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

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook on the bottom of this page. Thank You!

While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active.

Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks

• Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Walk in the center of trails.

Repel Ticks with DEET or Permethrin

• Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on the exposed skin for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.
• Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and remains protective for up to 70 washings.
• Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found athttp://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.

Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
• Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.
• Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks.

Preventing Ticks on Your Pets

Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for all the tickborne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it’s important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.

Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick.

To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
• If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area.
• Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
• Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.

Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any insect acaricides or repellents to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!

Kill Ticks on Dogs

A pesticide product that kills ticks is known as an acaricide. Acaricides that can be used on dogs include dusts, impregnated collars, sprays, or topical treatments. Some acaricides kill the tick on contact. Others may be absorbed into the bloodstream of a dog and kill ticks that attach and feed.

Pros:

• Helps to reduce the number of ticks in the environment
• Prevents tickborne disease

Cons:

• Tick bites can cause a painful wound and may become infected.
• When bitten, a dog may become infected with a number of diseases. This depends on the type of tick, which diseases it is carrying (if any), and how quickly a product kills the feeding tick.

Examples of topically applied products (active ingredients):

• Fipronil
• Pyrethroids (permethrin, etc.)
• Amitraz

Repel Ticks on Dogs

A repellent product may prevent the tick from coming into contact with an animal at all or have anti-feeding effects once the tick comes into contact with the chemical, thus preventing a bite.

Pros:

• Prevents bite wounds and possible resulting infections
• Prevents tickborne disease

Cons:

• Will not reduce the number of ticks in the environment (doesn’t kill ticks)

Examples of topically applied products (active ingredients):

• Pyrethroids (permethrin, etc.)

Reference to any commercial entity or product or service on this page should not be construed as an endorsement by the Government of the company, its products, or its services.

Preventing Ticks in the Yard

Apply Pesticides Outdoors to Control Ticks

Pesticides for ticks, known as acaricides, can reduce the number of ticks in your yard. These benefits have been best-studied for Ixodes scapularis (the black-legged tick), and include:

• Consistent and timely pest control
• Easy to apply
• Relatively inexpensive
• Safe if applied according to the label

Only small amounts of acaricide applied at the right time of year are necessary. Application should focus on control of nymphal I. scapularis ticks, the stage most likely to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, by spraying once in May or early June. An October application of acaricide may be used to control adult blacklegged ticks, however, they less commonly transmit disease. The use and timing of acaricides to control other ticks of public health concern is less well studied, but may still be helpful.

If you have health concerns about applying acaricides:

• Check with local health or agricultural officials about the best time to apply acaricide in your area.
• Identify rules and regulations related to pesticide application on residential properties (Environmental Protection Agency and your state determine the availability of pesticides).
• Consider using a professional pesticide company to apply pesticides at your home.

Create a Tick-safe Zone to Reduce Ticks in the Yard

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has developed a comprehensive Tick Management Handbook [PDF - 8.53 MB] for preventing tick bites. Here are some simple landscaping techniques that can help reduce tick populations:

• Remove leaf litter.
• Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns.
• Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas.
• Mow the lawn frequently.
• Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents).
• Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.
• Discourage unwelcome animals (such as deer, raccoons, and stray dogs) from entering your yard by constructing fences.
• Remove old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide.

• Email page
• Print page

Tick Removal

If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers will remove a tick quite effectively.

How to remove a tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Avoid folklore remedies such as “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from the skin. Your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible–not waiting for it to detach.

Follow-up

If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

Symptoms of Tickborne Illness

Many tickborne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. If you have been bitten by a tick and develop the symptoms below within a few weeks, a health care provider should evaluate the following before deciding on a course of treatment:

• Your symptoms
• The geographic region in which you were bitten
• Diagnostic tests, if indicated by the symptoms and the region where you were bitten

The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses are:

• Fever/chills: With all tickborne diseases, patients can experience fever at varying degrees and time of onset.
• Aches and pains: Tickborne disease symptoms include headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. With Lyme disease you may also experience joint pain. The severity and time of onset of these symptoms can depend on the disease and the patient’s personal tolerance level.
• Rash: Lyme disease, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, and tularemiacan result in distinctive rashes:
  • In Lyme disease, the rash may appear within 3-30 days, typically before the onset of fever. The Lyme disease rash is the first sign of infection and is usually a circular rash called erythema migrans or EM. This rash occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected persons and begins at the site of a tick bite. It may be warm, but is not usually painful. Some patients develop additional EM lesions in other areas of the body several days later.
  • The rash of (STARI) is nearly identical to that of Lyme disease, with a red, expanding “bulls eye” lesion that develops around the site of a lone star tick bite. Unlike Lyme disease, STARI has not been linked to any arthritic or neurologic symptoms.
  • The rash seen with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) varies greatly from person to person in appearance, location, and time of onset. About 10% of people with RMSF never develop a rash. Most often, the rash begins 2-5 days after the onset of fever as small, flat, pink, non-itchy spots (macules) on the wrists, forearms, and ankles and spreads to the trunk. It sometimes involves the palms and soles. The red to purple, spotted (petechial) rash of RMSF is usually not seen until the sixth day or later after onset of symptoms and occurs in 35-60% of patients with the infection.
  • In the most common form of tularemia, a skin ulcer appears at the site where the organism entered the body. The ulcer is accompanied by swelling of regional lymph glands, usually in the armpit or groin.
  • In about 30% of patients (and up to 60% of children), ehrlichiosis can cause a rash. The appearance of the rash ranges from macular to maculopapular to petechial, and may appear after the onset of fever.

Tickborne diseases can result in mild symptoms treatable at home to severe infections requiring hospitalization. Although easily treated with antibiotics, these diseases can be difficult for physicians to diagnose. However, early recognition and treatment of the infection decreases the risk of serious complications. So see your doctor immediately if you have been bitten by a tick and experience any of the symptoms described here.

“Target” lesion on patient with Lyme disease.

Patient with STARI.

1. Site of tick bite
2. Red, radial, expanding edge of rash
3. Central clearing

Photograph used with permission from the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Late (petechial) rash on hand and forearm in patient with Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

An ulcer caused by tularemia.

Tick paralysis is a rare disease thought to be caused by a toxin in tick saliva. The symptoms include acute, ascending, flaccid paralysis that is often confused with other neurologic disorders or diseases (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome or botulism). Within 24 hours of removing the tick, the paralysis typically subsides.

Geographic Distribution

On this Page

• American dog tick
• Blacklegged tick
• Brown dog tick
• Gulf Coast tick

• Lone star tick
• Rocky Mountain wood tick
• Western blacklegged tick

While adult ticks are the easiest to identify by species, immature stages of ticks may also transmit some pathogens. In addition, male and female ticks of the same species may look different.

Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few bite and transmit disease to humans.

These maps provide general insight into the expected distribution of ticks that cause disease in the contiguous United States. Populations of ticks may be found outside noted areas. Naturally occurring populations of the ticks described below do not occur in Alaska, however, the brown dog tick is endemic in Hawaii.

American dog tick

(Dermacentor variabilis)

American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is the most commonly identified species responsible for transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans. The American dog tick can also transmit tularemia. This tick is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and also occurs in limited areas on the Pacific Coast. D. variabilis larvae and nymphs feed on small rodents. Dogs and medium-sized mammals are the preferred hosts of adult D. variabilis, although it feeds readily on other large mammals, including humans.

Approximate distribution of the American Dog tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Blacklegged tick

(Ixodes scapularis)

The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as a “deer tick”, can transmit the organisms responsible foranaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. This tick is widely distributed in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. I. scapularis larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals and birds, while adults feed on larger mammals and will bite humans on occasion. It is important to note that the pathogen that causes Lyme disease is maintained by wild rodent and other small mammal reservoirs, and is not transmitted everywhere that the blacklegged tick lives. In some regions, particularly in the southern U.S., the tick has very different feeding habits that make it an unlikely vector in the spread of human disease.

Approximate distribution of the Blacklegged tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Brown dog tick

(Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) has recently been identified as a reservoir of R. rickettsii, causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever, in the southwestern U.S. and along the U.S-Mexico border. Brown dog ticks are found throughout the U.S. and the world. Dogs are the primary host for the brown dog tick for each of its life stages, although the tick may also bite humans or other mammals.

Approximate distribution of the Brown Dog tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Gulf Coast tick

(Amblyomma maculatum)

The Gulf Coast tick resides in coastal areas of the United States along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast tick can transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a form of spotted fever. A. maculatum larvae and nymphs feed on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other wildlife. Adult ticks have been associated with transmission of R. parkeri to humans.

Approximate distribution of the Gulf Coast tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Lone star tick

(Amblyomma americanum)

The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) transmits Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii, causing human ehrlichiosis,tularemia, and STARI. The lone star tick is primarily found in the southeastern and eastern United States. White-tailed deer are a major host of lone star ticks and appear to represent one natural reservoir for E. chaffeensis. A. americanum larvae and nymphs feed on birds and deer. Both nymphal and adult ticks may be associated with the transmission of pathogens to humans.

Approximate distribution of the Lone Star tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Rocky Mountain wood tick

(Dermacentor andersoni)

Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) can transmitRocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia to humans. This tick is found in the Rocky Mountain states. Adult ticks feed primarily on large mammals. Larvae and nymphs feed on small rodents. Adult ticks are primarily associated with pathogen transmission to humans.

Approximate distribution of the Rocky Mountain Wood tick. (Click for larger image)

Top of Page

Western blacklegged tick

(Ixodes pacificus)

The western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) can transmit the organisms responsible for causing anaplasmosis and Lyme disease in humans. Wild rodents and other mammals are likely reservoirs of these pathogens. This tick is distributed along the Pacific coast of the United States. Larvae and nymphs feed on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other mammals. Adult ticks are primarily associated with pathogen transmission to humans.

Approximate distribution of the Western Blacklegged tick. (Click for larger image)

Life cycle of Hard Ticks that Spread Disease

On this Page

• How ticks survive
• How ticks find their hosts
• How ticks spread disease

How ticks survive

Most ticks go through four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. After hatching from the eggs, ticks must eat blood at every stage to survive. Ticks that require this many hosts can take up to 3 years to complete their full life cycle, and most will die because they don’t find a host for their next feeding.

Relative sizes of several ticks at different life stages.

Ticks can feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Most ticks prefer to have a different host animal at each stage of their life, as shown below:

This diagram shows the life cycle of blacklegged ticks that can transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease.

Top of Page

How ticks find their hosts

Ticks find their hosts by detecting animals´ breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture, and vibrations. Some species can even recognize a shadow. In addition, ticks pick a place to wait by identifying well-used paths. Then they wait for a host, resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Ticks can’t fly or jump, but many tick species wait in a position known as “questing”.

While questing, ticks hold onto leaves and grass by their third and fourth pair of legs. They hold the first pair of legs outstretched, waiting to climb on to the host. When a host brushes the spot where a tick is waiting, it quickly climbs aboard. Some ticks will attach quickly and others will wander, looking for places like the ear, or other areas where the skin is thinner.

Top of Page

How ticks spread disease

Ticks transmit pathogens that cause disease through the process of feeding.

• Depending on the tick species and its stage of life, preparing to feed can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours. When the tick finds a feeding spot, it grasps the skin and cuts into the surface.
• The tick then inserts its feeding tube. Many species also secrete a cement-like substance that keeps them firmly attached during the meal. The feeding tube can have barbs which help keep the tick in place.
• Ticks also can secrete small amounts of saliva with anesthetic properties so that the animal or person can’t feel that the tick has attached itself. If the tick is in a sheltered spot, it can go unnoticed.
• A tick will suck the blood slowly for several days. If the host animal has a bloodborne infection, the tick will ingest the pathogens with the blood.
• Small amounts of saliva from the tick may also enter the skin of the host animal during the feeding process. If the tick contains a pathogen, the organism may be transmitted to the host animal in this way.
• After feeding, most ticks will drop off and prepare for the next life stage. At its next feeding, it can then transmit an acquired disease to the new host.

Tickborne Diseases of the U.S.

In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including:

• Anaplasmosis is transmitted to humans by tick bites primarily from the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
• Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Most human cases of babesiosis in the United States are caused by Babesia microti. Babesia microti is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and is found primarily in the Northeast and upper Midwest.
• Colorado Tick Fever Colorado tick fever is an acute viral infection spread by the bite of the Dermacentor andersoni wood tick.
• Ehrlichiosis is transmitted to humans by the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found primarily in the southcentral and eastern U.S.
• Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern U.S. and upper Midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
• Powassan encephalitis Powassan (POW) virus is transmitted to humans by infected ticks.
• Rickettsia parkeri Rickettsiosis is transmitted to humans by the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum).
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sangunineus) in the U.S. The brown dog tick and other tick species are associated with RMSF in Central and South America.
• STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness) is transmitted via bites from the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found in the southeastern and eastern U.S.
• Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected soft ticks. TBRF has been reported in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and is associated with sleeping in rustic cabins and vacation homes.
• Tularemia is transmitted to humans by the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Tularemia occurs throughout the U.S.
• 364D Rickettsiosis (Rickettsia phillipi, proposed) is transmitted to humans by the Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis ticks). This is a new disease that has been found in California.

Contact Us:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd
  Atlanta, GA 30333
• 800-CDC-INFO
  (800-232-4636)
  TTY: (888) 232-6348
• New Hours of Operation
  8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
  Closed Holidays
• cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Resources

Curriculum for Teachers

Don’t Let the Ticks Bite Print-ready files, a limited number of curriculum materials, and tick ID cards are available free of charge from the California Department of Public Health.

Free Webinar CME course

Recognizing and Treating Tick-Borne Diseases
Sponsored by MO Dept of Health and Senior Services and DEET Education Program. Free registration required.

File Formats Help:

How do I view different file formats (PDF, DOC, PPT, MPEG) on this site?

Reader Supplied Approach to Tick Removal

NOTE: This is NOT an officially approved approach by the scientific community.

This might come in handy during tick season folks.
Sounds better than twisting, burning and pulling.

Tick removal

Summer is here and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.

Please forward to anyone with children…. or hunters or dogs, or anyone who even steps outside in summer!!

A School Nurse has written the info below — good enough to share — And it really works!

“I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it’s some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.”

“Apply a blob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I’ve used it (and that was frequently, and it’s much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me.” “Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can’t see that this would be damaging in any way.

I even had my doctor’s wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn’t reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say,
“It worked!”

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” The Valley Voice on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

Town After Town saying “No Red Carpet Here”

Since the Legislature declared Maine a prime target for industrial wind power in 2008, over two dozen towns have examined what it would mean for them.  The findings:  not as great as we thought.

Sumner Voters Decide: Protect Our Community

The town of Sumner, located between Rumford and Auburn, has joined a growing list of communities adopting an Industrial Wind Development Ordinance. Sumner residents packed the town’s fire barn last week for a special town meeting and by a 2 to 1 vote, the ordinance was approved. Sumner’s Industrial Wind Power Ordinance Committee spent nearly a year researching the topic and crafted an ordinance that would give the town and its citizens additional protections above and beyond the State’s minimal standards.

Kudos to the residents of Sumner for being proactive and adopting an ordinance that protects citizens, property values and Maine’s Quality of Place. The process was sometimes contentious, but as we have seen in 25 other Maine communities, residents did their homework and decided that they – not the wind developers – are in charge of reconciling the promised benefits of wind power with the impacts.

No Home Rule, But Citizens Still Organize

While Peru and Dixfield are researching ordinances too, Highland Plantation, which lies in the Unorganized Territory, cannot enact local ordinances. But the people of Highland have taken a stand. A majority of Highland citizens signed a petition stating their opposition to the industrial wind development proposed by Angus King and Rob Gardiner of Independence Wind.   Please check out this letter submitted to Maine newspapers by long-time residents and taxpayers Jay and Rose Staton.

FMM supports residents who wish to have a say in the future of their communities, regardless of whether they reside in an organized town. We add our voice to Highland’s in asking that Independence Wind accept the will of the people and the conclusions drawn by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Highland Wind project should be abandoned.

QUICK LINKS

I Think My Town Might Need a Wind Ordinance…

…where do we begin?

Click HERE for a list of issues to consider.

My Husband Still Thinks Wind Power is Green…

…what can I do???

While this is a tragic condition, the marriage can be saved.

Click HERE to win him back.

Friends of Maine’s Mountains
PO Box 60
Weld, Maine 04285

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

An Annual all-Day Party Celebrating the Heritage of Our Families, Our Neighbors, and Our City.
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 from 7am – 11pm
at the Franco-American Heritage Center
46 Cedar Street, Lewiston, ME

PHOTO: Musique Tout Partout

Festival Franco Fun Tickets: $10 for all-day pass. Kids under 12 free with Adult ticket purchase.

Tickets Available at francocenter.org, by calling 689.2000, or in person.

Crepe Breakfast: From 7am -10am | $6
Lunch and Dinner: From 11am – close | $1 – $7
Bean Supper: From 4:30pm – 6pm | $7

Entertainment Schedule:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Dennis Labbe as Mr. Magic

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Storytelling with Michael Parent

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Musique Tout Partout

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Present Company

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM  Joelle Morris

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tinpanic

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Norm Gagnon et Le Groupe de Joie

9:00 PM – 11:00 PM C’était Si Bon

Many Thanks to Our Season Sponsors:

###

TV5Monde | Lewiston/Auburn Magazine | Androscoggin Bank | Sun Journal | Center Street Dental | Schooner Estates | Platz Associates

The Franco-American Heritage Center is pleased to announce the activities for its annual Festival Franco Fun. this yearly celebration of Franco-American music, food, and culture will be happening at the Franco Center on Saturday, June 2nd.

Festivities begin at 7am, with a Family Crepe Breakfast open to the public. Following breakfast, there will be a special Children’s Entertainment program, where children under 12 are admitted free with the purchase of an adult Festival ticket. Magical Wonders Entertainment presents Magician Dennis Labbe, followed by the regarded story teller Michael Parent.

The early entertainment is followed by lunch, featuring many Franco favorites, including: poutine, boudin, and meat, salmon pies. Also available will be burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, and many other summer staples. A slate of afternoon performers includes the French folk of Musique Tout Partout, the decades of pop and vocal music from Present Company, and the outstanding mezzo-soprano Joelle Morris.

The Bean Supper, served at 4:30, is a Festival tradition. The evening entertainment continues, showcasing the stellar pan band Tinpanic, and Norm Gagnon and his Groupe de Joie. The final performance of the night is C’etait Si Bon, a reuniting of several members of the popular band C’est Si Bon.

Performer Bios

C’etait Si Bon is a tongue-in-cheek reference to C’est Si Bon which was one of the more popular and busy performing groups of French music in the Maine and the New England area during the years from around 1975 through the year 2000.  C’est Si Bon performed in all of the Franco-American festivals in Maine and New England, including, Rhode island, massachusetts and Connecticut, They also performed  New York and Canada. They performed four times at the Quebec Winter carnival held each February in Quebec and well as one time at an International Festival in Albany, New York. For several years, they were the house band at Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire for Canadian artists performing there. The group recorded 5 albums and Cassettes over the years. The group disbanded on New Years Eve 2000.

Nel Meservier and Eddie Boucher are original members of C’est Si Bon having organized the group with Paul Boucher and Ray Chouinard.

This year, four former members of C’est Si Bon are reuniting for the purpose of performing at this year’s Francofun  Festival. Former members Eddie Boucher, Gerry Meservier, Don Leblanc and Nel Meservier will be joined by Diane Meservier, a long time member of the group Present Company.

The group will be performing songs of C’est Si Bon including specialty dances such as La Danse Des Canards, Aga Dou and La Danse du Peteux, along with Folklore songs from over the years.

###

A native Mainer of French-Canadian descent, Michael Parent has performed as a storyteller, singer, (and actor-playwright), in both English and French, throughout  the United States, as well as in Canada, France, New Zealand, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Brazil.

After living in Virginia for many years, where he was a co-founder of, and frequent performer at Live Arts, a thriving alternative theater in Charlottesville, Michael returned to his home state of Maine in July, 1998, and now lives in Portland. He received  the National Storytelling Network’s “Circle of Excellence” Award in 1999, and was a keynote speaker at the 2001 National Storytelling Conference in Providence, R.I.

Michael has produced the award winning CD “Sundays at Grandma’s – Dimanches chez Memère,” and has co-authored, along with Julien Olivier, “Of Kings and Fools,” translated and retold stories from the Franco-American tradition (August House Publishers).

Michael’s original stories have been included in various anthologies, including a collection titled “Heroes and Villains in American Literature” (Amsco Publications).   His bilingual CD, “Chantons, Let’s Sing,” in collaboration with Greg Boardman, includes songs from the Franco-American culture, sung in an alternating French-English pattern.

“Our stories and songs affirm and celebrate our Franco-American cultural identity. When we tell our stories and sing our songs, we acknowledge our past and help insure our future.”

###

The Tinpanic Steel Band, a 14-piece steel drum orchestra, is known to bring audiences to their feet with high-energy calypso rhythms and a big band sound.  Their crowd-pleasing repertoire includes swing and pop favorites, along with the island party music for which the steel pan is popularly recognized.  Tinpanic is based in Auburn and has developed a fan base across the state of Maine by playing at community celebrations, sailing regattas, private parties and charitable events.

###

Present Company is Diane, Marge, and Lorna. This trio consisting of two singers and a keyboardist live in Central Maine and entertain throughout the region and beyond, celebrating over 20 years in entertainment.

They are a living, breathing active encyclopedia of musical heritage through contemporary music, beginning at the Great Depression era and winding through the music of the several decades since. Their music spans country, early rock and roll, pop music from the 40s-60s, ballads, standards, Irish and French favorites, Gospel music, and more.

The group has been a regular feature at some of Maine’s largest outdoor fairs and festivals, including: Fryeburg Fair. Winsor Fair, Monmouth Fair, Common Ground, Great Fall Balloon Festival, and Festival de Joie

###

Norm Gagnon, accordionist extraordinaire, will be returning with his ensembles, Groupe de Joie, as part of the Franco Center’s festivities. Norm and le Groupe have been favorites of the festival for countless years, and are sure to please the crowds with their renditions of traditional French folk music.

###

Based in Boothbay Harbor and dedicated to keeping traditional Quebecois French music and culture alive, Tout Partout perform spicy Cajun dance tunes and songs from the Maritime folk tradition. Tout Partout is an expression that turns up in certain French songs and means “all around.”

Members of Musique Tout Partout have performed in a variety of settings, ranging from high school French groups to charitable fundraisers. Musique Tout Partout has played at La Kermesse, the French festival in Biddeford, Annual Alewife Festival in Damariscotta, Annual Boat Builders Festival in Boothbay, Kennebec River Run festival in Augusta, Community Suppers, Library Lawns and craft fairs.

Vocalists Dolly Rollins and Isabelle Lewis both grew up in traditional French households in Maine. Born

near the Canadian border in Jackman, Isabelle’s first language was French. She performed folk music for

many years with a group called “The Relatives.” Dolly’s family roots in Quebec take her back there often.

Jim admits he gave up the accordion in the 1950′s largely because it wasn’t cool. After years of playing

guitar and a stint with a Mexican band, Jim re-discovered the beauty of his original instrument. “I like fast songs with a heavy beat.”

Jim discovered rhythm guitarist Mike Colbert in a guitar workshop. Mike not only kept a steady beat, he had a french name. Mike soon graduated from Johnny Cash ballads to French dance tunes.

###

Dennis Labbe is a magician from Steep Falls, Maine that performs classical and comical magic that is guaranteed to entertain to create an unforgettable experience children and adults alike.

He started practicing magic at the young age of seven. Now Dennis has been performing the magic arts professionally for the past 22 years.

Dennis’ presentations are carefully tailored to suit any age group. Children, teens, adults and seniors are captivated by his magical wonders.

He has performed for corporations, grade schools to colleges, campgrounds, libraries and nightclubs as well as countless private parties all over New England.

Dennis has the perfect style of entertainment. He combines magic and illusion for your mind and comedy for your funny bone.

###

An accomplished mezzo-soprano, Joelle Morris uses her dramatic voice and musical understanding to consistently bring passion, depth and clarity to her performances regardless of genre. From opera’s darkest arias to jazz’s most memorable tunes to Broadway’s greatest hits, Morris controls the power of her voice while finding subtleties within her songs.

Morris graduated in 2003 with a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Colorado’s Lamont Conservatory of Music in Denver. A finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Audition in Denver in that year, she has performed as Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, Dorabella in Cosi fan Tutte, and Rosina in The Barber of Seville for a variety of theatre companies.

Morris is not only a performer, but also a teacher and conductor. During a recent residence in Evian, France, she performed regular recitals within the region, and was a member of the jazz group, “The Jean-Marie Reboul Trio,” which performed throughout France, as well as Geneva, Switzerland. She also conducted an established 60-person choir based in Thonon-les-Bains, as well as a 16-member choir, “Double Croche,” which she formed in 2006. She has also taught voice to adults and children through her private studio for many years.

B-52 Bomber Ejection Seat

AUGUSTA,Maine– A Maine Forest Service forest ranger out hunting last fall came across a strange object he found right in the middle of an old, overgrown logging road on Elephant Mountain. That object has been identified as an ejection seat from the infamous B-52 Stratofortress-C crash that killed seven airmen almost 50 years ago north of Greenville.

Maine Forest Service District Ranger Bruce Reed, who found the ejection seat, will lead a recovery team on Thursday to retrieve the seat from Elephant Mountain southwest of the crash site and take it to a local snowmobile clubhouse.

The ejection seat from the B-52 most likely is the seat that saved the life of either the jet’s pilot or its navigator, according to officials.

“The seat was lying upside down in the middle of that road,” Reed recalled about finding the object. “I had a pretty good idea of what it was, and it was kind of eerie finding something like this in the middle of the wilderness, knowing what happened almost 50 years ago.”

B-52 Stratofortress-C

Reed returned to the logging road this past Saturday, once again found the ejection seat, marked the GPS location, took photos, and took down all identification numbers. He confirmed the information with Pete Pratt of the Moosehead Rider’s Snowmobile Club, which has spearheaded the creation of a permanent memorial for the crash remains.

Later this week, Reed will lead a four-person carry operation with MFS forest rangers using a cargo net to bring the seat down the mountain.

The ejection seat has held up “remarkably well for being there for 49 years,” the MFS forest ranger said. There is some damage to the top part of the seat around the head rest, he said.

“Once we get it off the mountain and in the presence of those who know its true history, it will generate significant interest,” Reed said.

The crash took place Thursday, Jan. 24, 1963, as the B-52 Stratofortress-C was practicing routine low-level navigation, part of its training to avoid Soviet radar technology, in bitter winter weather.

The huge, unarmed jet left Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts and was carrying nine crew members. The jet was traveling at about 500 feet about the ground when it encountered turbulence, and pilot Lt. Col. Dante E. Buli tried to climb to avoid it.

A loud noise like an explosion was heard, and the jet went into a 40-degreee right turn, its nose pointing down. Buli tried to level the plane, but when he couldn’t, he ordered the crew to eject.

Three crew members, including Buli, the navigator, Capt. Gerald J. Adler, and the co-pilot, Maj. Robert J. Morrison, had time to eject.  Six crew members were killed in the crash; Morrison was killed when his parachute hit a tree.

Numerous rescuers went to the scene and saved the two survivors, Buli and Adler, who had endured serious injuries and frigid temperatures reaching minus 28 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night. The crash later was found to be caused by a structural problem.

The crash site since has been turned into a memorial, and it is undergoing improvements for the anticipated 50th anniversary of the accident. A salvaged jet engine and one ejection seat can be viewed at the Moosehead Rider’s Snowmobile Clubhouse. The tail section of the jet, which fell off the aircraft before it crashed, still can be seen at the mountain site.

For more information about the crash, go to: http://www.moosehead.net/history/B-f2.html

For more information about the MFS Forest Rangers, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/ffchome.htm

Please support Local Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this story. Thank You!

"Since 1963 the Harlow Gallery in downtown Hallowell has been a cultural resource for the greater central Maine community. Pictured are students from the Augusta school district's gifted and talented program, who visited the Harlow Gallery on May 9th to view and discuss art."

The Kennebec Valley Art Association (KVAA) recently received a $3,430 grant from the Kay E. Dopp Fund of the Maine Community Foundation for a proposal entitled “Building the capacity of the KVAA and the Harlow Gallery through investments in programming, planning and sustainability”.

The funding will allow the KVAA board of directors to update the organization’s strategic plan. The planning process is especially significant for the nonprofit arts group this year since the group will soon be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery. During the planning process the board and staff will solicit feedback and participation from the general community and  will integrate ideas for events in 2013 to mark and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery in 1963.

Kennebec Valley Art Association board and staff are strong believers in the power of planning.  The organization has experienced dramatic growth and change dating from the drafting of their first ever strategic plan in 2005. Since then the Harlow Gallery’s growing reputation as a vibrant and inclusive community arts center has meant increased audience and more supporters, donors and volunteers. Membership has risen dramatically from less than 80 in 2004 to about 350 community and artist members today. The art association’s operating budget has more than tripled over the same time period, and the group successfully raised funds to make major improvements to their historic building at 160 Water Street in 2006-2009. Executive Director Deborah Fahy said that “…managing the Harlow’s growth curve has been, at times, extraordinarily challenging but also a very exciting and fulfilling process for everyone involved.”

The Kennebec Valley Art Association has been an integral part of the cultural life of central Maine for decades, and a positive economic agent from the very beginning. 2013 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery in downtown historic Hallowell, an event that, in 1963, acted as a catalyst in Hallowell s urban renewal, and helped shape the city into the vibrant arts and cultural destination it is today. According to Fahy, “The current board and staff feel extremely privileged to be playing a part in furthering the 50 year legacy of the KVAA. Just like before, I expect the process of strategic planning will be a great team building process.  The board works with staff to forge a new, collective vision for the future of the organization.  We’ll end up with a road map to the future as we embark on the the Harlow’s next 50 years!”

The Kennebec Valley Art Association, a 501(c) membership based nonprofit, was founded in 1958 in Augusta and opened the Harlow Gallery in downtown Hallowell in 1963.  Its mission is to connect and celebratory art, artists and community.  Find out how to get involved at www.harlowgallery.org.

A statewide organization with office in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and nonprofits to strengthen Maine Communities.  For more information visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813

website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

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

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

Click Here to Subscribe to our bi-weekly e-newsletter!

All Year Round, Give The Gift of Gardiner!  Click here for more info.

PO Box 194
Gardiner, ME  04345

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice on Facebook at the bottom of this post. Thank You for your support!

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

Accomplishments outlined in free booklet available to the public

On Friday, May 18th, Governor Paul LePage released today a comprehensive book of accomplishments of his first 500 days in office. The Governor’s 500^th day as Maine’s Chief Executive is Saturday, May 19, 2012. The 20-page compilation, titled Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage, details the achievements made by the LePage Administration and the State of Maine 125^th Legislature. A web version of the book is free to the public and available on the Governor’s website.

During the past 500 days, Governor LePage has proved he is able to keep campaign promises and improve Maine’s economy. From January 2011 to March 2012, Maine’s private sector grew by 4,100 jobs, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth may be contributed to a number of initiatives, which are outlined in the book, including tax incentives which encourage job creators to invest in Maine and regulatory reform aimed to streamline the licensing and permitting process.

The state’s unemployment rate has also declined since January 2011, from nearly 8 percent to 7.2 percent. During the past seventeen months, the LePage Administration has focused on developing job skills and training for Mainers searching for work. Under the Governor’s leadership, the Maine Jobs Council, now referred to as the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB), has been revamped to better address workforce development programs.

“Two of my greatest priorities as Governor relate directly to Maine’s workforce,” Governor LePage said. “We need to ensure students have the skills they need to be productive workers when they graduate, and we must get targeted training to people in the workforce today so that they can be competitive and successful in the job market.”

The needs of Maine Veterans are being addressed within the Administration as well. Legislation was enacted to ensure that Veterans are given full credit for relevant military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Steps have already been taken to implement the intent of LD 1850, “An Act To Assist Maine’s Current and Former Members of the United States Armed Forces”, by making sure the expertise of Maine veterans is recognized and valued when they apply for a license.

Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage also highlights other reforms led and/or supported by the Governor including changes made in the areas of

• Welfare
• Education
• Energy
• Domestic Violence
• Public Safety
• Regulatory/Red Tape
• Environmental Protection/Natural Resources
• Pension Debt
• Health Care

A free copy of the book, Making Maine Prosperous, The First 500 Days of Governor Paul LePage, is available on the Office of the Governor website. The published version of the book is available at the Office of the Governor.

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

Sarah Braunstein and her book The Sweet Relief of Missing Children is one of 2012 Maine Literary Awards Finalists

The Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2012 Maine Literary Awards!

This year, more than one hundred books were entered into the Award’s various categories. More than fifty manuscripts were submitted into the award’s Short Works Competition in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Nearly 80 Maine students submitted work in the same categories in the award’s Youth Competition.

The finalists hail from every corner of the state, including Bangor, Belfast, Bethel, Brunswick, Camden, Deer Isle, Georgetown, Norridgewock, Portland, Stockton Springs, Unity, and York. Youth finalists come from communities such as Farmington, New Gloucester, Scarborough, and West Bath.

The winners of the awards will be revealed live at a ceremony on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Glickman Library on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus. The event is free to MWPA members with a suggested $10 donation for nonmembers.

The finalists, listed alphabetically, in each category are:

Book Award for Fiction

Sarah Braunstein The Sweet Relief of Missing Children
Ardeana Hamlin Abbott’s Reach
Jim Nichols Hull Creek

Book Award for Crime Fiction

Janis Bolster The Lost Daughters
Gerry Boyle Port City Black and White
Paul Doiron Trespasser

Book Award for Nonfiction

Arielle Greenberg Home/Birth: A Poemic
Maureen Stanton Killer Stuff and Tons of Money
Colin Woodard American Nations

John N. Cole Award for Maine-themed Nonfiction

Carl Little Eric Hopkins: Above and Beyond
Elizabeth Peavey Glorious Slow Going
Kathy Scott Brook Trout Forest

Book Award for Memoir

Melissa Coleman This Life is in Your Hands
Susan Conley The Foremost Good Fortune
Barbara Walsh August Gale

Book Award for Poetry

Bob Brooks Unguarded Crossing
Preston H. Hood The Hallelujah of Listening
Kristen Lindquist Transportation

Book Award for Young Adult

Gail Donovan What’s Bugging Bailey Blecker?
Donn Fendler Lost Trail
Jennifer Jacobson Small As an Elephant

Book Award for Children’s

Jennifer R. Nolan The Secret of Pig Island
Judith Thyng and Jean Flahive The Galloping Horses of Willowbrook
Barbara Walsh Sammy in the Sky

Short Works Competition, Fiction

Nancy L. Brown
Sara Anne Donnelly
Lesley Heiser

Short Works Competition, Nonfiction

Deborah Cummins
Sandell Morse
Helen Peppe

Short Works Competition, Poetry

Michele Leavitt
David Sloan
Martin Steingesser

Youth Competition, Fiction

Abbie Hinchman
Tess Hinchman
Elysia P. Roorbach

Youth Competition, Nonfiction

Kayla Finley
Mary Noyes
Derek Tannoia

Youth Competition, Poetry

Mike Caryl
Phoebe Clewley
Monica Davis

The finalists/winners of the Book Award categories Speculative Fiction, Excellence In Publishing Award, and Anthology, as well as the Short Works Competition for Drama, will be announced live.

For more information or questions about the awards, please call 207- 228-8264
or email director@mainewriters.org.

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance
Glickman Family Library
314 Forest Avenue, Room 318
Portland, Maine 04102

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

Request Our Brochures

Maine Windjammer Association Home Page

2012 Special Events

The Fleet

In this Issue

Boothbay Windjammer Days Kicks Off 50th Anniversary with “Jammers and Joggers” Land and Sea Race

History Spotlight: MWA Vessels That Served in WWII

Maine’s Flora: an Unexpected Delight

Turn Off the Lights, Here Come the Stars!

The Tiny Little Ship That Could: Mistress

Specialty Cruises: Nature Lovers love Maine’s Windjammers!

Fresh From the Galley: National Salad Month

Boothbay Windjammer Days Kicks Off 50th Anniversary with “Jammers and Joggers” Land and Sea Race

For 50 years, the Boothbay Harbor Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Maine’s fleet of windjammers every summer with fun events, a parade of sail and fireworks. This year, they’re kicking off the event with a “Jammers and Joggers” land and sea race featuring the schoonerTimberwind.
[FULL STORY]

History Spotlight: MWA Vessels That Served in WWII
This Memorial Day, the Maine Windjammer Association salutes all veterans. As we pause to remember their service, we also note that several of our member vessels have a special connection with the veterans of WWII.
[FULL STORY]

Maine’s Flora: an Unexpected Delight
Don’t know the difference between a pine, spruce and a balsam fir? Well, the Captains do, and they’re glad to share that information!
[FULL STORY]

Turn Off the Lights, Here Come the Stars!
It may be hard to believe but far away from nightclubs, movie theaters and the perpetual glow of bright city lights, Maine’s windjammer passengers have the best night time activity anywhere, and all they have to do is look up!
[FULL STORY]

The Tiny Little Ship That Could: Mistress
Carrying only six passengers, Mistress is the smallest vessel in the Maine Windjammer Association fleet. Built on Deer Isle, Maine, in 1960, she is the perfect blend of a traditional schooner and private yacht.
[FULL STORY]

Specialty Cruises: Nature Lovers love Maine’s Windjammers!
Life is most abundant where the ocean meets the shore and Maine’s windjammer passengers find that Mother Nature never disappoints. That’s why every coastal cruise aboard a Maine Windjammer Association vessel promises wildlife galore.
[FULL STORY]

Fresh From the Galley: National Salad Month
In honor of National Salad Month and with the crisp salad greens just beginning to sprout, we’re bringing you three salad recipes.
[FULL STORY]

Archives

April 2012
April 26, 2012
Vol. 11 Issue 4

March 2012
March 21, 2012
Vol. 11 Issue 3

February 2012
February 27, 2012
Vol. 11 Issue 2

January 2012
January 26, 2012
Vol. 10 Issue 1

December 2011
December 18, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 11

November 2011
November 19, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 10

October 2011
October 26, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 9

September 2011
September 30, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 8

August 2011
August 23, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 7

July 2011
July 28, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 6

June 2011
June 30, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 5

April 2011
April 30, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 4

March 2011
March 30, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 3

February 2011
February 23, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 2

January 2011
January 23, 2011
Vol. 10 Issue 1

December 2010
December 22, 2010
Vol. 9 Issue 10

November 2010
November 19, 2010
Vol. 9 Issue 9

October 2010
October 6, 2010
Vol. 9 Issue 8

July 2010
July 23, 2010
Vol. 9 Issue 7

June 2010
June 25, 2010
Vol. 9 Issue 6

[MORE]

The Maine Windjammer Association is proud to be
featured on page 640 of this New York Times bestseller.

The Maine Windjammer Association is committed to
preserving our nation’s natural areas through our partnership
with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics,
an organization that promotes responsible
outdoor skills and ethics.

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin

Augusta – Maine State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin reported that Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed the State’s Aa2 credit rating, and has revised its outlook to negative from stable.  During the past several months, the Office of the State Treasurer has led a team of state government officials in discussions with the national rating agencies to update Maine’s credit rating.

During the late spring of each year, Maine state government typically borrows money by selling bonds to investors in order to fund capital projects such as road and bridge construction and repair.  In preparation for the bond sale, the State seeks credit updates from the rating agencies.  On May 31, the Office of the State Treasurer is planning to sell $55 million of general obligation bonds that were approved by the Legislature and Maine voters during past years.  The interest and principal payments to bondholders are secured by the full faith and credit of the State.  There is approximately $490 million of outstanding Maine general obligation debt.

In affirming its Aa2 credit rating, Moody’s cited Maine’s credit strengths including its manageable general obligation debt level; rapid 10-year pay back of such borrowing; gradually increasing tax revenues; strong internally managed Treasurer’s Cash Pool; and recent reform to its public pension plan for teachers and state employees that reduced future annual payments from the State’s General Fund.

Moody’s change to negative outlook reflects Maine’s recurring challenges for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) spending primarily for its Medicaid (Mainecare) program; modest Budget Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund) balance; negative General Fund unassigned balance; and slower than average economic recovery – all of which strains the State’s financial liquidity position.

Treasurer Poliquin commented, “I’m pleased that Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed Maine’s solid Aa2 credit rating.  This rating will continue to give investors confidence in the quality and security of our general obligation bonds.  Our Office anticipates strong demand at the May 31 bond sale.”

The Treasurer further commented, “I appreciate the helpful guidance from Moody’s as Maine continuously strives to improve its credit rating.  I note that Moody’s recognized the positive financial impact of state government eliminating $1.7 billion of our unfunded public pension liability last year.  This year, the rating agency acknowledges the long-term financial health of our ongoing initiative to right-size our Medicaid program.”

The LePage Administration is committed to creating a business-friendly environment to attract capital investment and private sector jobs.  This goal of long-term prosperity for Maine citizens is based on restraining state government spending; reforming public entitlements while maintaining important safety nets based on national averages; addressing long-term financial liabilities; lowering energy costs and health insurance premiums; streamlining business regulations; and investing in public education and infrastructure.

For related information and media, visit www.maine.gov/treasurer/outreach.

Kate Barnes working on a painting of Grassland Organic Farms for CSA: Community Supporting Arts project

Hallowell, Maine May 16, 2012 — Today the Harlow Gallery announced the start of an Indiegogo campaign in support of CSA: Community Supporting Arts, a project partnering 14 artists with 13 CSA farms in and around central Maine. The campaign aims to raise  $3,000 by July 1, 2012.  The Harlow Gallery invites the public to invest in a ‘share’ of  Community Supporting Arts through this grassroots internet fundraising tool; art and farm related perks are available to project supporters at various giving levels. Indiegogo.com is a global crowdfunding site that supports a creative community that embraces collaboration, fearlessness and authenticity. Please visit the campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/CSA-Community-Supporting-Arts to  find out more or to make a pledge. A video by participating artist Scott Minzy

Maine’s artist and farming communities are vibrant, idealistic groups, both key to our state’s unique sense of place. CSA: Community Supporting Arts organizers believe that artists can use the power of their artistic voices to effect social change.  The artists are busy creating art inspired by their farmers’ lives, work, landscapes, challenges and ideals, and the public can follow their progress by visiting the project blog site at http//:csaart.org.

Artwork by all the participating artists will be exhibited at the Harlow Gallery in October  2012.  Additional exhibitions focusing on select artist/farmer pairs will take place at partner venues between November 2012 and February 2013, including Common Street Gallery in Waterville, Frontier Cafe Gallery in Brunswick, Maine Farmland Trust Art Gallery, Savory Maine Dining & Provisions in Damariscotta and the art gallery at  Sheepscot General at Uncas Farm, with additional venues to be announced soon. The timing of all the exhibitions is meant in part to help spread awareness about local CSA farms as they begin recruiting new members for 2013.

Our partnering farmers are all operating CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms in and around central Maine.  In joining a CSA, folks make a financial commitment to their farm by investing in a share of the produce at the beginning of the growing season. In return farmers are committed to producing the freshest, most flavorful, high quality food possible for their members (most CSA farms adhere to organic standards as much as possible).  Typically each CSA member gets a weekly delivery of produce from early summer through harvest. Community Supported Agriculture is a grassroots response to the growing social and environmental problems of our modern industrial food system, and this local foods movement is transforming relationships between people, food and farms.  According to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association website, Maine’s CSA community includes over 160 farms with more than 6,500 families investing in their local farms through the purchase of shares.

CSA: Community Supporting Arts artist/farm partnerships are as follows:

Kate Barnes of Oakland is partnered with Grassland Organic Farm in Skowhegan.
Susan Bickford of Newcastle and Kelsey Kobik of  Portland are partnered with Goranson Farm in Dresden, and Dig Deep Farm (in residence at Goranson Farm).
Aleana Chaplin of Gardiner is partnered with Winterberry Farm in Belgrade.
Kim Christensen of Albion and Jamie Ribisi-Braley of Manchester are partnered with Wholesome Holmstead in Winthrop.
Matt Demers of Gardiner is partnered with SNAFU Acres Farm in Monmouth.
Kerstin Engman of Liberty is partnered with Treble Ridge Farm in Whitefield.
Tyler Gulden of Walpole is partnered with Morning Dew Farm in Newcastle.
Christine Higgins of Readfield is partnered with Annabessacook Farm in Winthrop.
Scott Minzy of Pittston is partnered with Long Meadow Farm in West Gardiner.
Maina Handmaker of Brunswick is partnered with Milkweed Farm in Brunswick.
Petrea Noyes of Lincolnville is partnered with Crescent Run Farm in Bremen.
Emily Trenholm of Portland is partnered with Fresh Start Farms in Lisbon.

CSA: Community Supporting Arts is a project of the Harlow Gallery and the Kennebec Valley Art Association in partnership with the Kennebec Local Food Initiative.  The Kennebec Valley Art Association is a 501(c)3 membership based arts organization, which has owned and operated the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell since 1963.   The Kennebec Local Food Initiative is an organization based in Gardiner, Maine that strives to strengthen community food security through access, education, information and advocacy. CSA: Community Supporting Arts has been made possible by grant funding from the Maine Community Foundation, the Maine Arts Commission and from the Davis Family Foundation.   The funds raised through Indiegogo will qualify as required matching funds for the Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Arts Commission.

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813
website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

Please support Valley Voice journalism by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

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

Mathieu’s Cycle and Fitness

Join Our Mailing List or follow us!
sign up by emailing:
Join Our Mailing List!

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

Please support The Valley Voice by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this story. Thank You!

This Mother with her babies were among those abandoned at the shelter Thursday night.

AUGUSTA, ME.(May 18, 2012) — On Thursday, May 17^th staff of the Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS) arrived at the shelter to find several boxes sitting outside filled with abandoned cats and kittens. It is unknown how long the animals were outside in the boxes but they were immediately given food, water, and medical attention. Of the abandoned cats 5 were adult females and the rest were babies, all around 3 weeks old. With 21 extra animals to care for, KVHS is looking to the public for support. KVHS is seeking donations of funds, dry and can cat food, cat litter, and families willing to help by fostering kittens too young to be placed for adoption.

“This is the time of year when we see more animals arriving at our shelter either surrendered by owners or abandoned, and an unexpected arrival of 21 animals puts a strain on our resources” says Melanie Martinez, KVHS Director of Operations. “Our mission is to provide food, shelter, medical care, and a second chance to animals in need. We strive every day to fulfill our mission, but we’re looking for help as we begin our busiest season.”

Martinezcontinues to say that donations of supplies like food and litter are critical all year long, but particularly during the spring and summer months. In addition,Martinez says that KVHS has a foster program for families willing to open their homes to animals in need of foster care because they’re young or ill. Families willing to join the foster program care for animals on a temporary basis and are a vital part of keeping animals healthy and socialized before they are ready to be spayed or neutered and placed up for adoption. Finally,Martinezexplains that financial contributions make a huge impact on the shelter’s ability to provide services. “Every dollar helps,” says Martinez. “The generous donations we receive from individuals and businesses in our community help us to save the lives of vulnerable animals every day.”

Community members interested in making a difference in the lives of animals can make donations online at www.pethavenlane.org or can send donations to 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330. All donations are tax deductible. Anyone interested in fostering animals can contact the shelter at 626-3491 or email animalcare@pethavenlane.org and donations of supplies can be delivered to KVHS located on Pet Haven Lane offWestern Avenue inAugusta.

For more information please contact Kennebec Valley Humane Society at (207) 626-3491 or visit www.pethavenlane.org.

Reveals True Intentions to Bring Tar Sands Oil Toward Maine

Last night Canadian pipeline giant Enbridge announced plans for a massive increase in pipeline capacity to bring dirty tar sands oil from Canada to global markets via the United States. One of the biggest components of the plan is to reverse the flow of its entire crude oil pipeline between Ontario and Montreal, for the purpose of transporting tar sands crude oil east. This would be the full build-out of Enbridge’s portion of the so-called “Trailbreaker” pipeline project in development for several years. This announcement could bring tar sands oil nearly to New England. The rest of the original Trailbreaker plan would bring tar sands oil by also reversing the flow of an existing pipeline from Montreal to Portland, Maine.

“This announcement reveals Enbridge’s true intentions to bring tar sands oil to our region,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “This is exactly why NRCM and others have been raising concerns since last August about dirty and dangerous tar sands coming our way. This announcement brings one of the world’s dirtiest fuels one step closer to Maine.”

In August 2011, Enbridge filed for fast-track approval of “Phase I” of this pipeline reversal. That fast-track request was rejected after NRCM and other groups opposed it, arguing that Enbridge was purposefully breaking a large pipeline project into smaller phases to attempt to hide their intentions. After months of preparation, the National Energy Board of Canada is scheduled to hold hearings next week in Ontario about the “Phase I” reversal. Given the new announcement of further expansion, it is unclear what will happen with these proceedings limited to “Phase I.”

“This announcement seems to prove that Enbridge was pursuing a deliberate strategy by Enbridge to avoid complete environmental review and public scrutiny for the full project,” said Voorhees. “Enbridge repeatedly said that it is no longer pursuing Trailbreaker, but their intentions are now obvious—the only thing that has changed is the name. Even now the public doesn’t have an honest picture from Enbridge and the Portland-Montreal Pipeline Company about the plan to bring tar sands oil from Ontario to Portland for export to global markets. This entire scheme deserves full scrutiny from environmental regulators and from the public.”

In April, 41,000 citizens from the U.S. and Canada, including several thousand from Maine, wrote comments to the Canadian Energy Board opposing “Phase I” of the Trailbreaker project and requesting a broader environmental review.

“This announcement is a massive proposal to bring huge amounts of one of world’s dirtiest fuels out of Canada to North America,” Voorhees said. “Not only does it have huge implications for U.S. energy policy and efforts to curb global warming, but tar sands could threaten Maine’s environment directly.” The oil pipeline from Montreal to Portland passes right alongside Sebago Lake, the drinking water supply to the entire Portland area. Tar sand oil is a thick, gooey substance that is more corrosive and acidic than conventional oil, making those pipes more susceptible to corrosion and bringing a higher risk of spills. And tar sands oil spills themselves are more toxic and difficult to clean up.

Yesterday’s announced expansion includes a proposed doubling in size of Enbridge’s Michigan pipeline, which in 2010 spilled 1.2 million gallons of tar sands crude into the Kalamazoo River—a massive spill that has still not been cleaned up and is still affecting local communities.

“What if a spill like the Enbridge Kalamazoo River fiasco happened here in Maine next to Sebago Lake?” asked Voorhees. “Maine people deserve to know the facts, not only about the full scope of this pipeline reversal, but about what kind of oil would flow through the pipeline and a clear assessment of the risks to Maine people and places.”

As further evidence of the piecemeal approach to Trailbreaker, Enbridge affiliates had separately applied for a permit to build a pumping station near the Vermont-Quebec border for the purpose of reversing the flow of oil between Montreal and Portland, Maine. That permit was initially denied in March, but a re-application by the company is expected.

Natural Resources Council of Maine
3 Wade St
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 430-0112 (Direct)
dylan@nrcm.org

Agency Encourages Business Development, but Urges Caution with New Kind of Offering

Maine’s Office of Securities issued an advisory Tuesday warning investors to approach “crowdfunding” investment opportunities with great caution. The advisory is posted on the Office’s website at www.investors.maine.gov.

Crowdfunding is an online money-raising strategy that began as a way for the public to donate small amounts of money, often through social networking websites, to help artists, musicians, filmmakers and other creative people finance their projects.

Through the federal Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, small businesses and entrepreneurs will be able to tap into the “crowd” in search of investments to finance their business ventures. Under the new law, however, these investments opportunities will not be regulated or scrutinized for their legitimacy.

“The Office of Securities encourages business development and investment opportunities, but because the potential for fraud with crowdfunding is significant, investors must be extremely cautious,” said Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. “Crowdfunding will be exempt from oversight—making it even more important for potential investors to do their research, checking references and asking the right questions.”

Congress enacted the JOBS Act last month and directed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to adopt rules within 270 days to implement a new exemption to allow crowdfunding. Until the rules are adopted any offers or sales of securities purporting to rely on the crowdfunding exemption would be unlawful under the federal securities laws.

“Before the SEC rules are adopted, investors should beware of promoters who jump the gun by offering investments through crowdfunding now,” Administrator Shaw added. “Once exempt, crowdfunding investments will not be reviewed by regulators before being offered to the public, nor will they be required to provide the same level of disclosures to investors or regulators that are required of securities offerings. Investors should expect to be bombarded with offerings and sales pitches.”

Similar exemptions, such as the 1996 passage of the National Securities Markets Improvement Act (NSMIA) which prohibited states from reviewing private offerings made under SEC Regulation D Rule 506 before they were sold to the public, led to many cases of fraud and numerous scams. The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which Maine’s Office of Securities is a member, reports these offerings are the most frequent source of enforcement cases handled by state securities regulators.

In issuing the crowdfunding advisory, Administrator Shaw also announced that NASAA has created a new task force to focus on Internet fraud. The Internet Fraud Investigations Project Group was formed to monitor crowdfunding and other Internet offerings.

Consumers with questions about crowdfunding offerings, or any other investment issue, should contact Maine’s Office of Securities before investing. The Office can be reached toll-free at 1-877-624-8551. Information is also available online at www.investors.maine.gov.

The Office of Securities is part of Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through the oversight of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can learn more about the Department at www.maine.gov/pfr.

Please support The Valley Voice by “LIKING” us at the bottom of this page on Facebook. Thank You!

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

Follow us on your favorite Social Network

• twitter
• facebook

Join our Mailing List
Become a Member

Please support The Valley Voice by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You!

Kelly Clark, Mitosis III, 2012, acrylic on canvas

Exhibition on View until July 7, 2012 – free and open to the public
Location: Lobby Gallery (former ATM space) at 45 Memorial Circle in Augusta
Hours: 9am to 9pm daily (the exhibition can be viewed without entering the building and is lit at night)

DETAILS:

The public is invited to visit the lobby gallery at 45 Memorial Circle in Augusta to enjoy artwork by Cony High School Independent Study Art Students Colton Brann, Kelly Clark, Charlie Eames, Marissa Eldridge, Erin Ludwig, Chantel Wellman, Talisan Greaton, Jon Caron and Sabrina Poulin from now through July 7, 2012.   The exhibition, in the former ATM lobby of the 45 Memorial Circle (also known as the “Preti-Flaherty building), is viewable from outside the building from 9am to 9pm daily. Sponsored by the Kennebec Valley Art Association.

The artist are all seniors who have been working independently since January under the guidance of Jason Morgan and Kelly Halle of Cony High School Art Department, focusing on personal goals in art of various media.

Colton Brann has been working 2D and 3D, ranging from highly detailed color pencil drawings to equally detailed ceramic pieces such as his Radiohead, 2012. He has taken all the fine art classes offered at Cony and plans to continue his education to become an art educator.

Kelly Clark hasn’t taken an art classes since her Art One class her freshman year. During this semester she has bloomed as an artist with her pen and ink drawings and her paintings called the Mitosis Series.

Erin Ludwig has a similar story with little art experience. During her independent study, she has explored various subjects in painting and created expressive sculptures of trees with wire and clay.

Chantel Wellman has been involved with the art department the last four years. She has experience in all media offered at Cony, choosing to focus on painting abstracted images inspired from nature and the human form.

Charlie Eames, Untitled, 2012, mixed media on canvas

Charlie Eames has focused in clay for his past art experience at Kents Hill. Now back at Cony, he has found his passion in drawing and painting with his abstracted figurative work.

Sabrina Poulin has focused on clay with Ms. Halle this year and is working with sculptural forms fused with color. She too hasn’t had much art experience until this year.

Marissa Eldridge has worked in multiple media and has done the same for her independent study work. She has worked in clay to complete her butterfly piece, painted expressive portraits, and is currently working out a figurative piece.

Jon Caron has found his passion in clay and choose to also work as an independent study student with Ms. Halle. He has always been involved in the arts at Cony and has participated in Cony’s Art Club.

Credit for IMAGES (attached): photos courtesy of the Cony High School Art Department

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support!

Painting by Abbott Meader, photo courtesy of the artist.

Date and time:
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 1-3pm
Location:
The Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street,
Hallowell, Maine 04347

Cost: $3 donation suggested

Hallowell, Maine – Artists are invited to bring up to three pieces of their own original work to an art critique with Abbott Meader on Sunday afternoon, May 20th from 1-3pm.  The critique will be held at the Harlow Gallery, located at 160 Water Street in downtown Hallowell, with a suggested donation of $3 at the door.  Art2012, the Kennebec Valley Art Association’s 17th annual juried art show will be on view during the critique.  Meader will share his insights on the jurying process (which he has experienced from both sides), and on being accepted and rejected as an artist in general.

A consummate academician, Abbot Meader of Oakland was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth and then with an MFA from University of Colorado and is now Professor of Art, Emeritus of Colby College. He is also a filmmaker and has traveled, lectured and studied widely in his lifetime. As an avid fly fisherman, he comes to the Katahdin region to fish and paint regularly throughout the year. He brings to his work the understanding of someone who is not merely an observer but often lives within his subject for periods of time, working with an urgency to report that familiarity.

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813

website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support!