Thursday, May 24, 2012   8:00 PM

Dr. Chris Oberholtzer and his 18 piece ensemble perform an evening of big band swing!

www.myspace.com/pjomaine

($5 students, seniors, and advance. $9 door)

The Duke Robillard Band

Friday, May 25, 2012   8:00 PM

Guitarist. Bandleader. Songwriter. Singer. Producer. Session musician. And a one-man cheering section for the blues, in all its forms and permutations. And every one of those names has shared recording studio space or stage time with a man who is a legend in the blues community.

The Blues Music Awards (formerly W.C. Handy Awards) have named Duke Robillard “Best Blues Guitarist” four years out of five (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004) making him the second most honored guitarist for that award! He was also nominated in that category in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

In 2007 Duke received a Grammy nomination for his Guitar Groove-a-rama CD and was also honored with the prestigious Rhode Island Pell Award for “excellence in the arts” along with actress Olympia Dukakis, actor Bob Colonna, and R.I. Choreographer/Festival Ballet director Mihailo “Misha” Djuric.The Pell award is named for Senator Claiborne Pell who help establish the the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities in 1965. Other awards over the last decade include three Canadian Maple Blues Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2003 for “Best International Blues Artist,” The Blues Foundation’s “Producer of the Year” award in 2004, The French Blues Association “Album of the Year” award in 2002 (Living with the Blues) and “Guitarist of the Year” awards in 1999 and 2002.

BB King himself has called Duke “One of the great players,” The Houston Post called him “one of God’s guitarists. And the New York Times says “Robillard is a soloist of stunning force and originality. But none of that goes to Robillard’s head. He’s still on the road, still playing as many as 250 dates a year. And still proving, night after night, that his true talent is bringing people out to hear the music, appreciate the show, and dance to the blues.

www.dukerobillard.com

Video! ($20 adv/$23 door)

An Evening with Arborea

Saturday, May 26, 2012   7:30 PM

Arborea is currently touring in support of the album Red Planet:
Rolling Stone ‘Best Under-the-Radar Albums of 2011′

best-under-the-radar-albums-of-2011

Top Ten Albums of 2011 Portland Phoenix Top Editors pick in the December issue of Guitar Player magazine Top vinyl pick in the December issue of Mojo Magazine.

Arborea, avant-folk duo from Maine, formed in the summer of 2005 by husband and wife Buck and Shanti Curran. Their music follows in the progressive folk rock tradition of artists Tim Buckley, Jeff Buckley, Chris Whitley, and Pentangle. Buck plays guitar, slide guitars, bowed strings, flutes, banjo, and vocals. Shanti provides lead vocals, banjo, ukulele, bowed strings, harmonium, and percussion. Arborea is often joined by Helena Espvall on cello.

Their songs are, as described by George Parsons of Dream Magazine,” Low key intimate spellcasting affairs; the fact that they are a couple might help to explain the seamless organic blending of their music together. Conjuring truly transportational magic out of the simplest ingredients. Their songs might be a hundreds of years old, and there’s little here to lock them into any moment other than forever”.

Since 2006 Arborea has performed throughout the US, UK, and Europe…including radio sessions on the BBC, WXPN, and WNYC. In 2009 Arborea curated the ‘Leaves of Life’ compilation album to benefit the UN World Food Program, and in 2010 they curated the Robbie Basho tribute album ‘We Are All One, In the Sun’, which made Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s ‘Best Acoustic Albums of 2010′, glowing reviews from The Wire and Pitchfork, and Mojo Magazine 4 Stars. Their 4th album ‘Red Planet’ was released in 2011 by the Oregon label Strange Attractors Audio House. Equal parts psychedelia and backwater folk, inspired by Smithsonian field recordings, Arborea succeeds in creating a new folk form of breathtaking originality.

Dilly Dilly

Ok… A little about me. I grew up in Maine. I have been playing music for almost 20 years. Choda 1993-1994 red light city 1994-1999 cerberus shoal 2000-2006 sage francis backing band spring 2007 solo as dilly dilly 2005-present started off playing bass but now i’m a multi-instrumentals and play ukulele, guitar, banjo, saw, trumpet, drums/percussion, toy instruments gallore, mpc and have been hitting the piano lately. I produce, write play and sing… And after all is said and done… I love music and she has loved me back I love life and all she’s given and taken from me!

Having released his official debut album Songs of Praise and Scorn in February of 2012, Christopher Paul Stelling continues to tour relentlessly across America. Singing his songs with a pure uninhibited delivery, Stelling has become known for the intensity and passion of his live performances. Owing as much to the bards and troubadours of times long past as to his contemporaries, Stelling’s ever developing commitment to his craft is obvious.

www.facebook.com/Arborea

dillydilly.bandcamp.com/

christopherpaulstelling.wordpress.com

Arborea recently did an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that will be aired on May 21st, and have been confirmed for the 2012 Philadelphia Folk Festival. They were also the only Maine band to appear at SXSW this year.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Video! ($10 adv/$12 door, 7:30pm)
Christopher Paul Stelling opens at 7:30 followed by Dilly Dilly!

One Longfellow Square Dance Party
featuring: Verbalized Medicine

Saturday, May 26, 2012   11:30 PM

One Longfellow Square and Verbalized Medicine presents:
One Longfellow Square Dance Party.11PM to 1AM

Verbalized Medicine is new to the Portland Hip Hop scene, high-energy, fun and outrageously upbeat, with a touch of funk and blues. Not your average hip hop, not your average dance party!

The $3 service fee is not added to this show.

Please call 207-761-1757 for more information.

($5 at the door only, 11:00pm door)

The Guru Ganesha Band, Live in Concert

Thursday, May 31, 2012   7:30 PM

THE FUTURE OF MANTRA MUSIC IS HERE NOW
($15 adv/ $18 door. OLS is not selling tickets for this event. Tickets available online at www.showclix.com/even)

Imagine a great world beat concert—the whole room throbbing with sinuous grooves and mesmerizing tonal colors from all over the globe. Now imagine an uplifting evening of kirtan—devotional chanting. Feel yourself being led deeper and deeper into the blissful heart of ancient mantras by a group of experienced kirtan wallahs, a convocation of beautiful souls who have long trodden the spiritual path.

This is what it’s like to experience the GuruGanesha Band in concert. The group is led by world devotional music pioneer GuruGanesha Singh, renowned for his work with singers Snatam Kaur, Tina Malia and Nirinjan Kaur; widely respected as the founder of Spirit Voyage records. An avuncular figure in turban, kurta and long white beard, GuruGanesha handles his guitars with easygoing mastery, bouncing trippy, inventive, melodic leads off the ceiling and casting polyrhythmic glitter all over the grooves.

Grounding the GGB’s joyous earth beat are tabla ace Daniel Paul, a seasoned world percussion dynamo and first-rate harmony vocalist, and bassist Gurusangat Singh, a soulful jazzman with an exceptionally supple feel and cosmic connection to the supreme groove. These two lock in like Gemini rhythm twins, and before long the whole room is up and dancing. Daniel’s been on the kirtan scene for decades, playing with Jai Uttal, Jaya Lakshmi, Snatam Kaur and others. Gurusangat put aside studies in jazz guitar to man the bass for the GuruGanesha Band. From the way he’s taken to the instrument, it’s clear he’s got some serious bass karma.

Spicing the beat like a expert fusion chef is rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist Sat Kartar Singh, old friend, highly accomplished yogi and dapper counterpart to GuruGanesha. The deeply sympathetic way in which Sat Kartar blends his voice and guitar with those of GuruGanesha bespeaks an understatedly high level of musicianship and a lifelong brotherhood. GuruGanesha frequently jokes about how he and Sat Kartar are often mistaken for one another. But then GuruGanesha tells a lot of jokes over the course of an evening. He’s a bit of a divine prankster.

The GGB’s rainbow tapestry of sonic hues is magnificently enriched by multi-instrumentalist Hans Christian, who performs on cello, sarangi, sitara and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle). Combining ancient instruments with modern electronics, he casts a potent spell with looped waves of shimmering beauty that echo into infinity. A much in-demand session musician, Hans has played with everyone from Robbie Robertson to RASA to Donna DeLory. To hear him perform live with a great band like the GGB is a rare and exceptional treat.

And then there’s Michelle Hurtado, the GuruGanesha Band’s divinely enchanting singer. Her unforgettable performances combine heartrending beauty, vocal virtuosity and a sense of total surrender to Spirit. Seated at a harmonium, dressed in flowing garments and gossamer shawl, she radiates from the stage like a present-day incarnation of Saraswati, goddess of music, art and wisdom. Michelle goes into a deeply meditative trance when she sings. She brings her entire life and soul to every note—her Cuban family background, her deep grounding in Kundalini yoga, her world travels, her ardent studies in everything from Sanskrit to flamenco dance. When the music moves her, she springs to her feet and launches into spontaneous, rapturous dance, her long dark hair flying in every direction, arms raised gracefully heavenward.

Michelle also calls herself by the name her grandmother gave her, Paloma—Spanish for dove—and when she sings, you understand why. Her voice soars as if it had wings. The dove is, after all, an age-old signifier for the Divine Spirit.

The music of the GuruGanesha Band is drawn from many sources—raga, gospel, rock, folk, even a touch of the blues. In performance, these myriad musical tributaries merge in a glistening, flowing river of sound. Much of their material is drawn from GuruGanesha’s 2011 album Kundalini Surjhee, but the band has also begun to incorporate some brand new compositions into its live performances. Their creativity seems as boundless as their onstage Kundalini energy.

Fresh from a triumphant inaugural tour of the West Coast, the GuruGanesha Band embarks on an East Coast tour that is sure to win many more new fans. Their concerts are an experience not to be missed. In the short time they’ve been together they’ve established themselves as a formidable new presence on the world devotional stage. For more information, visit www.guruganesha.com

This is a rental event, for more information on rentals click here

($15 adv/ $18 door. OLS is not selling tickets for this event. Tickets available online at www.showclix.com/even)

Box Office

IN PERSON

181 State St

Suite 201
Portland, Maine
04101

BY PHONE

(207) 761-1757

ONLINE

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Dear Fellow Cinephiles:

OK… I understand that with spring a young man’s (or woman’s) fancy turns to thoughts of love and not sitting in a movie theater, watching an old, Japanese man making delicious sushi in a Tokyo subway station, or watching the heartbreak of kids and parents as a result of bullying. I get that. What you want is action, adventure, romance, trips to exotic places. You want a director like John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) and actors like Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Slumdog Millionaire’s Dev Patel.

So come for the magic, the beauty, the romance and the fun of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It will be spring and summer for months. But this film’s engagement is limited. See you at Marigold!

Jiro Dreams of Sushi
(PG)(81 minutes)
Directed by David Gelb
Starring Jiro Ono

Tontine Mall
149 Maine St.
(207) 729-5486
www.eveningstarcinema.com
All children under age 12
always $6.25
All matinee shows
(before 5:00 PM)
$6.75

Evening shows
Seniors 65+: $6.75
Regular adult: $8.00
Barry Norman
Eveningstar Cinema
(207) 729-6796

Eveningstar Cinema

Schedule for Friday, May 25, 2012 until Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel PG-13

Rated for sexual content and language
Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith – 118 minutes

A group of British retirees decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences.

Fri: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30, 9:00
Sat: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30, 9:00
Sun: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30, 9:00
Mon: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30
Tue: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30
Wed: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30
Thu: (1:30), (4:00), 6:30

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May 23 – June 16

Previews:
May 23 2:30 and 8:00pm
May 24 2:30

Opening Night
May 24 8:00pm

Down home country humor, true emotion and unforgettable hits of Country Music Mega Star Patsy Cline converge in this inspirational show told through the letters of her friend Louise Segar, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress Sally Struthers in the star performance that started her love affair with the Ogunquit Playhouse 10 years ago! This funny and touching tribute celebrates the career and life of the singer of who died tragically in a plane crash in 1963.Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams andWalking After Midnight are just a few of the 27 featured songs!

About the Show:

Always…Patsy Cline is based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger.

Upon hearing Patsy Cline on the “Arthur Godfrey Show” for the first time in 1957, Louise Seger became an immediate and avid fan of Cline’s. She constantly hounded the local disc jockey to play Cline’s records on the radio.
In 1961 when Cline went to Houston for a show, Seger and her buddies arrived about an hour-and-a-half early and, by coincidence, met Cline who was traveling alone. The two women struck up a friendship that was to culminate in Cline spending the night at Seger’s house–a friendship that lasted until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1963.

The relationship, which began as fan worship evolved into one of mutual respect. It is the kind of relationship that many fans would like to have with their heroes.

Over a pot of strong coffee, the two women chatted about their common concerns. When Cline finally left for Dallas, her next job, the two women had exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. Seger never expected to hear from Cline again, but soon after she left, Seger received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline. The pen-pal relationship provides much of the plot of the show.

The play focuses on the fateful evening at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom when Seger hears of Cline’s death in a plane crash. Seger supplies a narrative while Cline floats in and out of the set singing tunes that made her famous–Anytime, Walkin’ After Midnight, She’s Got You, Sweet Dreams, andCrazy–to name a few.

The show combines humor, sadness and reality. It offers fans who remember Cline while she was alive a chance to look back, while giving new fans an idea of what seeing her was like and what she meant to her original fans.

“Sweet dreams again”
-USA Today
“A song-filled valentine”
-Los Angeles Times
“Always…Patsy Cline. Always a hit.”
-Biloxi Sun Herald

Our Box Office is Now Open!

Call 207.646.5511

Ogunquit Playhouse Hours

In Season Hours (5/19-10/21)

• Monday: 9am-6pm
• Tuesday-Saturday: 9am to show or to 6pm when no evening performance
• Sunday: 10am to show or to 5pm when no evening performance
• Open at 9am on Sunday dates with 10am show

Pre-Season Hours

• Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Winter Hours

• Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

* Open at 9am on Sunday dates with a 10am show

Ticket Policies:

• All sales are final. No refunds.
• Tickets may be exchanged for a different date for the same show only. An exchange fee of $5 per ticket will be assessed to your order along with any applicable price difference ($2 per ticket for Children’s Theatre tickets.)
• All exchanges must be made 24 hours prior to show time.
• All Mainstage ticket purchases are subject to a $3.50 per order fee.
• All Children’s Theatre ticket orders are subject to a $1.75 Order Fee (All order fees are applied to phone AND online orders.)
• A $2.00 per ticket phone charge is applied to phone orders.
• A $2.00 per ticket internet charge is applied to online orders.
• A paid ticket is required for ages 2 years and over. Please refer to our Visitor Info page for more details.

We look forward to seeing you at the 80th Season of John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse!

Tuesday-Saturday: 9am to show or to 5pm when no evening performance

Contact the Ogunquit Playhouse

Ogunquit Playhouse
10 Main Street
Ogunquit, ME

Box Office
207.646.5511
boxoffice@ogunquitplayhouse.org

Group Sales
207.646.2402 ext. 252
groups@ogunquitplayhouse.org

Box Office & Subscription Manager
Clare Richard
PO Box 915
Ogunquit, ME 03907
207.646.2402 ext 201
crichard@ogunquitplayhouse.org

In Season Hours (5/14-10/23)

• Monday 9am-6pm
• Tuesday-Saturday 9am to showtime or to 6pm when no evening performance
• Sunday 10am to showtime or
  to 6pm when no evening performance*

Pre-Season Hours (4/4-5/13)

• Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Winter Box Office
42 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME
Just north of the Playhouse on Rte 1

Winter Hours (11/1-4/1)

• Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

* Open at 9am on Sunday dates
with a 10am show

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At a progressive school on the coast of Maine, children are given the chance to explore themselves and the world around them through video.  Riley School, The Movie 2011-2012 is a feature-length collection of documentary and fictional work produced by Riley students as part of their school day.

Guaranteed fun for all ages, come lose yourself in the creative, hilarious world of youth-powered film!

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Show Dates & Times:

5/23/12 – Wednesday
5:00 pm

Admission: Free

Category:

• One Night Only

• Special Events

A CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE: CHANGING SEAS, HUMAN CHALLENGES

Presented by Bigelow Laboratory For Ocean Sciences

Bigelow Laboratory For Ocean Sciences Presents- Cafe Scientifique: “Changing Seas – Human Challenges — A Conversation Between a Scientist and a Journalist.”  Join Bigelow Laboratory Executive Director Dr. Graham Shimmield, and Colin Woodard, author of Ocean’s End and American Nations, for an open discussion about the vital connection between the ocean and our lives.

This event is FREE an open to the public. Come join the conversation!

About The Laboratory: The laboratory has been part of the international Café Scientifique movement since the 1990’s.  There are more that 150 active cafes in over 40 countries.

For a complete program an more information on this event, call (207)747-3255 or visit www. bigelow.org

Show Dates & Times:

5/24/12 – Thursday
6:00 pm

Admission: Free

Category:

• Lectures

HEADHUNTERS
(2011)

Fans of the Stieg Larsson Girl With The Dragon Tattoo trilogy will appreciate this latest Scandi-noir based on the bestselling book by author Jo Nesbø.  Headhunters is an intense action thriller, as well as a provocative investigation into questions of betrayal, revenge and deadly ambition. The talented Aksel Hennie (Max Manus) stars as Roger, a charming scoundrel and Norway’s most accomplished corporate headhunter. Roger is living a life of luxury well beyond his means, and has begun stealing art to subsidize his expensive lifestyle. At a gallery opening, his wife introduces him to Clas Greve (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, “Game of Thrones”). Not only is he a perfect candidate for the CEO position Roger is currently recruiting for, he is also in possession of a very valuable painting. Roger sees his chance to become financially independent, and starts planning his biggest hit ever, risking it all to get his hands on the painting. When Roger breaks into Greve’s house, he finds something that changes his life completely, and soon forces him to run for his life. The headhunt has begun! (Fully subtitled)

2011/Norway/Directed by Morten Tyldum

1 hr 40 min / Rated R

See Roger Eberts review here.

Official Site

Show Dates & Times:

5/25/12 – Friday
5:30 pm

5/26/12 – Saturday
5:30 pm

5/27/12 – Sunday
6:00 pm

5/28/12 – Monday
7:00 pm

5/29/12 – Tuesday
1:00 pm, 7:00 pm

5/30/12 – Wednesday
7:00 pm

Category:

• New Releases

MARLEY

Special Showing: 2 Nights Only!

Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Director Kevin MacDonald’s (One Day In September, The Last King of Scotland) documentary Marley is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best. Marley is the story of a towering figure of musical history, whose music and message has transcended different cultures, languages and creeds to resonate around the world today as powerfully as when he was alive.

“If you’re not familiar with the life and work of reggae icon Bob Marley, then MARLEY WILL BE A REVELATION. If you are already a fan, it will play as AN ELOQUENT, EYE-OPENING CELEBRATION.”-Miami Herald

“AMAZING IN ITS SCOPE, DETAIL AND BEAUTY.”-Seattle Times

“It may, finally, be the best and last word on the man, his music and his myth that we ever get on film — an estimable achievement in itself.”-The Oregonian

“SEE IT IN A THEATER, AND SIT ON THE AISLE SO YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM TO DANCE. FASCINATING. It packs enough new revelations to satisfy the most die-hard Marley know-it-alls, and those new to his story will be riveted throughout.”-Wired

2012/US/UK

PG-13, 2hrs 25min

Directed by: Kevin MacDonald

Cast: Bob Marley (archival footage), Ziggy Marley, Cedella Marley, Rita Marley, Neville Bunny Wailer, Chris Blackwell

Official Site

Show Dates & Times:

5/25/12 – Friday
8:00 pm

5/26/12 – Saturday
8:00 pm

Category:

• New Releases

Met Opera Encore: SIEGFRIED

Part of The Met Opera’s Complete Ring Cycle Encore

Part three of the Ring follows the journey of Siegfried, son of Siegmund and Sieglinde, from naive fearless boy to supreme hero. With the re-forged sword of his father, he conquers magical obstacles to reach his prize, Brünnhilde. Jay Hunter Morris took over the title role, one of the most demanding in the repertoire, days before the production’s premiere and reprised his acclaimed portrayal in this live transmission the following week. Deborah Voigt is Brünnhilde and Bryn Terfel sings the Wanderer.RUNTIME: 4 hours, 18min. (1 intermission)

Conductor: Fabio Luisi
Cast: Deborah Voigt, Patricia Bardon; Jay Hunter Morris, Gerhard Siegel, Bryn Terfel, Eric Owens

This spring, the Met’s Live in HD presentations of Wagner’s four-part Der Ring des Nibelungen return to movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada as a complete cycle, in Robert Lepage’s groundbreaking production. Met Music Director James Levine conducts the first two installments, Das Rheingold and Die Walküre, and Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium for Siegfried and Götterdämmerung.

Show Dates & Times:

5/27/12 – Sunday
12:30 pm

Admission:

$23 – General Admission
Tickets only available for purchase day of show at the box office window beginning at 11:30pm.

Category:

• Met Opera in HD

MID COAST MAINE HAS TALENT…OR NOT

A Variety Show Presented by The Strand & Rockland Main St, Inc & Paul Benjamin

Get ready for an evening of fabulous local talent performed on the Strand stage! This fun annual event is a fundraiser for Rockalnd Maine Street Inc.

Hosting the show will be Paul Benjamin who has lined up 14 great local talented Singers, Comedy Acts and Dancers including:
Lynn Frey , singer songwriter; Aaron Clark / Cole Barbour, Jazz; Beth McKinney, comedy; Alice Limoges singer; Anabel Parker, young singer; Tom Albury , singer; Lynn Archer, singer; Bill Maddox , comedy; Rockport Dance Conservatory; KorinnsDance; Scott Simmons; Johnny & Louise; David and the Lowdown featuring: David Dodson, Mac Ferris, Stefan Low, Mike Nickerson.

Paul Benjamin will also premiere “Men in Suits”, an act not to be missed! Men In Suits are: Paul” Bluesman” Benjamin, Bryan “Honeyboy” Austin,  Michael”MoJo” Leonard,  Pat “Oilman” O’Brien,  Will”Boogie Woogie “Clayton,  Ken” Memphis Slim” Gardiner,  Jeff “Loan Shark” Charland, Sandy” Hound Dog” Cox,  Peter ” Big Horn” Horch.  You know all these men, now see them on the Big Stage !

“This our second year to showcase local talent, we are very excited about the great lineup!” said Lorain Francis, Executive Director of Rockland Main Street, Inc. “We are very pleased to have Paul Benjamin, North Atlantic Blues Festival hold his fun evening of entertainment as a fundraiser for Rockland Main Street, Inc.”

Tickets are available at: Grasshopper Shop, Fiore Olive Oils & Vinegars, and at the door the evening of the performance $15 Adults, $10 Students

Come out and support our local talent and Rockland Maine Street!

Hosting the show will be Paul Benjamin of the Nort Atlantic Blues Festival, who has recruited a fantastic line up of local singers, dancers and musicians!

For information on performing at the Talent Show contact Paul Benjamin: 207 596 6055 or bluesman@midcoast.com

Show Dates & Times:

5/31/12 – Thursday

6:00 pm

Admission:

$15 Adults
$10 Students under 18

Category:

• Special Events

Buy Tickets
http://www.rocklandstrand.com/content/box-office-how-buy-tickets

Strand Theatre
345 Main Street
Rockland, Maine 04841

Theatre Information Line: 207-594-0070
FAX: 207-594-6106

e-mail us at:info@rocklandstrand.com

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Electricity Maine, a locally owned and operated electricity supply company, was launched in July 2011 and reached 100,000 customers in March 2012. The company’s rate for residential and small business customers is .0707 cents per kWh.

The Winthrop Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Thursday, June 7 will be held at the Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union (located at the intersection of Route 202 and Highland Avenue in Winthrop). The cost is $5 per person, to be paid at the door. A light breakfast will be provided beginning at 7:15 am and the meeting will start at 7:30 am and end promptly at 8:30 am. The meeting, which is generously sponsored by Brian S. Berry & Associates, CPAs, is open to the public. No reservations are required.

For more detailed information about this event and/or the Winthrop Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, please go to www.winthropchamber.org, call 207-377-8020, or send an email to info@winthropchamber.org.

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Digital History: Stories from Maine Memory Network

Online Exhibit: Summer’s Favorite Game

Cabot Mill Baseball Team, Brunswick, ca. 1930. MMN #9236

It’s that time of year again; we’re heading out to the stadiums to watch our favorite baseball teams in action, be it the Red Sox or a local Little League chapter. We revel in the smells, the sounds, and the history. Baseball has been part of American society for several centuries. It is that universal appeal that makes baseball so much a part of many peoples’ experiences of summer. This online exhibit features images from many Maine Memory contributing partners throughout our state, all of whom share the spirit of the game. View online exhibit.

Join us on Saturday, June 30th at Fort Williams park for an exciting 19th century baseball game series. The Essex Base Ball Organization team of Massachusetts will square up against Augusta’s Dirigo Base Ball club. Learn more about this program here.

This Week 

Thursday, May 24, 7pm

The Mysterious Penobscot Belle: Early Photography & A Forgotten Wabanaki Encampment in Portland in the mid-1800s

Speakers: Harald E. L. Prins & Bunny McBride, Kansas State University

The noted anthropologists will explore the story behind a mid-19th century engraving of Mary Louise, a beautiful Penobscot Indian woman, originally published as a “Fashion Plate” in a popular women’s magazine. This is the seventh and final program in the Richard D’Abate Lectures: Conversations About History, Art, and Literature.Series details.

To see a full list of upcoming programs, please click here.

Public programs at MHS are sponsored, in part, by the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust.

Seen at MHS

Our annual gala, the Mad Hatter Affair, was a great success this year. Friends enjoyed a festive evening and we paid tribute to Richard D’Abate, who leaves his post as Executive Director of MHS on June 2.

Photographer Rene Minnis captured some great shots of everyone!  Visit this link to view her photos of the event.

Support Your History

Give to the Annual Fund

Donate a Historic Item

Friends of Collections

For more ways to give, visit us online or call 207-774-1822 ext. 206.

Visit Us Online

Maine Historical Society Maine Memory Network Maine History Online

Vintage Maine Images Longfellow Website Museum Store

Online Museum Catalog MHS Library Catalog

This Week at MHS is your online source for exhibits, programs, and events.

Maine Historical Society  489 Congress Street Portland, ME 04101   info@mainehistory.org

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Based on the recommendations of a bi-partisan, independent study committee, the legislation replaces the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) with a new land-use board and refocuses its mission on both conservation and economic development. The new agency, which is a division under the Maine Department of Conservation, also focuses on local input and improved permitting processes.

“We have found common ground,” said Gov. Paul LePage, in signing L.D. 1798 into law. “We have retained planning and permitting in theUnorganizedTerritories, yet we also have replaced reactive rezoning with forward-looking planning.

“Best of all, this is a bi-partisan outcome that should stand the test of time,” the Governor said.

“The signing of L.D. 1798 provides a great opportunity to set aside old battles that often pitted landowners against those who see the Great Maine Woods as a public good,” Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley said. “L.D. 1798 is a major step toward a shared vision of ruralMaine.”

“We are ready to implement this important directive from the Maine Legislature,” said Samantha Horn Olsen, LURC acting director. “As we move forward, we will be mindful that success can only happen with the involvement of individuals and organizations in the areas that the Commission serves.”

The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) was created by the Maine Legislature in 1971 to serve as the planning, zoning and permitting authority for areas that do not have the capacity to administer land use controls, known as the Unorganized Territories (UT). The Commission was charged with comprehensive planning, zoning and issuing permits for most development activities, including business and wind-power projects.

Governor LePage, Maine Senate President Kevin Raye, and Maine House Speaker Robert Nutting last year appointed a 13-member commission to study reforms to the agency. The commission last fall presented a unified report with reform recommendations that resulted in legislation.

As a result, L.D. 1798 establishes a new land use board, the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, with nine members, rather than the current seven, nominated by both the Governor and the eight counties with the most unorganized areas. The Commission members serve for four years.

The purpose and scope of the new Commission is expanded to include “the well-planned and well-managed multiple use, including conservation, of land and resources and to encourage and facilitate regional economic vitality.”

Other directives include:

• To hold Commission meetings in a location within the Commission’s jurisdiction, with project-review meetings to be held as close as possible to the project site;
• To move land-use staff out ofAugustainto field offices closer to the Commission’s jurisdiction;
• To reform the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for the UT. to reflect the new legislation;
• To identify areas of the UT that display significant potential for economic investment and job creation;
• To provide an annual report to the legislative oversight committee.

Grid-scale wind projects in the UT now will be reviewed and permitted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Regulation of forestry activities in the UT will be handled by the Maine Forest Service.

In addition, one environmental specialist will be transferred from LURC to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Commissioner Beardsley outlined several steps already being taken to initiate reform. Some LURC staff offices have been moved closer to the UT; State Planning Office planners have been moved to offices adjacent to MDOC planners: and the department is in conversation with numerous UT landowners and residents, counties and other organizations.

“Our goal is to engage these individuals and organizations that have their feet on the ground,” the commissioner stressed, “then build a comprehensive land use plan and develop prospective zoning and permitting processes that reflect the aspirations of the UT.”

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Open Memorial Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, the Museum
will be open on Mondays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Final Days

Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist 

On view through May 28

“Edgar Degas, bristly, embittered, and occasionally misanthropic, may not have been an easy man to know. But there’s something extraordinarily intimate and compelling about ‘Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist’…”  –The Boston Globe

Portland, Paris, Giverny, and back again!

In this week’s Museum blog learn how a trip to Giverny inspired the the interactive spaces in the exhibition From Portland to Paris: Mildred Burrage’s Years in France.

Movies at the Museum

Dinner and a Movie! Enjoy a light dinner before a movie! Visit the Museum Café by Aurora Provisions for seasonally inspired soups and salads, gourmet sandwiches, and creative entrées. Beer and wine served. No admission required to dine. Free Wi-Fi. Menu changes daily.

Monsieur Lazhar 

Friday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 26, 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 27, 2 p.m.

PG-13

In Montreal, a school teacher dies abruptly. Having learned of the incident in the newspaper, a 55-year-old immigrant goes to the school to offer his services as a substitute teacher. Quickly hired to replace the deceased, he finds himself in an establishment in crisis, while going through his own personal tragedy.

Click here for complete movie listings

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Portland Museum of Art | Seven Congress Square | Portland | ME | 04101

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North Atlantic Blues Festival
Rockland, Maine

Saturday July 14 , 2012

11:00 AM Music Begins

Randy Oxford Band

Albert Castiglia

Royal Southern Brotherhood
featuring Cyril Neville, Mike Zito, Devon Allman, Charlie Wooton & Mean Willie Green

Rick Estrin & the Nightcats

Tribute to Koko Taylor With The Blues Machine, Nora Jean Wallace, Melvia “Chick” Rogers and Jackie Scott

Tab Benoit

_________________________________________

SIDE STAGE  playing  Sat and Sun

Mark Lavoie and Dave Keller will be playing between acts

____________________________________________________________

Sunday July 15, 2012

11:00 AM Music begins

Charlie A’Court 

Anthony Gomes

Ana Popovic 

John Mayall

Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band

Tickets available on line

Advance prices: (ending July 9th)

$25.00 single day

$50.00 two day

$100.00 VIP seat  (6 left)

At Gates:

$35.00 single day

$70.00 two day

Ticket outlets listed on the website

Info hotline : 207-691-2248

Check the North Atlantic Blues Festival website for more information.

Hope to see you this year,

Paul E Benjamin & Jamie Issacson
________________________________________________

Extra Events for the Festival weekend

Friday July 13 Pre- festival with Blues played in many locations in Rockland

Sat night July 14 ” Famous Club Crawl” 22 spots hosting Maine Blues Bands

Sunday July 15th  Brunch served at The Tradewinds and Time Out Pub

Sunday evening  Post- festival jams at The Tradewinds and Time Out Pub

North Atlantic Blues Festival | 70 Lake Ave | Rockland | ME | 04841

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Ticket price:  Optional suggested donation

Traditional Irish band The Ivy Leaf will be celebrating their debut album release with a concert at Blue in Portland on Wednesday, May 30 at 8:00 PM. There is an optional, suggested donation. CDs will be available for purchase and raffle.  Uilleann piper Joey Abarta will open.

The Ivy Leaf is a young traditional Irish quartet that came together through the Boston session scene.  Featuring fiddles, flute & whistle, concertina, vocals and bouzouki and guitar accompaniment, the group’s influences are a blend of the old and new, taking on centuries old dance music and giving it a modern vigor.  Among their influences are many of the local musicians who define the sound of Irish music in Boston and Providence.  Enriching that tradition is an intense curiosity for old, isolated, or obscure forms of music, arming the group with an array of tunes from jigs to polkas to hornpipes, along with songs of both Irish and American origin.

It was Lindsay Straw (bouzouki/guitar/vocals) who first reached out to Caroline O’Shea (flute/whistles/vocals) and Daniel Accardi (fiddle/concertina) to explore the older traditions of Irish music. After the addition of friend and fellow musician Armand Aromin (fiddle/whistle) in 2010, The Ivy Leaf was born. The group released their debut album “The Ivy Leaf: Traditional Irish Music” in March 2012, available on CDBaby and iTunes starting March 29, 2012.

Uilleann piper Joey Abarta will open for the band.  Joey is an astounding young piper, with many years of touring and an All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil championship under his belt.  A recent addition to the Northeast, Joey hails from Los Angeles, CA and is now based in Boston.

Join The Ivy Leaf in celebrating the release of their first album and for an evening of traditional Irish music and songs at Blue on May 30 at 8:00 PM. For information, call207-774-4111, email tom@boghat.com or visit www.portcityblue.com.  For more information on The Ivy Leaf, visit their website at www.ivyleafmusic.com or email ivyleafmusic@gmail.com.

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New England Celtic Arts will present The Forge at on Tuesday May 29 at The Phillips Area Community Hall, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Me on Wednesday May 30, and at Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts in Unity, Me on Thursday May 31 .Curtain at Skye is 7:00 pm and at UCCPA is 7:30 pm. There is a pre-show jam session 1 hour prior to curtain at both venues. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with the artists for a few minutes before the show.

Maeve Gilchrist, Anna Coliton, Cara Frankowicz, and Nicole Rabata breath fresh life into Ireland’s traditional music, and deliver it with a punch. Hailing from both sides of the Atlantic, the woman of The Forge perform a stunning fusion of tradition and today.

Maeve Gilchrist on Harp and voice. Born to an Irish mother and a Scottish father, Maeve grew up in Edinburgh Scotland under the influence of two harp playing aunts and immersed in the traditional music scene from a young age. At 17 Maeve was awarded a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston where she started to put down roots in the American roots music scene. Some of Maeve’s performance highlights include the Celtic Connections Music Festival, the ICONS festival and the World Harp Festival.

Fiddler Cara Frankowicz is a nationally renowned fiddle player who is currently based in Boston MA. Originally from Pennsylvania, In her early twenties Cara moved to Ireland, cutting her teeth on the cream of the Galway music scene. Cara has performed all over the world at events including the Philadelphia Irish Music Festival and has performed with artists such as the Chieftains and the Three Irish Tenors.

Irish flutist Nicole Rabata is highly regarded both in and out of traditional music fields. She has toured America and Europe including appearances at International Flute Festivals in Stockholm and Lund (Sweden), Temple Bar Trad Fest in Dublin, the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Scotland, the National Flute Conventions in NYC and San Diego, WOMAD Festival in the UK and the Festival Interceltique du L’Orient in Brittany among others. Most recently she spent two months in India where she performed and taught music in the rural Himalayas. She spent four years in the west of Ireland where she immersed herself in the music and was influenced by the playing of many great musicians. She plays flutes by Patrick Olwell and Gilles Lehart.

Anna Colliton is one of America’s leading exponents of the bodhrán, the traditional Irish frame drum. From Chicago, a city of Irish musical excellence, Anna plays a highly intricate style of drumming with masterful tonal and rhythmic variation. She has taught and performed at festivals across the country, including Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago Celtic Fest, the New York Irish Dance Festival, the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, and the Dollywood Festival of Nations. Anna has numerous recording credits, recently including Cherish the Ladies’ A Star in the East and Grainne Murphy’s Short Stories. She teaches advanced bodhran at the Irish Arts Center in New York City

“A new band shows up on the scene and immediately seems destined to make an impact. The Forge are a bright new name in the American Irish music scene. Paying homage to their traditional roots while creating something new.” Brian O’Donovan, Producer/Host, A Celtic Sojourn, WGBH Boston

The Phillips Community Center is located on Depot Street in Phillips. Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and US RT. 2 in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot Street in Unity. Ticket price is $15.00 at the door. For reservations call Skye Theatre at (207) 562-4445 or UCCPA at (207) 948-7469, and in Phillips at (207)639-3717. Reservations are strongly suggested at all venues.

For more information: http://www.necelticarts.com
Bio link: http://www.theforgemusic.com/
Youtube link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5f1Vtn_ao

Calendar listings:

Tuesday, May 29 – Phillips, Me , The Forge, An International band bringing the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland forward. 7 p.m. at Phillips Area Community Center (Depot Street Phillips, Me); pre-show jam session starting at 6 p.m. $15. Info: 207-639-3717 or www.necelticarts.com . The Forge info:http://www.theforgemusic.com/ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5f1Vtn_ao

Wednesday, May 30 – So. Carthage, The Forge, An International band bringing the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland forward. 7 p.m. at Skye Theatre (Winter Hill Rd., off Rte.2 in Carthage); pre-show jam session starting at 6 p.m. $15. Info: 207-562-4445 or www.necelticarts.com . The Forge info:http://www.theforgemusic.com/ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5f1Vtn_ao

Thursday May 31 – Unity, The Forge, An International band bringing the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland forward. 7:30 p.m. at Unity College’s Center for the Performing Arts (42 Depot St. in Unity); pre-show jam session starting at 6:30 p.m. $15. Info: 948-7469 or www.unity.edu/uccpa . The Forge info:http://www.theforgemusic.com/ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t5f1Vtn_ao

Phill A McIntyre
Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center
PO Box 60
East Dixfield, Me.  04227
207-562-4445

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WHAT:

WHEN: 1 p.m.  Reception, with performances by Longfellow Elementary School pupils, light refreshments; 1:30 p.m. Ceremony; Tuesday, May 22;

WHERE:  Longfellow Elementary School, Portland.

Project Canopy, which is the Maine Forest Service’s urban forestry program, under the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC), will hold its annual Arbor Week Celebration and Awards Ceremony next week.

As part of the celebration, MDOC Commissioner Bill Beardsley will present the 2012 Frank Knight Community Forestry Excellence Award to Robert and Beverly Dutton, of Dutton’s Nursery, Morrill, who last year donated more than 1,000 trees toMaineschools, municipalities and non-profit community organizations.

Recognition of the 22Maineschools that have received the Maine Arbor Week School Planting Grants also will be made.

In addition, the 2011 Tree City USA Awards will be presented.

The celebration will include the pupils from theLongfellowElementary SchoolinPortland, which received one of the planting grants.

Directions:

From the north:

• Take I-295 south towardBrunswick;
• Take exit 6B fromU.S.302/Maine 100/Forest Ave.
• Turn right ontoForest Avenue;
• Turn Left ontoWoodford Street;

·Turn right ontoStevens Avenue;

• LongfellowSchoolis on the left.

From the south:

• Take I-295 north and follow the same directions for traveling north.

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NEXT ELECTION DATE:   June 12, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

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

Sample Ballots for June 2012 Election

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

Quick Links

BDA Happenings

Upcoming Events in Downtown Brunswick

Did You Know?

What’s New

Specials & Discounts Not to be Missed

Member Spotlight

BDA Celebratory Breakfast – May 24

Brunswick has been named a Main Street Maine community! To recognize this great achievement, the BDA will host a Celebratory Breakfast on Thursday, at 7:30 am at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn. This designation, bestowed by the Maine Development Foundation, recognizes Brunswick’s commitment to preserving the historic character of our Downtown and revitalizing our local economy.The Maine Development Foundation is a private, non-profit membership organization created to drive sustainable, long-term economic growth for Maine. Brunswick will be the first town in Cumberland County to be named a Maine Street Maine community and joins nine other communities that have achieved and maintained Main Street Maine title: Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Gardiner, Rockland, Saco, Sanford, Skowhegan, and Waterville.

Generously being sponsored by Mid Coast Health Services, the Celebratory Breakfast will feature special Guest Speakers Laurie Lachance, President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation and Roxanne Eflin, Senior Program Director of the Maine Downtown Center. Breakfast service will begin at 7:30 am and the meeting will end at 9 am. Cost is $15 per person in advance or at the door. FMI or to register, please click here or call 729-4439.

Taste of Brunswick Date Change

Mark your calendars, this year the Taste of Brunswick will take place on September 15th. More information will be forthcoming.

First Days of Summer Celebration & Community Yard Sale – June 23

This family-friendly event will be Brunswick’s official kick off to summer and will include a week of specials, promotions, and in store activities and entertainment. Saturday, the last day of the event, there will be a Sidewalk Sale as well as a Brunswick-wide Community Yard sale. Any residential property within the Downtown Brunswick limits is invited to attend. Get ready for summer by cleaning out your closets. Details and registration form for the Yard Sale can be found on the BDA website at www.brunswickdowntown.org.

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Upcoming Events in Downtown Brunswick                  May 18, 2012

Mid Coast Hospital‘s Grand and Glorious Yard Sale – May 18 – 20

Twelve “stores” under one roof! Friday, 6-8:30 pm, Preview Party will be held at the old Bookland, Cook’s Corner Mall. Tickets at door $20 per person, starting at 6 pm. Saturday, sale runs 8 am – 3 pm and Sunday, 9 am – 12 pm. FMI call 373-6015.

LOL at Reader’s Theater – May 18 – 20

The Theater Project, 14 School Street, presents The Center Stage Players in LOL (or “Laughing Out Loud”), a collection of comedic pieces illustrating human foibles. The show features some original material, including a segment that highlights the idiosyncrasies of the Center Stage Players themselves. Performances will take place Friday at 7 pm and 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. All tickets are Pay-What-You-Want, with a suggested price of $5. No reservations required. Tickets are available online at www.theaterproject.com or by calling 729-8584.

18th Annual Brunswick Bike Rodeo / Family Safety Day – May 19

The Brunswick Rotary Club in conjunction with the Town of Brunswick Parks & Recreation and Police Departments, Merrymeeting Wheelers, Walmart, Mid Coast Hospital and Center Street Cycles are sponsoring this event at the Brunswick Walmart parking lot, Saturday from 9 am to noon. FREE and open to the public, there will be bike safety checks, assistance with helmet adjustments, and a bike safety course. Upon completion of the course, kids can enter a drawing for a new bicycle. They’ll even provide helmets for children who do not have them. Over 12 local and regional public safety organizations are also participating with static and interactive displays. FREE food and music while supplies last. Fun for the entire family! FMI call 725-6656.

Purr and Caw – May 22

This spoken word event sponsored by Spindleworks will take place Tuesday, at 7 pm at the Frontier. Members of the community are welcome to be part of the event by reading or singing work in the theme of species. There will be no walk-in entries. FMI contact Liz McGhee 725-8820 oremcghee@iaofmaine.org.

Deadline for Early Bird Special for Parkview Golf Classic – May 22

The deadline for the special pricing offer on the Friends of Parkview Adventist Medical Center Auxiliary’s Eleventh Annual Golf Classic has been extended to May 22nd for BDA members. The price, with the price break ($25 off per player) is $100 per golfer and includes breakfast, greens fees and cart, lunch and awards ceremony. The tournament will take place on July 10th at the Brunswick Golf Club. Proceeds benefit projects sponsored by the Friends of Parkview Auxiliary, which raises money for improving community wellness, health services, and to provide state-of-the-art equipment to Parkview. FMI call Tory Ryden at 373-2160.

Every Little Step Documentary Screening – May 23

Maine State Music Theater will present this award-winning documentary on Wednesday at 7 pm at Frontier Cafe and Cinema in Fort Andross, followed by a Q&A session with two members of the cast of the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line. The documentary highlights the phenomenon of the musical and its recent Broadway revival and relates it to the cultures in which it was performed. MSMT’s Director and Choreographer, Donna Drake and Michael Gorman, played Tricia and Bobby during A Chorus Line‘s original run on Broadway. FMI and tickets visitwww.explorefrontier.com.

Southern Maine Midcoast Chamber (SMMC) Networking Events – May 23

Regional networking at its best! SMMC will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting for Select Physical Therapy, 275 Bath Road, at 5 pm and a Chamber After Hours at Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness, 120 Harpswell Street, 5-7 pm. Welcome a new business to the SMMC family, then enjoy the camaraderie of other business people, making new connections and reestablish existing relationships. Click here to register for FREE.

Fun and Flip Flops – May 23

All About Prevention (AAP), 103 Harpswell Road, announces this Jewelry (by Silpada) Open House Wednesday from 6:30-8:30. Portion of proceeds to benefit AAP. Refreshments, door prizes, gorgeous jewelry and fun! Wear your favorite pair of flip flops and get ready for summer! FMI call 725-4955, email pfaff@allaboutprevention.org, or visit www.allaboutprevention.org.

Student Art Show & Sale – May 23

A collection of the best drawings, paintings, prints, collages, sculptures, ceramics and photography from Brunswick High School students will be on display and available for sale Wednesday, from 5-7:30 pm at the school, 116 Maquoit Road. Proceeds will benefit the Brunswick High School Art Scholarship fund. FMI call 319-1910.

Bowdoin College Commencement Weekend – May 25

Congratulations to Bowdoin College Class of 2012! Commencement weekend starts Friday, May 25. There will be a host of activities taking place throughout the campus. FMI click here.

Learning Land Nursery School’s 50th Birthday Celebration – May 28

All current and former Learning Land students, staff and families are invited to walk or ride their bikes or wagons with Learning Land in the Brunswick-Topsham Memorial Day Parade, and/or join them from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for the celebration at 9 Cleaveland Street. They also need your old photos! FMI find them on Facebook at “Learning Land 50th Birthday” or visitwww.learninglandnurseryschool.com.

Mt. Ararat (MTA) High School Senior Art Display – May 31 & June 7

Thursday, at 6:15 pm an art exhibit featuring work from MTA seniors will be held in the school lobby. And Thursday, June 7, there will be an undergraduate art exhibit held in the high school lobby as well. Both exhibits will be extra special since Sheila Bohlin, the inspirational and beloved Head of the MTA Art Department for 38 years, will be retiring at the end of this academic year. Past MTA art students are encouraged to attend and share their memories with her. FMI call 729-2951.

Downtown Brunswick Window Box/Planter Competition – entries due June 1

This summer, Brunswick’s Village Improvement Association will conduct this competition among Brunswick businesses on or near Maine and Pleasant Streets. Any live floral beautification that enhances the exterior appearance of a business will be eligible. Entries will be judged in mid-July. Prizes include $250 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, several non-monetary certificates awarded for Honorable Mentions, as well as a $100 prize for Best New Entry. For questions about rules, call Jeff Hutchinson, Codes Enforcement Officer, at 725-6651. FMI or to register your business click here.

Bark for the Park Fido Festival – June 2

Sponsored by BARKMaine, this event will be held at the Topsham Fairgrounds (rain or shine) Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. There will a fundraising Wag & Walk and showcases featuring dog activities, demos, races, clinics, vets, and pet-related products, services and community organizations. With live music, food concessions and plenty of action, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Indoor venues will be available in case of rain. FMI visit www.barkmaine.org.

2nd Annual Brunswick Fly-In – June 2 & 3

RE/MAX Riverside would like to invite you to join them between 8 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday at Brunswick Landing. Take a tethered ride on “Big MAX”, RE/MAX’s hot air balloon, Saturday, 8-10 am and 6-8 pm. Both days start with a pancake breakfast. Saturday will end with an outdoor movie. FMI call RE/MAX Riverside at 319-7816 or email info@remax-riverside-maine.com.

2nd Annual Make-up Event – June 7

Come enjoy a fun educational day learning about make-up and skincare Thursday, from 1-7 pm with Aveda professional make-up artist Terez, and the staff at Pura Vida Day Spa. Try some fantastic eye shadow colors, find your correct lip color and learn about Aveda’s skin care line. New and prior guests welcome. Come alone or bring a friend. Space is limited. $25 deposit required, which can be applied toward make-up purchase. To pre-book a reservation call 725-1233.

Second Friday ArtWalk – June 8

Every second Friday, May through October, from 5-8 pm, Five Rivers Art Alliance will host over 55 local Maine artists will be displaying their work at studios, galleries, and at pop up venues throughout Downtown Brunswick including Fort Andross, 98 Maine Street, the Captain Daniel Stone Inn and at the Inn at Brunswick Station. Spend a great evening Downtown, enjoying live music, beautiful artwork, as well as fabulous shopping, and restaurants. Volunteers Needed. FMI call 798-6964 or email 5raateam@gmail.com.

Decorating with Color Confidence at Timeless Cottage – June 15

This class will address white walls, fear of color failure, and help you discover the color combos perfect for you! It will take place Friday from 6-8 pm at Timeless Cottage, 66 Maine Street. FMI call 725-5057.

St. John’s Bazaar – June 15 – 17

All Saints Parish will be hosting the annual St. John’s Bazaar Father’s Day Weekend, Friday from noon – 10 pm, Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday from noon – 5 pm. There will be plenty of food, games, music, and rides by Smokey’s Greater Shows. A Horseshoe Tournament and Pig Roast will be held on Sunday. Advance ride tickets are $1 each. Tickets can be purchased at Hannaford’s, Atlantic Federal Credit Union and at the All Saints Parish Office at 132 McKeen Street. FMI call 725-2624 or visit www.allsaintsmaine.com.

Curtis Friends Library Book Sale – June 22 – 24

With over 70,000 items, the Curtis Friends Book Sale is the largest in Northern New England! Join the fun and shop for great bargains at the Brunswick Junior High School gymnasium, 65 Columbia Avenue, Friday, 10 am – 7 pm (all books $3 or less), Saturday 10 am – 5 pm (all books $2 or less) and Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm ($3 for a grocery bag full of books). All proceeds benefit Curtis Memorial Library. FMI call 725-5242 or visit www.curtislibrary.com/booksale.

Did You Know?

Beginning in June, All About Prevention will be sponsoring alternative classes to handle summer stress and anxiety Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm. Class topics will include: Meditation and Relaxation, Astrology, Reiki, Life Coaching, and a Spiritual Medium. Class sizes are limited. Cost is $30 each. FMI or to register call 725-4955, email pfaff@allaboutprevention.org, or visitwww.allaboutprevention.org.

Brunswick’s Hidden Gems Photo Exhibit is on display in the entryway at Curtis Memorial Librarythroughout the month of May. This Historic Preservation Month activity is sponsored by the Village Review Board. In addition, during the month of May, selections from the photo series will be featured in the Times Record. This exhibit highlights interesting, often overlooked pieces of Brunswick’s historic fabric along with accompanying historical information. FMI call the Brunswick Planning Department at 725-6660.

Ed McCartan‘s artwork can be seen at the Luxe Hair Salon and Spa, 97 Maine Street, for the next month. His paintings can also be viewed at the Lincoln Building, 89 Maine St., on the second Friday ArtWalks. His studio is in Mill 1, second floor of Ft. Andross, and is open to the public generally and by appointment. FMI email edwardmccartan@gmail.com.

The Brunswick Farmers Market is now open Tuesdays and Fridays, on The Mall in Downtown Brunswick, 8 am – 2 pm rain or shine. FMI visit brunswickfarmersmarket.com.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 36 Old Portland Rd, just completed a major renovation! The Package is called “Green Tea Décor” and although it doesn’t boast the same benefits as green tea, it does reinvigorate guests! Property tours are given from 12-3 pm daily or upon request. Visit, have a complimentary cup of coffee, and experience the invigorating new décor! FMI call 721-0300 or visit www.marriott.com/pwmbw.

Single tickets to individual shows for the Maine State Music Theater 2012 season are on sale now. The season opens June 6 and will include A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, Sunset Boulevard, 42nd Street, Skippy Jon Jones and Sleeping Beauty. They will also host special concert events featuring The Dartmouth Aires, Schooner Fare, and Always Patsy Cline. FMI visit www.msmt.org, call 725-8769, or stop by the MSMT box office at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick.

Maine Fiberarts in Topsham will be hosting Fiber Fridays the first Friday of each month, 10 am-noon. Bring your spinning, knitting, quilting, or embroidery and join them as they share good ideas and happenings about town. A Weave-In will be hosted throughout May and June. FMI call 721-0678 or email fiberarts@gwi.net.

The Little Schoolhouse on Maine Early Childhood Center will be opening September 2012 and is now accepting enrollment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. They are a quality, early childhood center providing outstanding care in a safe and nurturing environment. They offer their own Little Gourmet Chef Cooking classes, dance lessons, field trips and so much more! FMI call 522-3151 or visit TheLittleSchoolhouseonMaine.com.

In 1996 the Village Improvement Association (VIA) planted Maine Street flowers in 4 median beds and 20 baskets, with a $2,300 budget. This summer the VIA will plant 11 beds – vibrant burgundy, orange, fuchsia and yellow – at a cost of $10,678. If you’d like to support the plantings, send a check to the Village Improvement Association, Russell Pierce, 59 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. FMI email crichp@myfairpoint.net.

What’s New?

Call For Artists – Five Rivers Arts Alliance is looking for fiber and quilt artists to show at the Brunswick Town Council Chambers exhibit September-October. The requested theme is sky, stars, universe to coordinate with the September Five Rivers Family Arts (and Science) Festival theme of Arts in the Stars. Eleven spaces are available. Artwork should be bigger than 15″ x 12″. FMI contact Monika Kirtland at 504 7424 or mkirtland@gwi.net.

This Week at People Plus: On May 22 at 12 pm a brown bag lunch to discuss Elder Law with local attorney Jane Quirion and Obits to DIE for! How to write your own with Frank Connors. Also on May 22 at 2:30 pm Cafe En Francais! On May 23 at 8:30 am Women’s Breakfast and at 3 pm People Plus Social Club with entertainment from local musician Claude Bonang and games provided by Brackett Funeral Home. FMI visit peopleplusmaine.org or call 729-0757.

This month Gallery Framing, 12 Pleasant Street, is featuring the Photography of local resident Sandy Peters. Her color photography and Giclee (zhee-clay) stretched canvas prints depict Moments in Time. She has captured the wonderful world of nature in its brightest natural form. FMI call 729-9108 or visit www.galleryframinginc.com.

The Whatnot Gallery at Spindleworks, 7 Lincoln Street, is hosting a collaborative mail art exhibit “Return to Sender”. This exhibit features 16 densely colorful works created in a 2-year collaboration between Spindleworks and two art programs in Rhode Island. Exhibit runs through May 31. FMI visitwww.spindleworks.org or call 725-8820.

Frontier – For a full listing of current movies, music, and events, visit www.explorefrontier.com/schedule.

Eveningstar Cinema -  For current movie listing with showtimes, visit www.eveningstarcinema.comor call 729-5486.

Bowdoin College – For a full listing of the upcoming events and activities on campus, click here.

Specials and Discounts Not to Be Missed

Cool As A Moose is pleased to offer all Bowdoin College students 15% off purchases in their Brunswick store at 128 Maine Street during the month of May. Open daily 10 am – 6 pm. FMI visit www.coolasamoose.com.

Pura Vida Day Spa May specials. Champagne & Rose Oil Massage. 1 hour $75. The 24 Karat Gold Facial utilizes gold powder and silk extract to moisturize your skin. 1 hour $80. The May Package includes 45 minute Rose Facial, 45 minute Rose Massage, and 45 minute Rose Footsoak served with sparkling beverage for $149. FMI call 725-1233.

Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness Summer Special – sign up for June, July, and August for $120. (A$50 savings!) New Members Only. Some restrictions apply. FMI call 729-8433 or visitwww.mainepines.com.

Shear Body Celebrate Spring with some soft hi-lights! Save $10 on any foil appointment with Jacki until Memorial Day. FMI or to make an appointment, call 721-9393 or visit www.shearbody.com.

Timeless Cottage, 66 Maine Street, is offering Red Tag Specials May 22 to May 31 with 25% offMany Selected Furniture Items. Come in and see if your favorite piece has been reduced! FMI call 725-5057.

MK Studio knows bad self-tans can happen to good people! Don’t commit a faux-glo faux pas. Fast-acting and easy to use, Tantasia self-tanner works with your skin’s melanin to create a tan that is uniquely yours. They’re so confident you’ll love your tan they’re offering $5 off; just print this ad! Limit 1 per person, valid until June 1st. FMI call 319-8715 or email mkstudiobrunswick@gmail.com.

At Last…Salon & Day Spa, 185 Park Row, welcomes Amanda Pierce formally of Beau Bella. Her expertise is in: cuts, color, hi-lights and perms and also enjoys doing mani’s and pedi’s. Her current schedule is Saturdays 8:30 am – 3 pm and she will be offering the following specials. Complimentary lip or brow wax with a shampoo, haircut & blow dry for new guests to the spa, or those who haven’t had their hair done here. Spa manicure or spa pedicure offered at regular manicure or pedicure prices.Mention “Brunswick Blast” when booking appointment. FMI call 373-0751, emailinfo@atlastsalondayspa.com, or visit www.atlastsalondayspa.com.

Goodwin Chevrolet Mazda is offering a Facebook Special. Like them on Facebook and receive $10 off an oil change! FMI click here.

Member Spotlight

Congrats to Ida Messerman, who teaches at Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness. She has been selected by the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Activity as the winner of the 2012 Maine Fitness Award in the Lifetime Achievement Category.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Downtown Brunswick.

  Click here to join our mailing list today:

Do you have an event or business announcement that you would like to have included in

The Brunswick Blast? Contact tracy@brunswickdowntown.org.

Stop by the Brunswick Visitor Center located at Brunswick Station. We have a full array of Downtown business brochures and maps. It is THE spot for information about Brunswick! Come in to take the bus or just to pick up brochures! FMI call 721-0999.

Brunswick Downtown Association
85 Maine Street Station / PO Box 15
Brunswick, Maine 04011
207-729-4439
www.brunswickdowntown.org

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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.

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

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

The library is located at 152 Water Street, Gardiner.

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

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

FROM:    Scott Morelli, City Manager

DATE:    May 18, 2012

RE:      Weekly Memo

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Next Week’s City Meetings are available on our Calendar

Below please find an update on recent City activities:

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

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

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

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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.

Lisa Turner

AUGUSTA, Maine – Lisa Turner, author of The Eat Local Cookbook by Down East books, will close Lithgow Public Library’s series on sustainability on Thursday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. The sustainability series, titled “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” included informational talks from solar energy and home efficiency experts, along with presentations about the proposed North Woods national park.

The author talk will take place in the Reading Room, and is free and open to the public. There will be an opportunity to purchase the cookbook at the program.

Turner is the owner of Laughing Stock Farm in Freeport a four season, certified organic, family-owned vegetable farm.  The Eat Local Cookbook began as a collection of recipes Turner compiled for the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members in 2010.  The collection caught the attention of Down East editors, and she was asked to write a cookbook.  Turner will talk about growing and cooking local, seasonal food.

More information about the cookbook and Laughing Stock Farm is available at www.laughingstockfarm.com .

Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street in Augusta.  For more information, call the library at 626-2415 or visit www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

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Bipartisan Majority Rejects the Costly, Extreme, and Risky Proposal

Among its actions this week, the Legislature defeated a controversial “regulatory takings” bill that would have cost Maine taxpayers millions of dollars, caused a proliferation of lawsuits, and blocked future laws that may be necessary to protect Maine’s environment, people, and communities. This action came when the House and Senate voted to “indefinitely postpone” LD 1810—which means the bill is now officially dead.

“This risky, costly, and radical proposal would have undermined the laws that protect Maine’s environment and communities,” said NRCM Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim. “Despite a massive effort by lobbyists to force this dangerous bill through the legislature, a bipartisan majority held firm and refused to support it.  Common sense won the day over ideology.”

The original bill would have allowed property owners to receive payments from the State Treasury to compensate them for claimed losses in property values resulting from future land use regulations.  Property owners would be allowed to ignore Maine law if theState did not make the compensation payments.

Such proposals have been broadly defeated nationwide based on concerns about their high costs and negative consequences, and previous takings bills have been rejected by the Maine Legislature at least five times since 1995.

In March, a majority of the Judiciary Committee rejected LD 1810, and proposed a complete substitute that would avoid the litigation, costs, and harm to the environment that would have resulted from the bill. But supporters of the original bill worked relentlessly to keep their proposal alive. These efforts peaked during the week of April 9, when the Majority Report from the Judiciary Committee was blocked in the House, and the Minority Report was voted on instead, passing by a one-vote margin.  (See http://www.downeast.com/georges-outdoor-news/2012/april/knight-beating-takings)

Lobbyists then attempted for several days to force the bill forward in the Senate, but they faced a bipartisan block of 20 Senators—including Republican Senators Tom Saviello, Roger Katz, Chris Rector, and Earl McCormick—who were firmly opposed to the Minority Report.  The Senate adjourned at 2:30 a.m. on April 14 without taking a vote on LD 1810, leaving it to be considered when they reconvened May 15. When the bill finally was scheduled for consideration in the Senate, it was clear that supporters of the Minority Report had failed to recruit any additional support, so they offered a motion to “indefinitely postpone” the bill—and the House followed suit.

“We greatly appreciate the strong leadership provided by both Republicans and Democrats who saw the takings bill for what it was—a thinly veiled attempt to prevent the Legislature from passing laws in the future that will be needed to protect our communities, wildlife habitat, and the character of Maine,” said Maine Audubon’s Staff Attorney Jenn Burns Gray.

The Majority Report proposal from the Judiciary Committee was drafted by Rep. Brad Moulton (R-York) and Rep. Charles Priest (D-Brunswick), with input from Sen. Tom Saviello (R-Franklin), Rep. Bob Duchesne (D-Hudson) and other lawmakers.  This proposal would have created a Regulatory Fairness Committee to evaluate the impact of regulations on property owners and initiate legislative solutions.  The motions to indefinitely postpone the bill had the result of blocking adoption of the Majority Report.

“The takings bill finally hit the brick wall of reality,” said Sean Mahoney, Maine Director of the Conservation Law Foundation. “The Minority Report was so complex, convoluted, costly, and extreme that it would have been a disaster if passed into law.  We’re very pleased that a majority of Maine legislators understood this and voted to kill the bill.”

Maine taxpayers would have had to pay millions of dollars over time to fund implementation of the Minority Report.  The fiscal note over the first three years alone was pegged at $1.28 million, and this estimate did not include any of the funds that would be needed to pay possible compensation payments of up to $400,000 per case.

In the very few states in the U.S. that have adopted legislation anything like the Minority Report, studies have revealed that corporate interests, large-scale developers, and attorneys have been the primary beneficiaries. Former State Senator Peter Mills made this point to legislators this year, saying “The primary impact—and its intended impact—is to stymie regulation for the benefit of large landowners with ample resources to paralyze state agencies.  That is, in fact, how takings laws have been used in the few states that have enacted them.  It’s not a statute for the little guy.”

“The Minority Report would have created multiple paths for developers to receive waivers from Maine law, allowing them to build developments that otherwise would be illegal,” said Didisheim.  “Such waivers would have caused an unraveling of the laws that protect Maine’s environment and triggered lawsuits by people who suddenly learned that a massive development, waste dump, or energy project was landing next door to them because the developer had received a waiver from the law.”

“The Minority Report posed a major threat to Maine’s environmental safeguards,” said Maine Conservation Voters Executive Director Maureen Drouin. “That’s why defeating the bill was a top priority for people and organizations throughout Maine who love our clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.” The Maine Clammers Association, Congress of Lakes Association, Maine Municipal Association, and all of Maine’s major conservation and environmental organizations opposed the Minority Report for LD 1810.

Passage of takings bills like LD 1810 has been a high priority for the ultra-right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has promoted model legislation to state legislatures since the early 1990s.

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