Pirates Ring in New Year with 4-2 Victory over Sound Tigers

Lewiston, Maine - The Pirates dropped the puck with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in front of a sellout crowd of 3,737 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in their final game of 2013. Brett Hextall scored twice and Lucas Lessio scored the game winning goal for the Pirates to put them over .500 at home for the first time this season.

The game started with the Sound Tigers and Pirates trading penalties. The Sound Tigers’ Anders Lee was sent to the box 5:31 into the first for slashing. Just over two minutes later Pirates’ Tobias Rieder was called for holding. Neither team capitalized on their first power play opportunities. Pirates captain Jordan Szwarz was called for boarding at 12:43. The Sound Tigers got on the board first with a goal from Pierre-Marc Bouchard 12:16 into the game. Joe Diamond and Alan Quine picked up the assist.

The Sound Tigers’ Anders Lee scored 55 seconds into the second on the power play, with Dallas Jackson and Mike Halmo were credited with the assists. The Pirates were able to cut the lead by 1 with a late period goal coming from Brett Hextall with help from Lucas Lessio and Mathieu Brisebois.

The Pirates came back and scored three goals in the final period. After Mark Cantin was assessed a match penalty after a hit to the head on Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Szwarz tied it up for the Pirates. 38 seconds into the 5-minute power play, Szwarz with assist from Brandon Gormley. Lucas Lessio gave the Pirates their first lead in the game with 14 seconds left on the power play, threading the needle to beat 2 defenders and Bridgeport goaltender Anders Nilsson. Brett Hextall sealed the game by converting on an empty net goal with 28.2 seconds left for his second tally of the night and improve to 13-11-1-4 on the year.

The Pirates will see their next action on Saturday when they start a 3 game road trip in St. John’s against the IceCaps. Puck drop is set for 6 PM. Saturday’s game can be heard on the Pirates flagship stations WPEI 95.5/95.9 FM as well as WEZR AM 1240 in the Lewiston/Auburn area and WTME AM 780/1450 in Oxford County. The game can also be heard online at portlandpirates.com by clicking “Listen Live” and can be seen live on AHL Live at ahllive.com. The pregame show starts at 5:40 with Jeff Mannix.

Intergenerational Book Club to Discuss The News from Spain at Thomaston Public Library

Thomaston, Maine - On Tuesday, January 21st, at 2:30 PM, the Thomaston Public Library's Intergenerational Book Club will discuss The News from Spain by Joan Wickersham.

The News From Spain is a collection of seven stories, or variations, by Joan Wickersham. Each of the stories is called The News From Spain, though none take place in nor really relate to the country, and as a whole they are concerned with heartbreak, regret, and intimacy. In one story, a paralyzed ballet dancer, married to an unfaithful choreographer, finds emotional respite with her caregiver. In another, a wife, discovering her husband is an adulterer, worries about how easily she and he are falling, in spite of everything, back into stride.

The collection is ultimately a nuanced look at relationships: at what makes them and what causes them to come apart.

On the third Tuesday of every month, the Intergenerational Book Club, a group of men and women of all ages, comes together to share their opinions and ideas about the book selection. Extra copies of the books are purchased by the Friends of the Thomaston Public Library from the Annual Appeal funds. We thank you for your donations. All are welcome at the Thomaston Library on January 21st at 2:30  p.m.

If you live in Thomaston and need a ride to the discussion, please call the library at 354-2453.

The Friends of the Thomaston Public Library Presents

FRIDAY NIGHT  FILM SERIES   6:30 pm

2014  January SHOWING:

Laughter:the best medicine

Jan 3    Secondhand  Lions  

  2003PG107 minutes                                                              

In 1960s Texas, timid teen Walter (Haley Joel Osment) is forced to spend the summer with his rich and eccentric great-uncles on their farm, where, over time, he learns surprising tidbits about their mysterious and dangerous pasts. The uncles are portrayed wonderfully by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall.

Jan 10    Lars & the Real Girl

2007 PG-13  106 minutes

When a delusional loner buys a life-sized sex doll over the Internet, promptly falls in love with her and starts telling people that she's his girlfriend, his brother and sister-in-law decide it's time to intervene. An endearing intelligent, tender comedy starring Ryan Gosling as Lars.

Jan 17    TTHE PINK PANTHER                    

1963 NR 115 minutes

After arriving at a winter resort with her "Panther," a large priceless diamond with the image of a leaping feline inside, a sexy princess (Claudia Cardinale) meets a debonair professional thief (David Niven). Can the ever-inept Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) stop him from pinching the gem? Also starring Robert Wagner and Capucine.

Jan 24       THE LADY EVE              

1941 NR  94 minutes                                  

Seductive gold-digger Barbara Stanwyck and her conniving father (Charles Coburn) set out to fleece wealthy but naïve ophiologist Henry Fonda, the socially inept heir to a brewery fortune. But the tables turn when Stanwyck falls for her prey and Fonda gets wise to their scheme. Stanwyck then goes all-out to recapture Fonda's heart in this raucous battle of the sexes from renowned writer-director Preston Sturges.  

Jan 31   HOPSCOTCH                          

1980 R  104 minutes                                

One of the CIA's top international operatives, Miles Kendig is suddenly relegated to a desk job in an agency power play. Unwilling to go quietly, Kendig begins writing a memoir that exposes the secrets of every intelligence agency in the world. Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson are perfect in this delightfully entertaining film.

Friday Night Films are open to the public and free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.        

The Thomaston Academy Building  is handicapped accessible from the parking lot .  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information call the library at 354-2453.

Governor Extends Limited Emergency to Ensure Fuel Deliveries to Maine Homes

Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage has signed a second limited Emergency Proclamation that will allow Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the unusually cold weather that is expected over the next several days.

“The recent ice and snow storms have hampered efforts for oil delivery trucks to deliver fuel, which is one reason this declaration is being extended,” Governor LePage said. “The declaration allows heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most. Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers.”

Propane has been in short supply, and the situation is expected to worsen as demand increases due to cold weather. The supply from Canada has been impacted because the Northern Rail Route is closed due to the tragic accident at Lac Megantic. Additionally, a train carrying crude oil in North Dakota that collided Monday with another train may impact the supply.

Propane has been sent to dry crops in the west because of wet weather, which means fewer trucks are available from other parts of the country. Because of these factors, propane inventories are 25% lower than normal in Maine, and fewer outside haulers are available to come to Maine.

More than home heating fuels are impacted: fuels used in manufacturing, business heating, fork lift and other vehicle operations are also affected.

Much colder than normal weather is expected over next 30 days. The Governor’s proclamation waives U.S. Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for heating fuel transport and delivery trucks within the State of Maine for two weeks.

On Dec. 13, Governor LePage issued the same Declaration of Emergency to ensure fuel deliveries to Maine homes.

The Declaration language is as follows:

Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, Maine is experiencing artic cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills; and

WHEREAS, this cold weather is expected to continue for the next several days affecting the entire State; and

WHEREAS, heating fuel in Maine is in great demand because of the cold; and

WHEREAS, federal motor carrier safety regulations determine the number of hours the drivers of heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport vehicles may operate; and

WHEREAS, many drivers in the State will shortly be approaching their federal limit on hours of operation and may have to cease delivery of heating fuel and bulk petroleum fuels; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten public health and safety and endanger public property if heating fuels cannot be transported or delivered within the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport drivers to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency for fuel drivers operating within the State of Maine exists as of December 31, 2013 through January 18, 2014.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following: No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

Paul R. LePage
Governor

Say Cheese! Pure and Simple – The 1st Revelry for the River event of 2014

Rockland, Maine - Experience the making of midcoast Maine’s fine handcrafted cheeses. You will be saying “Cheese, please!” at the State of Maine Cheese Company in Rockport, the first of Georges River Land Trust’s (GRLT) sixteen Revelry for the River events slated for 2014.

On Wednesday, January 15, from 5 to 7 pm, host Cathe Morrill, will give a personal tour of the facility and the cheese-making process. Questions such as, “Where does the milk come from,” “How is the cheese stored,” “How is the cheese cut, packaged and labeled,” and “Who determines the name and variety of cheeses,” will all be answered for you.

Come hungry because you will taste all of the cheeses and spreads until your tummy is full. Of course, wine and cheese go together, so offerings from Cellardoor Winery will be part of your experience. Your next hostess or party gift is right here. Your guests will be saying, “Pass the cheese, please!!”

The tour is limited to 40 participants, and the cost is $35 for Land Trust members and $45 for non-members. The tour is expected to be popular and sell out quickly. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.georgesriver.org/revelry or by calling (207) 594-5166.

The George River Land Trust’s 2014 Revelry for the River includes a full year of diverse activities. Next on February 1st is “Capturing Winter Light and Shadow,” a unique photography experience with Bill and Barbara Bentley in Hope. Other upcoming events include a seaweed factory tour, 3 course cooking class, ragtime music, and exclusive visits to lesser known watershed and coastal places -- all showcasing the beauty of the St. George River watershed and continuing the celebration of the Land Trust’s conservation success in mid-coast Maine in its 27th year.

Organized in 1987, the Georges River Land Trust works to conserve the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region through permanent land protection, stewardship, education and outdoor experiences.

January 6th Yoga Workshop‏

Lewiston, Maine - Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey will lead a 90-minute yoga workshop on January 6 at Central Maine Medical Center.

"As people move into the new year, they should stop, breathe, relax, and restore,” says Covey. “This workshop will offer participants a way of opening their heart, relaxing their body, and calming their mind, as the begin a new year.”

Covey is owner of Dragonfly Healing Touch, a Thai Yoga Bodywork studio in Poland.

In the early 1990s she created the first wellness programs at CMMC, helping to design the CMMC Wellness Center, which she managed from 1995 through 2002. She presently facilitates educational support programs at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston.

The yoga program will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 6 in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building in Lewiston.

There will be a small fee for participation.

Those interested in attending the program must register in advance by calling 795-2473.

Ariana Grande Covers Teen Vogue February Issue

Twenty year old singer/actress Ariana Grande looks adorable on the Teen Vogue February cover which hit newsstands January 2nd, 2014.


Ariana Grande-Butera, known professionally as Ariana Grande, is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. Ariana grew up in Boca Raton, Florida where she attended North Broward Preparatory School.


Photos are courtesy of Teen Vogue


You can read their write up on Ariana Grande by clicking here. Make sure to pick up the February issue of Teen Vogue when it hits newsstands on January 2nd.

BEST OF 2013: Video: Tall Ship Victory Chimes "Home To Rockland"

Doug Mills
Maine Windjammer Project
www.mainewindjammerproject.com

As long as I can remember I have watched the Victory Chimes sail into Rockland harbor.  Today I find myself at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse filming that same ship and feeling that same old thrill.
The Victory Chimes, built in 1900, has been sailing the cool blue waters of the Atlantic for 113 years!

BEST OF 2013: Video: 2013 Summer Solstice

Last night Rockland held it's Summer Solstice street fair.
The downtown restaurants, food specialty shops along with retail shops all participated with Food, Solstice Sidewalk Sales, and Entertainment and Activities.

Maine's "Official Treat" is featured in The Whoopie Pie Eating Contest.

Street Entertainment featuring local groups performed throughout the evening on the street.  Paul Benjamin, North Atlantic Blues Festival, brought back Summer Solstice favorite bands along Main Street with a wide variety of types of music and en exciting presentation from the Studio Red dancers.

It was clear from the crowds that everyone was having a great time.

BEST OF 2013: The Ultimate Tall Ship Photo Safari

The Ultimate Tall Ship Photo Safari

Story and photos By
 Doug Mills
Maritime Editor
RCN America Network

Since I was a little boy I have dreamed of sailing on the Victory Chimes. I would watch her sail in and out of the harbor year after year and dream.
Never give up on your dreams! On July 4th 2011 the Victory Chimes sailed from Rockland, Maine to participate in the Great Schooner Race, the largest annual gathering of tall ships in North America. I  was on board, with my son,that week to host the ultimate tall ship photography cruise.
This this was our chance to see and photograph these tall ships put through their paces at the Great Schooner Race. We got to experience firsthand the romance of sailing these historic ships.

   This was not my first trip out on the “Big Boats”,but it would be my first full week sailing, my first time participating in The Great Schooner Race and my first time leading a photography workshop.
   We boarded the Victory chimes on Sunday after supper and spent the evening getting settled into our cabins and getting to know the rest of the passengers and crew.
Day 1
   We sailed after breakfast with a heavy fog on the bay.  Passing North Haven in the fog we turned up the bay toward Cape Rosier and Castine.  By noon the fog had been replaced by bright sun.  As we sailed into Castine harbor the afternoon sun became clouded by oncoming thunderheads.
   Through the late afternoon the fleet assembled in Smith’s Cove just east of Castine.  What a sight to see all this history anchored in one cove.  Many of these historic boats were over 100 years old!
   Lobster dinner and a spectacular sunset and it is time to turn in.

Day 2
   What an amazing sight, to come up on deck and find the water like glass with the last of the morning fog still clinging to the water and the morning sun bright overhead.
   Today is race day!  This morning all the captains meet on board the Victory Chimes to determine the final course for The Great Schooner Race of 2011.  After breakfast all the boats make sail and head out through Castine harbor toward the starting line.
   The race starts at 11;00 AM in spite of a lack of wind.  The wind did pick up by mid-afternoon with the Mary Day crossing the finish line first.
   The fleet anchored East of Stonington with fireworks and another great sunset to end the day.

Day 3
   After breakfast we sailed into Stonington Harbor in the morning fog.  What an amazing town.  Once a busy port shipping Maine granite all  over the world, now it is a busy fishing village.  The harbor is filled with colorful lobster boats and the shops were like stepping back in time to the 50’s.  Everywhere you turned there was another exciting picture!  By noon we were back on the boat and sailing east.

   Our destination for the night would be Wooden Boat Cove, a place that attracts sailors of wooden boats like honey attracts bears.  This little cove in Brooklin, Maine is the home of The Wooden Boat School and Wooden Boat Magazine.  This is a place that is very close to the heart of the sailing industry, a place almost sacred to those who sail these old wooden boats.
  Thunder showers at sunset set us up for some spectacular photographs to end the day.

BEST OF 2013: Camden Hills Regional High School Graduation Gallery

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." CHRHS 2013 Class Moto

Camden Hills Regional High School graduated 159 on Friday.  With 15 Honor Graduates, 27 National Honor Society and 3 National Technical Honor Society graduates it is clear this is a class that will go far.