Pages

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Two December Book Sales at the Blue Hill Library Feature Books for the Holidays

Blue Hill, Maine - Friends of Blue Hill Public Library will hold two Saturday book sales in December, on the 6th and the 20th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM,  featuring many new and like-new books for gift giving to children and adults, as well as books on Christmas and the holidays, cookbooks, fiction, poetry, nature, history, biography, art and how-to.

Special Collections include: Russian Classics; Japanese graphic novel collections:

(Sets include Fushigi Yugi, Phoenix, and Please Save My Earth); how to draw Japanese novel characters; a selection of anime videos; a set of audio tape lectures by The Teaching Company: “How to Understand and Listen to Great Music.”

Hundreds of quality used books fill the shelves in the book nook in all categories for all ages-- and most books are just a dollar or two! Proceeds from book sales enable the Friends of the Library to continue providing special events and purchases for the library.  To donate books that are in good condition or for more information, contact the Library at 374-5515.

Blue Hill Library Film: Airplane

Blue Hill, Maine - The Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library Film Series continues Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM with Airplane (1980), directed and written by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker and released by Paramount Pictures. It stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Lorna Patterson. The film is a parody of the disaster film genre, particularly the 1957 Paramount film Zero Hour! and Airport 1975 (Universal Pictures), employing fast-paced slapstick comedy, and visual and verbal puns and gags.

All films are shown free of charge on the Library’s “pretty big” screen in the Howard Room. The series occurs on the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call the Library (374-5515) or Michael Donahue, 374-5248 or Donahue.mg@gmail.com.

"Maine at Work" Traveling Theater of Ideas Comes to Maine State Museum

David Greenham Performs in One-Man Show on December 11
Augusta, Maine - Well-known Maine actor, producer, and playwright David Greenham brings his stage to the Maine State Museum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11 for a one-man show, “Maine at Work.” The performance is free of charge.

“Maine at Work” is Greenham’s newest Theater of Ideas traveling performance.  In it, he combines humor, little known facts, thought-provoking tales (tall and otherwise), material from historic sources, and perspectives from real Mainers to shed light on the present state of employment in Maine.

“Concerns about job losses are ever-present today,” comments Greenham. “But my research shows that Maine’s current angst about jobs is nothing new. Since the 1800s, leaders have lamented the loss of the fishing industry, the shoe industry, papermaking and even the ice industry. “Maine at Work” explores the connections between Maine’s past and present employment picture. After the performance, the audience will have a chance to reflect on what they have seen and share thoughts about the future of jobs in Maine and the local community.”

The “Maine at Work” performance is jointly sponsored by the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine State Museum’s “Working Maine” project.  For more information, call the Maine State Museum at 207-287-2301 or go to the museum’s website www.mainestatemuseum.org.  The Maine State Museum is located at 230 State Street in Augusta.

Rockland Celebrates Annual Trap Tree Lighting

Rockland, Maine - On a clear, cold Friday evening after Thanksgiving it was time for the annual trap tree lighting in Mildred Merrill Park overlooking Harbor Park. The trap tree lighting is an annual event to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. This celebrating of lighting the trap tree is a great way for people to gather together as a community for Christmas music by Midcoast Music Academy, cookies, coca and holiday cheer. Trap tree lighting is apart of Rockland Main Street Inc Festival of Lights events. Rockland Main Street Inc does a wonderful job with all the Festival of Lights events during the weekend after Thanksgiving. As tradition it is not a trap tree lighting without Santa Claus to turn the lights on with a few lucky young kids helping. Mildred Merrill Park was crowed with young. old, family, friends, co-workers, Rockland Main Street Inc leaders and city leaders like our new mayor Frank Isganitis.

Reminder: Saturday, November 29th is Festival of Lights parade lights starting at 6pm on main street in Rockland, Maine.
About Rockland Main Street Inc

Rockland Main Street, Inc. is one of 10 Main Street Communities in Maine. Affiliated with the National Trust  for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center and the Maine Downtown Center ( Maine Development Foundation ), it is a national non profit program to sustain vibrant downtown's through historic preservation, economic restructuring, promotion, design and organization.

Using the National Main Street Center's 4 point
approach it protects the communities sense of place, creates jobs, generates new business, and brings investments to the local economy.

Community Building Events organized by Rockland Main Street, Inc., Summer Solstice ( mid June) Picture this .. A Day in the Life of Rockland  ( October ) Lobster Trap Tree and  Festival of Lights ( Thanksgiving Weekend)




Gracie Gold Wins NHK Trophy Gold, Advances To Grand Prix Finales

Osaka, Japan - Nineteen year old Gracie Gold of the United States looked beautiful and performed wonderfully this past weekend November 28th & 29th at NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan. Gracie won gold with an overall score of 191.16  for her short and free programs. She scored 123.00 points for her free skate this past weekend.

Gold had this to say to Fox Sports, "I'm very happy to win my first GP and senior international," Gold said. "But I know I can do better and improve on this performance."

"I'm excited to go to the GP Final in Barcelona," Gold said. "Although it's a bit of a mixed blessing because it

Friday, November 28, 2014

Santa Arrives In Rockland Gallery

Rockland, Maine - Santa arrives in Rockland Maine aboard a US Coast Guard boat to start the 2014 Mid-Coast Holiday Season.




"Jessie's Aloha Holidays with Parker and Joey" Airs Tonight, November 28th

Fans of the Disney Channel series 'Jessie' will be able to watch an all new episode tonight, Friday, November 28th at 8pm ET/PT entitled "Jessie's Aloha Holidays with Parker and Joey". In this one-hour special cross-over episode with "Liv and Maddie's" Parker and Joey, Jessie and the Ross kids plan a tropical Christmas at the family's Hawaiian villa where Jessie reunites with old friend and superstar, Shayelee Michaels.

Jessie and the Ross kids plan a tropical Christmas at the family's Hawaiian villa where Jessie reunites with her famous friend Shaylee Michaels; however, a volcano is erupting.

Starring in this episode are Debby Ryan, Peyton List, Cameron Boyce, Karan Brar, Skai Jackson, Kevin Chamberlin, Wayne Wilderson, Amy Hill, Joey Bragg, Tenzing Norgay Trainor and Maia Mitchell.

"Penobscot Bay" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Penobscot Bay" by Doug Mills
Stephen Taber American Eagle and Lewis R French sailing on eastern Penobscot Bay. [09-09-2014]




Thursday, November 27, 2014

Becky G. Performs Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York City, New York - Fifteen year old singer Becky G. looked simply beautiful as she sang a wonderful performance during the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held on November 27th in New York City.

Rebbeca Marie Gomez born March 2, 1997, known better by her stage name "Becky G", is a Mexican hip hop singer, rapper, songwriter and dancer from Inglewood, California. She began to gain recognition in 2011, after she posted several videos of herself performing covers of popular songs on YouTube. Becky later compiled these covers into her first full-length project, a mixtape entitled @itsbeckygomez. She was then featured on "Oath" by Cher Lloyd, "Wish U Were Here" by Cody Simpson, and a remix of "Die Young" by Ke$ha. Becky released her debut single "Becky from the Block" in 2013. The music video was also released on April 8, 2013.

Sabrina Carpenter Performs Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York City, New York - Fifteen year old actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter looked adorable as she sang an amazing performance during the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held on November 27th in New York City.

Sabrina Carpenter is a wonderful singer and actress who plays Maya Hart in the Disney Channel
series 'Girl Meets World'.

"WoodenBoat" The Maine Windjammer Project

"WoodenBoat" by Doug Mills
The Stephen Taber, Heritage and Victory Chimes at the 2014 WoodenBoat Sail-in. [09-09-2014]




YELLOW ZONE PARKING BAN WITHIN THE CITY OF PORTLAND BEGINNING THIS EVENING AT 10:00 P.M.

PORTLAND, Maine -- There will be a Yellow Zone Parking Ban in the City of Portland this evening, Thursday, November 27 beginning at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM, November 28. During this ban, all vehicles left on City streets within the Yellow Zone during these times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

What is the Yellow Zone?

The Yellow Zone is an area within the downtown business district that is geographically bounded by:

 Commercial Street on the South
 Cumberland Avenue on the North
 Franklin Street Arterial on the East
 State Street on the West

The parking ban is in effect within the square area of these four streets.

Yellow Zone parking bans provide Public Works the opportunity to remove snow from the streets and sidewalks in this area improving traffic flow and commerce within the business district.

Vehicles left on City streets after 10:00 PM can be towed at the owner’s expense.

The city offers numerous free options for parking on the peninsula during a snow ban. All vehicle owners

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

70,000+ Without Power Due To Heavy, Wet Snow

Maine - Due to heavy, wet snow from our latest winter storm has caused thousands to be without power on the night before Thanksgiving.

Currently, CMP is reporting 70,000+ customers without power. Hardest hit counties are York with 30,827, Cumberland, 25,120, Sagadahoc, 8,786 and Lincoln 5,773. All other counties have minor outages.

Emera serving Eastern Maine is reporting 8,487 customers without power at this time.

Please do not go near down wires as they may still be live. We will watch these numbers as they're more than likely to go up as the snow will continue all night. Stay safe during this storm.

Our next update on the power outages will be 11pm.

Governor LePage Issues Limited Emergency Proclamation to Help Restore Power

Augusta, Maine - After a winter storm knocked out power to tens of thousands of Mainers and made travel conditions difficult, Governor Paul R. LePage tonight issued an emergency proclamation that will allow utility crews to drive additional hours to repair lines and restore power.

“The wet, heavy snow and high winds have knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses,” said Governor LePage. “Our first concern is to get power back on for Mainers. Please stay safe and keep off the roads to allow utility crews to do their work. Make sure you have what you need to weather the storm, then check on neighbors who may need some extra help.”

The "Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver” is in effect from November 26 to December 4. (Text of the proclamation is at the end of this release.)

Storm Safety Tips

Power outages:

Never run a generator indoors. The Maine CDC recommends that people should always use

President Obama Pardons National Thanksgiving Turkey

Washington D.C. - President Barack Obama with his daughters Sasha and Malia Obama pardoned ''Cheese" during the annual ceremony held in the Grand Foyer of the White House on November 26, 2014 in Washington, DC.

At the annual pardon of the Thanksgiving turkey was Cole Cooper, who raised the turkey and his father National Turkey Federation Chairman Gary Cooper.

The alternate turkey was Mac, both 20-week old, approximately 48-pound Turkeys. The names of turkeys were chosen from submissions by Ohio students and Morven Park visitors.  This year, the American public once again decided which two turkeys Mac or Cheese would become the 2014 National Thanksgiving Turkey by casting a vote

After the pardoning, the turkeys traveled to their permanent home at Morven Park’s “Turkey Hill,” the historic turkey farm located at the home of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis (1918-1922) in Leesburg, Virginia.  The National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate will be on display for visitors at Morven Park’s Turkey Hill.

Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, presented the First Family with two dressed turkeys

Knox Sheriff, Union Fire & Ambulance Responds To Union Head On Crash

Union, Maine - Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported head-on crash on the Common Rd. in Union at approximately 10:00 a.m. this morning.

Sherry Willis, 56, of Union was operating a 2012, Honda sedan, travelling west on Common Rd.  She was attempting to go around an oil truck parked on the side of the hill doing a delivery.   Mark Pendleton, 19, of Rockland was travelling east in his 2005 Toyota sedan.  As he crested the hill, Ms. Willis was partially still in his travel lane.  Pendleton attempted to brake to avoid hitting Willis, but sideswiped her before coming to rest on the side of the road.

Witness accounts were that Pendleton was travelling at a high rate of speed and due to evidence at the scene, Deputy Elwell summonsed Pendleton for Imprudent Speed as well as Failure to Have Insurance Bond.  

No one was injured in the crash.  Union Fire and Ambulance First Responders assisted at the scene.

Portland CareerCenter Job Fair on December 3

Portland, Maine - At least nine employers will be hiring at the Portland CareerCenter's mini Job Fair on Wednesday, December 3 from noon to 3 p.m. The CareerCenter is located at 185 Lancaster Street in Portland.

"I encourage those considering a New Year's resolution to find a new job or change careers to start now and get a leg up on the competition" said Governor Paul R. LePage. "CareerCenter job fairs provide an opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers and learn about their openings."

Participating employers include:

Big Apple-CN Brown Bonney Staffing Home Care for Maine Labor Ready Lowes Merrymeeting Behavioral Health National Employment Serenity House Stericycle Job seekers can speak with these hiring employers, CareerCenter Consultants and Veterans Representatives, and are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring a current resume and be prepared to interview.

Attendees should park in lots along the block on Lancaster Street with signs marked Bayside or Government

Tonight’s Portland Pirates Game Against Worcester Sharks Postponed

Game Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 2
Portland, Maine - The Portland Pirates today, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced that tonight’s game against the Worcester Sharks, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena, has been postponed due to expected inclement weather. Forecasts are calling for 8-12 inches of snow in northern New England today and tonight. The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for tonight’s postponed game will be honored on December 2. Fans holding tickets for tonight’s game can also exchange them for another future Portland Pirates home game, subject to availability. Exchanges can be done either through the Portland Pirates by calling 207-PIRATES (207-747-2837) or at the Trusted Choice Box Office at the Cross Insurance Arena.

The Pirates host Providence Bruins at the Cross Insurance Arena on Black Friday at 7:00 p.m. Call 207-PIRATES (747-2837) for a special buy one ticket, get one half-off deal for this Friday’s game!

State Offices to Close Today at 1 p.m. Due to Winter Storm‏

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that all State offices will be closing at 1 p.m. today due to inclement weather.

“I urge all of you to drive safely as you commute to your destination,” said Governor LePage. “Stopping on snow or ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. Drive slowly so you can adjust to changing road conditions. Please remember to keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and give plow trucks plenty of room to operate.”

If you have storm closings, please send an e-mail to rockycoastnews@live.com

Turnpike Urges Thanksgiving Travelers to Drive Safely During Winter Storm

Heaviest Snowfall Predicted Between 1 PM Wednesday and 7 AM Thursday
Portland, Maine - The Maine Turnpike urges those whose Thanksgiving plans include driving tomorrow to be cautious, leave additional time, and if possible, modify their travel schedule to avoid the worst of the winter storm.  Weather experts are indicating a substantial winter storm will arrive Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning, which could leave 6 to 14 inches of snow accumulations across the state.  The heaviest snowfall is predicted between 1:00 PM on Wednesday through 7:00 AM on Thursday.

Turnpike maintenance crews are prepared and will be ready when the storm arrives.  “Our crews have been working for the past month to get plows ready for winter,” said Director of Highway Maintenance, Bill Wells,  “We’ve had a few plowable events already this month, so we’re ready to go.”
Flashing 45 mph signs and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) broadcasts on 1610 AM will be used to inform drivers of reductions to the speed limit during the storm. Visit MaineTurnpike.com to sign up to receive travel alerts by email and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for timely travel alerts and additional Turnpike information.

Camden Public Library Event December 4 through December 18

Thursday, December 4

The Writers’ Group of the Coastal Senior College will give a reading of their latest creations at 1:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. The public is invited to come enjoy the reading!

Author Frank O. Smith will give a reading from his latest novel, “Dream Singer,” at the Camden Public Library at 7:00 pm. “Dream Singer” was a finalist for the Bellwether Prize, created by best-selling novelist Barbara Kingsolver, “in support of a literature of social change.” Smith, who teaches writing at the Maine College of Art, will also share the five critical elements of successful storycraft.


Friday, December 5

Christmas-by-the-Sea Opening Celebration, Camden Public Library, 4:30 to 6:00 pm, with holiday selections performed by CHRHS vocal and instrumental students. At 6:30 pm Santa presides at the Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Harbor Park. The Library will be open until 8:00 pm on December 5.


Sunday, December 7

Holiday Children’s Book Fair, 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, hosted by the Owl and Turtle Bookshop and the Library. Join authors Chris Van Dusen, Sharon Creech, Toni Buzzeo, Lynn Plourde, Wendy Ulmer, Liza Gardner Walsh, Russ Cox, and more, to chat about their books. Books will be available for purchase and for signing.

“Tools for Creative Writers” Workshop, free, 2:00-4:00 pm, at the Camden Public Library, led by writing coach Teresa Piccari. Call the library at 236-3440 to register.


December 8

Peggy Smith presents “Staying Connected When We Disagree,” an introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC), 12:00 noon at the Camden Public Library, part of the Destination Wellness Series. Participants will gain concrete skills for use in daily conflicts to relate more authentically and compassionately to other people.


Tuesday, December 9

Spanish book club, “Leer y charlar,” 1:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, meets second and fourth Tuesdays. Open to all those proficient in Spanish.

The Camden Philosophical Society Reading Group will meet from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the History Center at the Camden Library on Tuesday, December 9. The group will host David Peloquin speaking on Herman Melville’s “Equal Eye”: Idealism and Metaphysics in Moby-Dick. Everyone with an interest in reading and discussion is welcome.

Festive opening of Clarity’s annual December art show at the Camden Public Library, 6:00 pm. The art team “Clarity” is Robert and Su.Sane Hake. This year’s show is entitled “Fish File Codex: Mother Word;” the opening celebration will include puppetry, spoken word, and music.


Wednesday, December 10

Quarry Hill will host “In Touch with Touch” at the Camden Public Library, 1:00 to 2:30 pm. The talk will be presented by Antje Roitzsch and Deborah Cautela. “Gentle touch is vital to our physical, mental, and emotional health,” say Roitzsch and Cautela. Admission will be free; however, seating is limited, and registration is required. Call Quarry Hill to register, at 207-230-6116, or email qhinfo@penbayhealthcare.org. This event is part of Quarry Hill’s Adventures in Living Well series.


Thursday, December 11

Slavic translator Lydia Razran Stone will present “What’s All the Fuss about Russian Poetry? A Translator’s Perspective,” at the Camden Public Library, 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to all. The speaker will discuss the unique importance of poetry in Russian culture, with major poets attaining virtual “rock star” status throughout most of the 19th and 20th centuries. A Community Event of the Camden Conference.


Tuesday, December 16

“Tech Tuesday” at the Camden Public Library hosted by Olga Zimmerman, staff librarian and tech wizard, at 3:00 pm. This month’s topic will cover the 3M Cloud Library, and all are welcome!

“From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf,” 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, with Captain Bob Branco, USN (Ret.), on his 29 years of military service during some key periods of America’s history. His naval service took him to 42 countries around the globe, and he now lives in South Thomaston and writes thriller novels.


Thursday, December 18

“Homes Down East” will be presented by architect Christopher Glass, historian Earle Shettleworth, and architectural historian Scott Hanson, 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. They will discuss Shingle Style architecture, and present images from “Homes Down East,” published in November by Tilbury House.



Hazardous Travel Expected

FROM WCSH'S TODD GUTNER --- We will be all snow by the evening and as soon as darkness sets in roads will start getting slippery and snow covered. The worst of the storm will be from 6PM to about 2AM tonight and driving will be very difficult with snow rates of 1 inch per hour and limited visibility...please be careful.

The storm will be a fast mover and will be gone by daybreak with just some lingering flurries during the morning. Amounts will be impressive with most receiving 6-12 inches of snow. There is some concern for a period of sleet at the coast, that and marginally cold enough air should keep amounts down just a bit especially Downeast and in York County so 6 inches or less is expected there.

As the storm swirls by later tonight winds will pick up and gust over 30 miles per hour along the coast and with this being a very clingy snow power outages will be possible.

Lewiston Parking Ban Starts At 6PM

Lewiston, Maine - City of Lewiston has issued an emergency winter storm parking ban beginning today (11/26) at 6 p.m. until 10 a.m. tomorrow (11/27).  For snow-related and parking alternative info, residents may visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/winter.  SPECIAL NOTE:  For folks with holiday visitors with no place to store vehicles, the City's parking garages will be open (Gates Up) for free no-ticket-needed usage for a designated time: Vehicles may be stored there after 4 p.m. today (11/26) and must be removed by 5 p.m. on Friday, 11/28.

"Victory Chimes" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Victory Chimes" by Doug Mills
The historic tall ship Victory Chimes passing the Rockland Breakwater Light. [07-16-2010]




Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Winter Storm Warnings Posted For Wednesday Afternoon Through Thursday Morning

...A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THANKSGIVING TRAVEL...

.LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE UP THE COAST ON WEDNESDAY...REACHING A
POINT SOUTH TO SOUTHEAST OF CAPE COD BY WEDNESDAY EVENING. THIS
WILL SPREAD SNOW NORTHWARD INTO MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DURING THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON HOURS. THE SNOW MAY BEGIN AS A BRIEF PERIOD OF RAIN OVER SOUTHERN AND COASTAL AREAS...BUT A
SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THE PRECIPITATION WILL FALL AS SNOW. SNOW WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES IN THE AFTERNOON INTO THE
EVENING...ACCUMULATING AT RATES UP TO ONE INCH PER HOUR.

BECAUSE OF THE EXPECTED INTENSITY AND ACCUMULATION OF

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AT VICTORIA MANSION

Portland, Maine - Victoria Mansion's Christmas season is bursting with family-friendly programming this year. Expanding on the success of last year's offerings, the Mansion will host three distinctive events for children: Stories on the Staircase, Night of the Nutcracker with Portland Ballet, and a special preview of the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine performance of Beatrix Potter's Christmas by Thomas W. Olson. All of these special events highlight the Mansion's themed decorations of Christmas 100 Years Past.

Stories on the Staircase is a free, pre-school story hour offered every Saturday at 10:00 am November 29 through January 3. This event gives children the chance to see the house on tours tailored just to them. Space is limited so reservations are requested.

Night of the Nutcracker with Portland Ballet features dancers from The Victorian Nutcracker in the stair hall

Job Fair in Lewiston on December 1 at the CareerCenter

*More than 15 employers are currently listed as exhibitors for a variety of positions.*
Lewiston, Maine - The Lewiston CareerCenter is hosting a Job Fair on Monday, December 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. at its building on 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston. All employers will be hiring: over 200 jobs will be available.

"I encourage those considering a New Year's resolution to find a new job or change careers to start now and get a leg up on the competition" said Governor Paul R. LePage. "CareerCenter job fairs provide an opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers and learn about their openings."

Employers participating in the job fair include:

Advocates for Children Assistance Plus Bonney Staffing Center Creative Work Systems Fisher Agencies

Frogtown Puppets’ Holiday Show Returns to The Grand

Ellsworth, Maine - The Grand continues its family offerings in December when the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers present their annual take on everyone’s favorite holiday character, the Grinch, on Friday, December 5th at 6 pm and Saturday, December 6th at 1 pm (directly after The Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade). Admissions for this performance are $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under.

The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers revisit their twist on the Grinch with typical Frogtown foibles and physical comedy.  The puppeteers are a small troupe based in Bar Harbor, Maine, and are comprised of three siblings – Erik Torbeck, Brian Torbeck, and Robin Erlandsen. Founded in 2000, Frogtown Mountain has performed at fairs, festivals, theaters, parades, schools, libraries, and some of the finest petting zoos on the East Coast, as well as the annual Great Ellsworth Puppet Festival every fall at The Grand. “The Grinch Family Holiday Event,” populated by the group’s hand-made glove, mouth, and rod puppets, is sure to please all ages.

For more information on “The Grinch Family Holiday Event” or to reserve tickets, please call the box office at 207-667-9500 or visit The Grand website at www.grandonline.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Auditorium/112755987339

Portland Public Library First Friday Art Walk presents:

The Pulps!; Suzuki Stringers; Beatrix Potter’s Christmas and Portland Ballet Company performs the Nutcracker
Friday, December 5th, 5:00-8:00pm
Portland, Maine - Join Portland Public Library for First Friday Art Walk on December 5th for an exciting line up of cultural offerings.  The Suzuki Stringers will perform a mini-concert preceding a performance of Beatrix Potter’s Christmas presented by the Children’s Theater of Maine.  Portland Ballet will perform in the Atrium Windows to be viewed from Monument Square.  The Pulps! will be on exhibit in the Lewis Gallery through December 26th.

Suzuki Stringers, a group of first and second year Suzuki violin students will be performing in the Main lobby at 5:45pm.  Led by studio owner and teacher Laura Warren, former student of PSQ member Ronald Lantz and New England Suzuki Institute director Clorinda Noyes. They will perform a number of traditional Suzuki pieces as well as a few Christmas carols and solo pieces.

Children’s Theater of Maine actors will perform at 6:00pm in the Rines Auditorium.  Peter Rabbit, Jemina Puddle Duck and Mrs. Tittle Mouse all began as pets in Beatrix Potter’s upstairs bedroom. With Victorian socialite parents and a brother at boarding school, young Beatrix found solace and comfort in her animal friends. Making up stories about these pets in her care helped Beatrix feel loved over the holidays. The playful stories later became popular books that continue to inspire generations of children. The scenes to be performed, are from Beatrix Potter’s Christmas written by Thomas W. Olson and is being produced with permission from Plays for Young Audiences.

Finally, Portland Ballet will perform scenes from their upcoming performances in the Atrium windows at 6:30om to be viewed from Monument Square.  Scenes will include: from The Nutcracker:  Magic Dolls, Spanish, Arabian, and Russian; Si Je T’aime; from Boy Meets Girl: I only have Eyes for You and Mambo Italiano and finally White Christmas.

TEMPO and The Bar Harbor Town Band Bring “Holiday Cheer” to The Grand!

TEMPO (The Eastern Maine Pops Orchestra for Young Musicians)
Ellsworth, Maine - TEMPO (The Eastern Maine Pops Orchestra for Young Musicians), under the direction of Rebecca Edmondson, will showcase music that is as bright and as merry as the Holiday season itself when they present their annual “Holiday Cheer” concert with special guests The Bar Harbor Town Band conducted by Brian Booher on the Stanley Subaru Stage at The Grand on Saturday, December 6th at 6 pm. Tickets are general admission seating with $9 for Adults/Seniors and $5 for Youth (12 and under) and are available at The Grand box office (667-9500) or online at www.grandonline.org.

TEMPO has made their home at The Grand since 2012, providing young musicians an opportunity to enhance their skills through performance. TEMPO is made up of advanced players who hail from near and far parts of our state and their concerts include live scoring of a timeless silent film classic and their participation in an event honoring our country’s veterans. Their annual Holiday concert at The Grand includes traditional carols and classic holiday tunes as well as group singalongs.

In addition, this year the orchestra brings along The Bar Harbor Town Band and conductor Brian Booher as their special guests. Founded on July 4, 1898, The Bar Harbor Town Band is a community band whose members hail from all over Mount Desert Island, and beyond.

So bring a friend and share the experience of seeing and hearing musicians from all over the state of Maine bring “Holiday Cheer” to the Stanley Subaru Stage at The Grand!

The Grand is proud to be the home of TEMPO who will present “The 3rd Annual Silent Film Event” on January 10th at 7 pm. TEMPO will play an original score by orchestra leader Rebecca Edmondson as an accompaniment to a screening of Harold Lloyd’s silent comedy classic “Safety Last!” For more information on any of these productions, please call the box office at 207-667-9500. For more information on events at The Grand visit The Grand website at www.grandonline.org or follow The Grand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Auditorium/112755987339

"Isaac H. Evans" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Isaac H. Evans" by Doug Mills
The Isaac H. Evans seen from the deck of Angelique on western Penobscot Bay. [07-16-2010]




Monday, November 24, 2014

Agreement Reached for Construction of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge

Kittery, Maine - The Maine Department of Transportation has formally entered into an agreement with Cianbro Corporation of Pittsfield, Maine for the construction of the new Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Kittery, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"This agreement represents a good bridge for a good price with a base bid construction cost of $158.5 million to be divided between the two states," said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. "The seacoast area will be well served for generations with this new bridge."

This will be a precast segmental concrete bridge. The lift span will have a deck that will lift for ships and lower for the rail. It will have a higher elevation and will reduce the need to lift the deck by 68% which will minimize traffic impacts. The navigational opening will be wider, allowing for much safer ship passage and will better accommodate larger ships.

"This agreement marks a significant milestone in this bridge replacement project," said Cianbro President and

Kirby Buckets "Killer Puppies" Airs Tonight, November 24th

Tonight, November 24th at 9:30pm ET/PT, fans of the Disney XD series 'Kirby Buckets' will be able to watch an all new episode entitled "Killer Puppies". To avoid getting graded on a bad cooking project, Kirby fakes an illness and is sent to the nurse who takes his fabricated over-the-top symptoms seriously. When the school finds out he supposedly has a serious illness, they shower him with sympathy, gifts and host a fundraiser to raise money to help him get better leaving Kirby worried that his secret will be exposed.
Starring in this series are Jacob Bertrand ("Marvin Marvin," "Bubble Guppies") as the title character; MeKai Curtis ("Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day") as confident and smooth Fish; Cade Sutton ("The Neighbors") as naïve nice guy Eli; Olivia Stuck ("Good Luck Charlie") as Kirby's crafty older sister, Dawn; and Tiffany Espensen ("Bucket and Skinner's Epic Adventures") as Dawn's whip-smart best friend, Belinda.

Keely Marshall guest stars.
Photos Credit: Disney XD

Model Railroad Celebration at the Maine State Museum-December 5 & 6 2014‏

All Aboard for the Maine State Museum!
Model Railroad Celebration and Free Admission Highlight Museum Activities on December 5 and 6
Augusta, Maine - Whether making a first-time discovery of model trains chugging along the tracks or remembering days gone by, family members of all ages will delight in the sights and sounds of the upcoming Model Railroad Celebration at the Maine State Museum in Augusta.

The two-day event runs on Friday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum will be open free of charge both days.

The celebration will feature two clubs, the Great Falls Model Railroad Club and the Maine 3-Railers.  Club

"Christmas in the Country" Tree Lighting on Dec 7th‏

Enjoy and celebrate a longstanding, uplifting tradition: The Christmas Tree Lighting on the Union Common on Sunday, December 7th at 6 pm.
Union, Maine - Begin your holiday season with friends, neighbors and family at this authentic and fun tradition sponsored by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce. The event begins with an opening prayer, followed by Christmas carols sung around a bonfire with free cocoa and cookies. Santa will be arriving by fire truck and then the countdown begins leading to the moment when the Union Common is illuminated by 30 Christmas trees and 36 Christmas balls. Everyone is invited and the event is free. There will be boxes on the Common to accept donations of canned goods and financial contributions that will benefit the Come Spring Food Pantry.

Attention cookie bakers: You can leave your cookies at The Common Market during the day if you cannot get your baked goods to the event by 6 PM.

About Union Area Chamber of Commerce
The Union Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to form a solid bond between members, to increase consumers’ awareness of the businesses in our Chamber area and to contribute to our communities. Currently the Chamber has over 100 members drawn from inland mid-coast area towns.

For additional information regarding the Union Area Chamber of Commerce visit www.unionareachamber.org

Winter Storm Watch Issued For Wednesday Night Through Thursday Morning

...A WINTER STORM WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR WESTERN MAINE AND MUCH
OF NEW HAMPSHIRE...

.LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE UP THE COAST...REACHING THE MID ATLANTIC AREA WEDNESDAY. THIS WILL SPREAD SNOW NORTHWARD INTO MAINE AND NEW
HAMPSHIRE DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS. THE SNOW MAY BEGIN AS A
BRIEF PERIOD OF RAIN OVER SOUTHERN AREAS...BUT THE PRIMARY PRECIPITATION TYPE WILL BE SNOW.

SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 INCHES OR MORE PLOWABLE SNOW IS
POSSIBLE. THEREFORE A WINTER STORM WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. DRIVING WILL BECOME
TREACHEROUS AND WILL OCCUR DURING ONE OF THE BUSIEST TRAVEL DAYS
OF THE YEAR.

NORTHERN OXFORD-NORTHERN FRANKLIN-CENTRAL SOMERSET-

The Rockland Report November 21, 2014

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL FISH PIER DIRECTOR
 Issued one user permit for calendar year 2015.
 Met with John Holden to review an ongoing Grant. Also discussed future Bonds and other funding available for water front improvements.
 Public Works has commenced clean-up of pallets and debris.
 The price per pound for lobster is still $3.50.

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
 John attended the Planning Board Meeting on 11/18/14.
 John and Dave have been busy with numerous inspections on three major
projects in the City, CMCA on Winter St., the Boutique Hotel at 250 Main St. and the new building at O’Hara’s on Tillson Ave.
 There was one complaint filed this week.
 The following permits were received by the Code Office this week:
o 4 Building permits
o 1 Driveway permit
o 3 Electrical permits
o 4 Plumbing permits
o 2 Sign permits
o 1 Street Excavation permit

OFFICE OF THE CITY ASSESSOR
 Processed Real Estate Transfers, updating parcel cards, sales book,
property splits.
 Processed Personal Property accounts, updating ownership, owned items,
depreciation, State BETR’S 801 returns, BETE exemptions.
 Processed building permits, reviewing, updating property cards and
assessments.
 Analyzing qualified sales of all properties and neighborhoods for a fair and
equitable assessment.
 Completing State forms and returning for processing.
 Listening and reviewing properties at the property owner’s request.
 Updating Tax Maps and posting to the web site.

OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
 Winterized the harbor boat, and she's stored behind city hall.
 Started rebuilding some of our electric/water stanchions for the Public Landing floating docks.
 Hired a diver to inspect the M/V Monhegan's mooring, haven't gotten the report back yet.
 Applied to the state's launching ramp access program for replacement floats for the Snow Park launching ramp.
 Spent part of an afternoon with a representative of the Lobster Festival discussing
new ways we can work with them.

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
 The Adult Drawing Class featured woodland animals, while Children’s drawing classes had the theme Let's Draw Native American Designs and Motifs.
 PenBay Glass replaced the pane in the Children’s Room which had suffered a
stress crack.
 Debby Atwell held the final class of her six-week memoir-writing group.
 Patty King made the weekly trip to North Haven Community School.
 Rockland Rhythm Masters resumed after a brief hiatus last week.
 Thursday evening’s Arts & Cultural Events program was a Camden Conference Talk: Russia and America in the Arctic
 I viewed the Open Session (streamed online) of the interviews of the finalists for Maine State Librarian.
 The Children’s Room hosted a group of parents from the Maine Families’ Teen and Young Parent Program. Entirely self-sufficient, they are able to make themselves at home in the room, and make use of resources and exchange ideas. They will be visiting one Thursday each month.
 ABM added glycol to the chiller system for protection to -35°.
 I attended the meeting of the Friends’ Board.
 The Hampstead Stage Company performed a live presentation of the Dickens’
classic Oliver Twist on Saturday, a program for all ages (and with audience
participation).
 Once again on Sunday, Teens and tweens were invited to write a novel during the month of November during National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo. They met with Ms. Janet for writing tips and advice, followed by free writing with snacks.
 Upcoming/ongoing events food drive which will run through December: please share with as many as possible that we are looking for non-perishable foods for the AIO Food Pantry to help out neighbors in need. For non-perishable food items, most needed are: canned fish or meat products (protein food), soup, fruit and fruit juices, evaporated milk and powdered milk and cereals. Also needed: soap – dish washing and personal, tooth brushes and other basic toiletries. This coming Saturday-- the Friends’ Holiday Inn tour, and Silent Tree Auction fundraiser.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
The officers responded to 150 calls for service. Rockland Police Officers responded to 6 motor vehicle crashes and 4 animal complaints. Forty-one (41) traffic stops and traffic violations were conducted. The officers charged or made 12 arrests of individuals for various offenses, to include Bail violations, Sex Offender violations, Drug offenses, Alcohol violations, Probation violations and OUI.
 Det. Sgt. Young charged an individual living in Rockland with Failing to Comply with the Sex Offender Notification & Registration Act of 199 (first offense).
 Officers assisted investigators from the Maine State Prison in locating and
apprehending a suspect. The individual had absconded from his probation
requirements in or around June of 2014 and had not been located until this week.
 C.I.D. is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Rockland in conducting on- going training for their personnel.
 Det. Thompson attended welfare fraud training at the Department of Health and
Human Services in Rockland. This training focused on investigation and
enforcement of misuse of EBT cards.
 Officers met with representatives of Ocean Side East concerning assistance in
training on the School’s Crisis plan.
 We continue to work with our local schools on updating their respective crisis plan and planning processes.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
 City wide trash receptacle and building pickup for two days.
 Brush crew all week picking up limbs and trucking to Transfer Station (two crews on Tuesday). A brush crew typically consists of two large dump trucks and a backhoe.
 Two leaf blower crews for four days removing leaves from roadside.
 A crew picking up bagged leaves for a day.
 Sweeping city streets, primarily for leaf control, for one day.
 Repaired clay sewer pipe and removed obstruction in lawn area off Lawn Avenue at Broadway for a day. Also, reset open channel granite blocks that were
restricting the flow of Lindsey brook at the same location for a day.
 Delivered 2007 John Deere backhoe to Nortrax in Bangor once again after having problems with hydraulic power.
 Sign maintenance for one day.

OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
 Reviewed status of Brownfield Program with consultant in preparation for follow up with potential new property applicant.
 Host and serve as sponsor and presenter at meeting of the Economic
Development Council of Maine, held at Landings Restaurant; presented summary of City Brownfield Program with emphasis and presentation on potential redevelopment of 65 Tillson Avenue property.
 Meeting with Fish Pier Director to review status on current grant for engineering and other technical improvements to Fish Pier; Follow up with consultant identifying funding opportunities for Fish Pier.
 Meeting with Harbor Master to review status on current or recently completed
grants to schedule work for engineering and design for the Public Pier and its
integration into the Harbor Park Redesign plans; follow up on completed grants
and plans to seek future funding for Snow Marine Park boat ramp.
 Review of contract for historic markers on Harbor Trail and how to proceed with consultant.
 Reviewed TIF investment schedule with Acting City Manager, revised based on meeting and in preparation for presentation to City Council in December.
 Review of consultant summary report on potential to build out city lot within the Industrial Park and schedule follow up with consultant and Fisher Plow.
 Attended Dream Local Digital open house, re companies high speed internet;
helped organize and facilitate follow up meeting at City Hall with other Midcoast
communities to discuss how each or regionally we may proceed to plan to invest
in ultra-high speed fiber.
 Prepare data and finalize advertising to promote the City as a place for new
business and open markets for existing business.
 Follow up on housing program plans and specific housing program requests.
 Organize and facilitate meeting of the Rockland Cultural Planning Coalition.
 Review and follow up plans for CDBG applications to 2015 Program year.
 Continue outline and drafting of Community Economic Development activities
and projects summary report and recommendations for Acting City Manager.

OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
 Received 3 quotes for the proposed Broadway sewer extension.
 Met with Dave Beaulieu from Maine Water to discuss re-location of the fire hydrant at the WWTP.
 Checked a sink Hole reported by Gregg Blackwell on Camden Street in front of Hole-in-the-Wall Bagels
 Reviewed plans for a proposed building addition to the Methodist Home at 39
Summer Street to verify the setback from the sewer main.
 Received the completed smoke testing report from Wright-Pierce Engineering.
 Worked with men from the Public Works Department to inspect and repair the
sewer main between Lawn Avenue and Broadway.
 Smoke tested the storm drains in the vicinity of 34 Mechanic Street to determine if there was any connection to a recently discovered sink hole behind 34 Mechanic. Testing showed it was not related.
 Completed annual industrial pretreatment sampling on three of the six industrial sources. Will complete sampling and testing on the remaining three sources in the next week or two.
 Met with FMC to discuss their new industrial user permit.
 Reviewed Fisher Engineering’s new industrial user permit with their environmental
contact and will issue the permit the first week of December.

OFFICE OF THE RECREATION DIRECTOR
 The Pee-Wee basketball season has begun. The 5th and 6th grade teams have
been picked and they started practice this week. The 3rd and 4th grade league,
the kindergarten clinic and the 1st and 2nd grade league sign-ups will begin the
end of this week. The kindergarten clinic will start on December 10th while the
other leagues will start on the 14th.
 The staff and I have been cleaning and repairing areas around the building to get ready to strip and refinish the gym floor next week. The building will be open
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and closed for the remainder of the week.
The gym will be closed for the entire week. We will start stripping the floor on
Monday and we will put the final coat on Wednesday allowing the floor four good days to cure.
 Benjie and I will be stocking the game room and starting next week we will have this space open on a regular schedule.
 It’s always easy to tell when football and soccer end as the kids are coming into the Recreation building on a regular basis. There are twenty to forty kids each afternoon when school lets out. They hang out and play some basketball. There is a smaller group of ten to fifteen middle school students that are just spending some time together and socializing in the bleachers.

OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
In addition to the general response to fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus
checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the
quarters, the following occurred:
 On Friday morning we held a Fire Department Officers meeting.
 On Sunday we were dispatched to a structure fire at Stevens Green on Lovejoy
Street. Thankfully the fire had been extinguished upon our arrival by the sprinkler system allowing the four occupants to safely exit the building without distress. The fire and circumstances leading to two separate injuries is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office and Rockland PD.
 While units were still on scene on Lovejoy Street a second structure fire was
reported at 21 Cedar Street. This fire was started outside the home when ashes
from a woodstove had been improperly disposed of, igniting the outside wall of
the structure. Upon arrival the occupants had the exterior fire extinguished but
personnel found fire inside the wall travel up toward the second floor and ceiling
space. This fire was extinguished without incident.
 CEO Root and I conducted two site inspections and an apartment building
inspection this week.
 Our members received instruction on utilizing thermal imaging cameras. The
instructor was a former Nashua FD Captain who now works for ISG Infrasystems travelling the country providing FD’s with training for safe and efficient operations using this technology. It appears that the collective knowledge of our personnel, on this topic, far exceeds the majority of those the instructor sees.
 I worked on preparing the bid documents for a new thermal imaging camera,
and Wednesday evening’s class helped clarify some of the more important
parameters we should be evaluating.
 I attended the local EMA directors meeting Thursday evening, the main topic was how to properly document damages and costs associated with events such as
the November 2nd winter storm. It appears that no matter how much
documentation is made, the threshold for the storm to be declared a State or
Federal disaster is highly unlikely.

OFFICE OF THE SOLID WASTE FACILITY DIRECTOR
 Met with Gordon Page on creating a recycling and composting program with the Main Street Merchants. I am going to provide Gordon with a written description on how the program would work so he can work with the Main Street Merchants on developing the program.
 The Western Star road tractor will be picked up on Monday. The frame was
blasted and painted.
 The phone lines at the facility are still inoperable due to the storm.
 Contacted the town of Bath to obtain some used flare parts to construct our Q2N well cover. We plan to flare off gasses being generated from the Q2N extraction well.
 With the assistance from many people at City Hall the facility Type 1B food waste composting permit has been completed. The notice of Intent to File has also been completed and should be being placed in the local paper and mailed out to the proper land abutters.
 Finished repair on a damaged guard on the bailer.
 Participated in a MRRA strategic planning conference call.