repairs will be complete by the end of this month.  My thanks to Fire Chief Mike Minkowsky and his staff for proactively addressing these issues
• The City of Gardiner is seeking bids for sixteen (16) park signs demonstrating historic and natural resources, to be installed at the Waterfront Park and Marina.  Sign material must be suitable for exterior installation and meet the criteria specified in this request.  Completed Bids must be delivered by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2012
• The City of Gardiner is accepting proposals for Planning Consultant Services to Update the Comprehensive Plan.  The deadline for submission of proposals is 4:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2012
• There will be a District Budget Meeting on the proposed MSAD 11 budget on Tuesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. in the Gardiner Area High School Gymnasium.  The budget approved that night will go before voters for a referendum vote on Tuesday, June 12.   Under the proposed budget, Gardiner will see a reduction of over $97,000 in its assessment
• The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will occur on Saturday, May 19^th from 9 am to Noon at the Augusta Public Works garage on 55 North Street.  Residents can get rid of unwanted chemicals (such as cleaners), medications, sharps, and electronic waste (such as old TVs).  You must pre-register by stopping in to City Hall or calling 582-4460

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Gardiner as City Manager.

Gardiner City Hall – 6 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm   (207) 582-4200

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City of Gardiner

Bid for Fabrication of GARDINER HERITAGE GRAPHIC PANELS
Park Signs

The City of Gardiner is seeking bids for sixteen (16) park signs demonstrating historic and natural resources, to be installed at the Waterfront Park and Marina. Images for the signs will be provided on request in digital format. Sign material must be suitable for exterior installation and meet the criteria specified in this request.

Completed Bids must be delivered by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2012 at Gardiner City Hall and addressed to:

COMPLETE BID ATTACHED

Nate Rudy, Director of Economic & Community Development
City of Gardiner
6 Church St.
Gardiner, ME 04345

20120507 LCA_900 9901_Graphic-Panel vNRR (2).pdf
637K   View Download

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Ebb and Flow by artist Katherine Herard

GARDINER, Maine – The Art in The Park program, entering its third year, will feature the sculpture Ebb and Flow by artist Katherine Herard in 2012.  The sculpture will be unveiled in Johnson Park on Water Street, May 11th at 5:30pm, as part of the Gardiner Artwalk, and will be displayed through October.  The Artwalk will take place from 5:30pm to 9:00pm throughout the downtown.

Herard’s piece was created from industrial objects found around the state of Maine.  She will be entering her senior year at University of Maine at Augusta in the fall of 2012.  Herard says, “After having taken classes ranging from photography to print making, I enrolled in the 2011 summer welding class with Robert Katz. The moment I cut that first piece of metal with the acetylene torch I found my place and love in the art world.”  Ebb and Flow’s curves and kinetic mass are meant to represent the passing of life-altering moments.

“Art in the Park” is supported by the City of Gardiner and Gardiner Main Street, with funds from the Harry Faust Fund.  The program is just one of the ways Gardiner is working to attract visitors and increase vibrancy in Downtown. “I hope people are interested in the project and curious to see the sculpture. You don’t need to love art to be interested in this program. Our emerging theme of larger-than-life metal sculptures downtown captivates the young and the young at heart.  I hope people enjoy this year’s sculpture and that it encourages discussion about the arts and the importance of an active downtown.” says Patrick Wright, Executive Director of Gardiner Main Street.

Ebb and Flow adds to the growing collection of public sculpture projects that have contributed to the cultural ambiance in the City of Gardiner recently. The development of the riverfront park included the commissioning of the sculpture Rising by Robert Lash.  The Kennebec Rail Trail, in celebrating its 10^thyear, placed Song for the Kennebec by Richard Fisher in Waterfront Park in 2011.

The Gardiner Main Street program is one of four original nationally accredited Main Street™ programs in the state of Maine.  The program uses a comprehensive approach to strengthen Gardiner as a regional focal point for commerce, culture, and community.  Gardiner has recently been honored as a recipient of a two year grant partnership with the Orton Foundation to strengthen the community through a project called Heart and Soul Community Planning.  For more information about Gardiner Main Street, visit www.gardinermainstreet.org.

Patrick Wright, Executive Director
Gardiner Main Street
PO Box 194
Gardiner, ME 04345

207.582.3100

director@gardinermainstreet.org
www.gardinermainstreet.org

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Gardiner City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 for public input on the following proposed zoning change:    Zoning Map be changed to change the zone on several properties along Church St from High Density Residential (HDR) to Professional Residential (PR). The properties included are Tax Map 34, Lots 135, 136, 158, 159, 160, 161, and 162.    The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m.  For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office.

The City of Gardiner’s 2011 Annual Report is available on online: 

http://www.gardinermaine.com/Public_Documents/GardinerME_WebDocs/Annual%20Report%202011.pdf

Join us at the Gardiner Public Library’s Community Archives Room for a Tuesday evening Genealogy & Local History Meet-Up.  Whether you are just getting started and unfamiliar with computers or you’re an old pro with your own laptop or tablet, we’ll help you jump right in.  In addition to our fantastic collection of local research materials, we also have four laptops available for use and can provide one-on-one assistance for ancestry.com and web searching strategies — or bring your own laptop or tablet and use our free Wi-Fi with access to Ancestry.com Library Edition.  The first meet-up will be May 15^th from 5- 7 with more summer dates to follow.  We recommend calling ahead to reserve a laptop, otherwise drop in and stay as long you’d like.

Of course you needn’t wait — the Community Archives Room is open Tuesdays – Fridays during most regular library hours.  Check our website for more information www.gpl.lib.me.us/special_collections.html#Community_Archives_Room or give us a call at 582-6890 or 582-3312.

The Gardiner Public Library is located at 152 Water Street and this program is free and opened to the public.

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Introduction

The City of Gardiner has recently announced its partnership with the Gardiner Board of Trade, Gardiner Main Street, and the Orton Family Foundation (collectively “Partners” or “Partnership”) in a two-year grant to undertake a Gardiner Heart & Soul Community Planning project.

“Heart & Soul Community Planning” is an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to helping citizens from all walks of life discover and protect their community’s most important assets so that they can adapt to change while enhancing the attributes they value most. The Heart & Soul project aims to:

- Engage a breadth and diversity of Gardiner’s population in a discussion about the future of their community;

- Identify common community values and priority assets, and identify and evaluate potential actions and policies that will help Gardiner preserve and enhance those assets; and

- Support the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Waterfront Master Plan.

A key outcome of this Partnership is a Comprehensive Plan that reflects the values, priorities, and aspirations of the community as identified through the Heart & Soul Project.

The City of Gardiner seeks the services of a qualified planning consultant to work with the Heart & Soul Partners and assist the Comprehensive Plan Committee in preparing a revision to the existing Comprehensive Plan. The current Plan, adopted in 1997, will cease to be consistent with MSRA Title 30-A and Chapter 208 of the State Planning Office’s Comprehensive Plan Revision Criteria Rule by the end of 2012. The update will make it eligible for a consistency finding with the Growth Management Act of the State of Maine.

The Comprehensive Plan (“Plan”) is the foundation for determining effective public policy, master planning, and land use decisions for the future, and will provide an ongoing framework for informed and directed development. The Plan shall include goals, objectives, and strategies and utilize maps, graphs, and City of Gardiner 2 other imagery tools to analyze, assess, and recommend best practices for values-based planning, economic development, housing, infrastructure, and other improvements. The responsibility of the Plan is to reflect and respond to the priorities, values, and requirements of Gardiner’s residents, safeguarding the city’s history and sense of place while stimulating the conditions for short- and long-term assurances of dignity, freedom, life, work, and economic stability and community in Gardiner.

Project Area

The City of Gardiner is located in Kennebec County, about 6 miles south of Augusta. Gardiner has a population of 5,800 according to the 2010 U.S. Census data, down 300 residents from 2000 figures. Its total land area covers about 16 square miles. Although the physical scope of the Comprehensive Plan shall not exceed the official boundaries of the City, neighboring and regional influences on future growth opportunities and challenges may be selectively incorporated into the Plan where appropriate.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will conduct the following minimum tasks. The City strongly encourages bidders to expand on these tasks, to provide detail on how they are to be accomplished, to recommend which tasks require greater emphasis, and to suggest additional tasks not identified in this RFP that may be necessary or beneficial.

Project Meetings. The consultant is expected to meet regularly with project staff and Partners to discuss project progress and direction.

Meetings with the Comprehensive Plan Committee, Staff, and Council. The consultant will meet with the Committee to provide updates and collect input. In addition, the consultant will solicit input and feedback from City Council, Staff, and the State of Maine, providing interim reports, presentations, and updates to each as required and appropriate; attend the Plan’s formal adoption by City Council.

Public Engagement and Communications. The Heart & Soul engagement process requires that the consultant actively collaborate in public outreach and engagement. The consultant is expected to work with the Heart & Soul project team, Partners, and the Department of Economic and Community Development and bring inquiries, information, and technical capacity to the department’s delegated project manager (the Assistant Community Planner) who has been charged with delivering a community-driven, values-based planning process that identifies actions and policies for the Comprehensive Plan. This could include assisting with communications, collaborating in engagement planning and facilitation, and substantially supporting the development of policy alternatives and decision-support materials.

Comprehensive Plan Development. The consultant will research and develop materials for the comprehensive plan, including but not limited to:

- A baseline review of existing plans and relevant information, including the existing Comprehensive Plan and Master Plans, codes and policies, demographic and census data, and other information relevant to the required plan elements.

City of Gardiner 3

- An existing condition inventory and projected needs analysis, including a population analysis, existing land use and capital facilities (water, sewer, transportation, recreation, open space) assessment, and residential/commercial growth patterns; and a projection of Gardiner population and housing trends to 2030.

- A graphic vision plan that comprehensively addresses the downtown, waterfront, Common, Cobbossee Corridor, and other critical areas within the community.

- A strategic plan for the future of Gardiner, complete with goals, objectives, public input mechanisms and results, and implementation strategies for the 2012 Comprehensive Plan.

Deliverables

The 2012 Comprehensive Plan products will include:

1. Twenty (20) printed, bound, color copies of the draft and final Comprehensive Plan, including maps and appendices;

2. An unbound, reproducible, original copy of (1) above;

3. Any derived GIS data or other new mapping information developed for the plan; and

4. A labeled compact disc of (1) above, inclusive of all graphics and appendices, in original electronic formats, as well as in PDF and Word 2007.

Project Management and Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for working closely with the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Assistant Community Planner, and the Partners as necessary to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan is aligned with the outcomes of the Heart & Soul engagement process.

The City’s Director of Economic and Community Development will be the Project Director. The City’s Assistant Community Planner will serve as the primary contact and coordinator between the City, the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Partners, and the successful firm. Other City staff will be available for input as necessary.

A Comprehensive Plan Committee will serve as an oversight committee for this project, consisting of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of nine (9) members who are residents of Gardiner and who will guide, evaluate, and approve the direction and completion of the Plan. This committee will recommend the final Plan to Council for approval.

The Partners will collaborate with the consultant and substantially support and direct the community engagement efforts, and will play an advisory role on the translation of Heart& Soul project outcomes into the Comprehensive Plan.

The Heart & Soul Advisory Team will play an advisory role and act as liaisons to the broader community.

The City of Gardiner will also:

- Provide any and all existing documentation to the consultant as requested, within reasonable expectations and costs;

City of Gardiner 4

- Assist with human and technical resources as needed to facilitate timely progress;

- Provide and distribute minutes for all Comprehensive Plan Committee meetings; and

- Schedule, coordinate, and make necessary arrangements for other Plan-related meetings.

Project Budget

The City of Gardiner expects this contract amount to fall between $17K and $35K.

Project Schedule

The consistency finding by the State of Maine for the plan adopted in 1997 expires at the end of 2012, but the Plan itself and its associated recommendations remain valid. By purposefully extending the City’s timeline for updating the Comprehensive Plan, the Partners expect the update process to be closely aligned with the Heart & Soul engagement activities arising from the Orton Family Foundation’s Heart & Soul planning framework.

Key phases in this process will include:

July 2012 – December 2012: development of a community-driven, values-based vision for Gardiner’s future.

January 2013 – June 2013: the use of these values to engage the community in crafting and evaluating policies and actions.

June 30, 2013: the deadline for the Comprehensive Plan update and all associated deliverables.

July 2013 – January 2014: pending outcomes of the Heart & Soul project as well as budgetary considerations, the City may request a limited scope of services extending to the close of the two-year project (January 2014), or that requires a revisit and incorporation during this time period of any continuing Heart & Soul processes that may relate to the Comprehensive Plan deliverables.

The City wishes to complete and adopt the plan in a timely manner that does not shortcut or circumvent the Heart & Soul process.

Submission Requirements

For consideration, please submit two (2) digital files, including one PDF and one Word (2007-compatible) file, containing your proposal to the City of Gardiner on or before 4:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2012. Please also submit one (1) paper copy of the proposal. We will accept this copy by mail after the due date provided it is postmarked no later than June 1, 2012.

Each proposal should include no more than thirty (30) pages and adhere to the following format:

- Project understanding;

- Work and cost proposals meeting or exceeding the scope of work in this request;

City of Gardiner 5

- Statement of qualifications illustrating the ability and skills of consultant and all staff/subcontractors in the areas covered in this request;

- Names and contact information of three (3) professional references;

- Names and contact information of authorized agent to negotiate on behalf of and contractually bind the consultant during the period of the proposed evaluation;

- Statement that the proposal is binding for not less than 60 days after the proposal due date;

- Acknowledgment that the selected Consultant shall agree to indemnify and hold the Partnership harmless from claims, demands, suits, causes of action and judgments arising from the Consultant’s performance, including claims of professional malpractice or negligence; and

- List of hourly billing rates to be charged should the City expand the project scope or require additional services.

Selection Process

After initial review by the Comprehensive Plan Committee and City Staff, a shortlist of consultants will be selected and evaluated based on (but not limited to) the following:

- Consultant shows a demonstrated understanding of the Heart & Soul approach to planning;

- Proposals that are complete and on time, and that meet specified minimum requirements;

- Qualifications, technical and creative approach, performance in similar communities, and references of each bidding consultant (as well as each contributing staff or team member);

- The success of the bidder in any interview or presentation process that may be requested; and

- Additional evaluation (as needed) and approval by City Council.

Interviews, if conducted, will be limited to a maximum of four (4) consultants, and will result in a negotiations process with each of the top prioritized list of consultants based on the above evaluation until a suitable negotiation has been reached for both the City and the consultant, upon which a contract with the winning bidder may be drawn. This contract will specify the terms and schedule of reimbursement as agreed upon during negotiations.

Reservation of Rights

This Request for Proposal shall not be construed as a contract or commitment by the City of Gardiner, or as a statement of intent to award a contract or pay any costs incurred by a bidding consultant. The City reserves the right to cancel or re-advertise this request, to accept, reject, or hold over any and all bids received, to interview at its discretion, to negotiate acceptable contract terms, and to seek timely proposal clarifications on bids upon which acceptance may be contingent.

All proposals submitted in response to this RFP become the property of the City. The City has the right to disclose information contained in the proposals after an award has been made unless the Consultant requests certain portions remain confidential. All products developed for this project shall be considered public information and shall be co-owned by the Heart & Soul Partnership and the Consultant. All City of Gardiner 6

products, both paper and digital, and borrowed materials shall be delivered to the City of Gardiner prior to final payment.

Inquiries & Contact Information

Please submit any written inquiries about this project by May 18, 2012. We will collate all questions and respond collectively by May 25, 2012. Any inquiries and associated contact information will remain confidential.

Please send all inquiries and proposal submissions to:

City of Gardiner
6 Church Street
Gardiner, ME 04345
Ph: 207/582-6888
Fax: 207/582-6895
acoffice@gardinermaine.com

The deadline for submission of proposals is 4:30 PM on Friday, June 1, 2012.

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Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee play at Sounds Good! series

Show Supporters: Kennebec Technologies and At Home Veterinary Care

Friday, May 18, 7:30 pm

Maine’s premier Celtic folk duo, Castlebay, presents a concert of Celtic and New England traditional music.  Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee are Castlebay.  Their concerts feature poignant ballads sung in Lane’s ethereal soprano and Gosbee’s rich baritone interspersed with joyous dance tunes played on Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and tin whistle. Castlebay treats the audience to a musical journey through time and across the Atlantic.   The show is sponsored by Kennebec Technologies and At Home Veterinary Care.  Johnson Hall’s corporate sponsor is The Bank of Maine.

Castlebay has been musically weaving together the heritage of New England and the Celtic lands since 1987. Members Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have loved and researched traditional music for most of their lives and blend history, legend and experience into their personable performance style.  ”What’s Castlebay all about? Seafaring, the darkness and lightness of the coast of Maine, the rhythm of the tides”, says Peter Spectre, marine author.  Both Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee are fine, expressive vocalists as well as talented instrumentalists, delivering songs with emotion, exuberance and both traditional and contemporary musical sensibilities.

“Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee shared more than their talent with our audience. They shared as well their keen sense for Maine humor and their love for the music they perform.” -The uNi Coffeehouse, Springfield, MA

Among their two dozen recording releases, Lane and Gosbee have written, recorded and produced two albums of completely original music- Song of the Sea and The Ballad of Cappy John.

Sounds Good! Music Live at Johnson Hall series.

$16 Adult; $13 JH Member; $6 Student (to age 22).  Call for tix: 582-7144.

Johnson Hall is available for rentals for shows, events, meetings. FMI (207) 582-7144

Diverse Arts Programs, Year-Round Professional Shows

Sounds Good! Music Live at Johnson Hall Series
Classical concert
Center Stage theatrical series
Lively Lunches in Johnson Hall Mini-Park—music and theater
Entertainment Stage in the Park at Greater Gardiner River Festival

For Children and Teens:

Teen Band Shows
Summer Shenanigans Visual & Performing Arts Day Camp
Winter Shenanigans Visual & Performing Arts Day Camp
Art in the Park at Greater Gardiner River Festival
Teen-Elementary School Shows (theater and art after-school)

Community Shows
Waterfront Talent Show at Greater Gardiner River Festival
“Omar Ricardo” cabaret shows
Open Book Players–Community Readers’ Theatre

Rentals for events, meetings, classes, rehearsals and more, year-round.

Blog

New Board member and New Board Officers

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center Elects New Board Member and Officers

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center welcomes a new member elected to the Board of Directors at its recent Annual Meeting.  Dennis Carolin is Chief Financial Officer of The Bank of Maine. He has had diverse experience, including auditing for the Big 8 companies, real estate development, international trade, reinsurance,…
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Challenging Theater?

If you like to be challenged by theater, as well as entertained, try Jimmy Higgins: A Life in the Labor Movement on Saturday, Nov. 19.  Jimmy dramatically takes you through his childhood in Ohio, the death of his older brother in World War I, and the beginnings of the labor movement, which he observes as a reporter.  Reservations are slow…
Read more…

Live Performance Magic

We like to bring you variety, depth of experience, and entertainment. Let us know what shows you’d like to see and hear. We are always looking for ideas.  It’s fun to fill Johnson Hall with music or theater-lovers. They enjoy the shows, but also enjoy the company of their neighbors, friends and even strangers (who don’t stay that way very…
Read more…

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Johnson Hall
280 Water Street
(Mail) P.O. Box 777
Gardiner, ME
04345

Office hours
M-F, 9:30-5:30
For more info.,
call 582-7144

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