Maine Plans to Conform with Federal Tax Code

Governor LePage to propose legislation adopting provisions of federal tax extenders package.

Augusta, Maine -  Today Governor Paul R. LePage announced his intention to propose legislation which would conform Maine’s income tax law to federal tax law. The governor’s proposal is necessary following changes made by the federal Tax Increase Prevention Act.

The legislation, known more commonly as the tax extenders bill, was signed into law by President Obama on December 19, 2014. The Act retroactively extended a number of federal tax relief provisions through the end of 2014 after they initially expired on December 31, 2013.

“Once again, Congress shirked

Trekkers’ Big Trek/Little Trek Fall Program Comes to a Close

Thomaston, Maine - Trekkers has completed the fall portion of Big Trek/Little Trek, an afterschool mentoring program that pairs high school students with 3rd and 4th grade students from St. George School in Tenants Harbor and Lura Libby School in Thomaston. This program is now in its 10th year, and runs for six weeks in the fall and six weeks each spring.

The Big Trek/Little Trek afterschool program builds supportive, positive relationships and friendships between high school students and elementary school students, outside their regular school environment.  It fosters personal growth and builds communication and leadership skills through interpersonal relationships. The program works in collaboration with the schools’ guidance departments and creates a healthy, safe environment for afterschool play through group activities, teambuilding exercises, sports, playground games, arts and crafts and one-on-one mentorship time.

Starting in October, twelve 9th–12th grade students from Oceanside High School participated as

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Rangers Report Hazardous Ice Conditions

AUGUSTA, Maine - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) Rangers are reporting hazardous ice conditions on the Allagash headwater lakes. State officials are advising ice fishermen and snowmobilers to use extreme caution when heading out to fish this week.

AWW Superintendent Matthew LaRoche warned that there is only an inch of good black ice with about 5 inches of soft snow ice on top of that. The rain that fell over the Christmas holiday has caused the lakes to rise and the ice to break away from shore in many places. There is two or three feet of open water along the edges of the lakes in most places. When rangers and wardens were out checking the ice on Monday they found the same conditions on all the lakes that were checked. There is also open water in all thoroughfares that connect the lakes.

Governor Paul R. LePage urged caution on the first weekend of ice fishing season.

"This week, many Maine residents and visitors will be out snowmobiling and ice fishing to open the

2015 Maine Readers' Choice Award Long List Announced

If your New Year's resolution is to read more in the coming year, the Maine Readers' Choice Award screening committee is offering some suggestions for books to add to your 2015 reading list.

The panel has released the top 25 titles under consideration for the 2015 Maine Readers' Choice Award, narrowing in their focus from the list of approximately 125 books that were initially nominated for the prize.

To be eligible for the award, nominated titles must have been published in the United States in the previous year, appeal to a wide audience and be judged by the Committee to be notable works of

Foreign Film Night January 13th 6:00pm at the Rockport Public Library

Rockport, Maine - This month’s film is Asterix at the Olympic Games directed by Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann

Astérix and Obélix compete at the Olympics in order to help their friend Lovesix marry Princess Irina. Brutus also tries to win the game with his own team and get rid of his father Julius Caesar. This month’s film is co-sponsored by the Rockport Public Library’s French Conversation Group.

The Long Distance Call

Hallowell, Maine - The Harlow Gallery is kicking off the new year with John Carnes’ expressive watercolors, Matt Demers’ graffiti inspired mixed media pieces and Scott Minzy’s graphic linocut prints. This exhibition will be on view at 160 Water Street in Hallowell January 16th through February 7th, 2015, with an opening reception Friday, January 16th 5:00-8:00PM. The Harlow Gallery’s hours are Wednesday-Saturday Noon-6:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Through different methods each of these artists is exploring aspects of the way he sees and understands reality through the lens of the subconscious. Whether through an abstract map of the psyche, an exploded view of one’s character or through an illustrative psychodrama, each artist makes a long distance call to his subconscious in order to produce his art. By placing Carnes’, Demers’, and Minzy’s work together, a complex dialog among the three begins to emerge. Issues such as fear, regret, longing, and acceptance are touched upon in subtle and nuanced ways each in the style of the individual artists. Like a dream, when making the long distance call the artist does not know who or what he’ll get, a nightmare or a fantasy. This exhibition will invite the contemplation of difficult, contradictory and often personal issues raised by the artistic process.

The Long Distance Call is sponsored by  Duncklee & Nott Investment and Retirement Planning of

Maranacook Girls Varsity To Much For Oceanside

Rockland, Maine - In the final game of 2014 Maranacook proved to be to much for Oceanside on December 30th, 2014 in Rockland, Maine. The game was close until the second half when Maranacook started to pull away. Maranacook Black Bears won this game against their host Oceanside by a score of 54-33.

Maranacook players that were able to score in a great match for them were Elizabeth D'Angelo 6, Lauren Clough 2, Sage Hyland 1, Catherine Sanborn 11, top scorers Christine Miller 14 points and Sarah Clough with 20 points.

Despite Oceanside not being able to pull off a win they still played their hardest against a defensive

"In Camden Harbor" The Maine Windjammer Project

"In Camden Harbor" by Doug Mills

Maine Windjammers Mary Day, Lewis R. French and Angelique anchored in Camden Harbor. [08312012]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

Oceanside Girls JV Defeats Maranacook

Rockland, Maine - It was a great night for the Oceanside girls jv team as they were able to win against visiting Maranacook Community High School on December 30th, 2014 in Rockland, Maine.

Oceanside was able to win by a score of 50-25. Those player from Oceanside that were able to score were Jenna Conant 4, Jillian Brooks 2, Gabby Simmons, one of the top scorers had 12 points, Lauren Hatch 4, Haley Montgomery 6, Cassie Butler 6, Alexis Mazurek, the other top scorer had 10, Kaylee McCorrison and Elisa Laslavic with two points each.

Maranacook scorers were Sierra Wilson 3, Justice Merrill 2, Tabie Tlumac 3, Siriana Hayes 2, Angel

"Portland Breakwater Light" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Portland Breakwater Light" by Doug Mills

A view of the Portland Breakwater Light [Bug Light] and Fort Gorges.[10032014]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and Army Corps Announces More than $1 Million for Conservation Projects in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - More than $1 million will help public and nonprofit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine.

The Maine">http://mnrcp.org/">Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program - which is administered by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - announced awards totaling $1,051,530 to help restore, enhance or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at eight project sites around the state.

The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy.

Since its first funding round in 2009, the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program has awarded

Celebrate the New Year with First Day Hikes at Maine State Parks on January 1, 2015

Play All Winter in Maine State Parks!

Statewide - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands will host free, guided hikes in five (5) state parks on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. That initiative, held in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2015 at a state park close to home.

In his weekly radio address, Governor Paul R. LePage highlighted the increase of visitors to Maine and the abundance of winter activities available to residents and visitor alike.

"Last year, nearly 5 and a half million people visited Maine during the winter season, many to enjoy

College Next Graduates Enroll at URock

Left to right:  Graduates: Michael Steeves, Julie Smith, Steven Heller.  Instructors:  Peg Junge, Heidi Nolan, and Cathy VanDyke

Rockland, Maine - College Next is proud to announce the graduation of its first class on December 17th. These students successfully completed Adult Education supported coursework that included English, Mathematics, Computer Technology, and College Experience instruction.  All classes were held on campus at University College at Rockland, offering a lively, active student atmosphere, as well as a modern computer lab and classroom experience.  College Next is excited to announce that two of its graduates are enrolled in college courses beginning January, 2015. Steven Heller enters as a full time student at University of Maine-Augusta, and Julie Smith, who was awarded an Osher Scholarship, begins a UMA college level English Composition course.

College Next is a new program offered by Knox County College Transitions, a collaborative effort of Adult Education programs at RSU 13, Five Towns CSD, and Vinalhaven.  During the 12 week program, College Next students hone their academic skills and learn to navigate the online course management tools used by today’s colleges.  Students also engage in actual college experiences; applying for financial aid, filling out paperwork for scholarships,  using study and time management techniques, accessing online library resources.

Registration is now open for the College Next program starting on February 3rd. The course is open to adult learners with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a desire to enter college.  This program is supported by a generous grant from the Maine Department of Education, and the instruction is offered free of cost.  For more information or to register call (207) 691-5751 or email collegenextprogram@gmail.com

Captain Peter Willcox To Stem the Tide at Rockport Opera House January 28th

Rockport, Maine - Captain Peter Willcox’s talk titled “To Stem the Tide” will focus on his experiences in Russia and provide a glimpse into a life devoted to making a difference. This special event is free and open to all.

Peter Willcox has been an environmental activist for over 42 years, first for Peter Seeger’s Clearwater and then for Greenpeace. He has served as Captain on all of the Greenpeace boats, and was on board the Rainbow Warrior when the boat was blown up by French military agents in New Zealand in 1985. He was also in command of the Arctic Sunrise in September 2013 when that vessel was illegally seized in international waters by the Russian military, and spent two months in detention in Russia as a member of the Arctic 30.

This event is co-presented by the Rockport Public Library and the Camden Conference in anticipation of the 28th Annual Camden Conference: Russia Resurgent, February 20-22, 2015.

The mission of the Camden Conference is to foster informed discourse on world issues. For more information, visit www.camdenconference.org, email info@camdenconference.org, or call 207-236-1034.

Desjardin Appointed as Acting Education Commissioner

Desjardin Appointed as Acting Education Commissioner

AUGUSTA, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Tom Desjardin will serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education. Since 2013, Desjardin has served as a Senior Policy Advisor for Governor LePage in the areas of Education and Natural Resources.

Desjardin replaces former Commissioner James Rier, who is on extended medical leave and may return to the department in 2015. Commissioner Rier is recovering at home in Topsham and is in good spirits. He may return to the Department next year as Deputy Commissioner at his discretion.

Desjardin will serve as Acting Commissioner

New Year’s Eve in Downtown Bangor

Downtown Countdown Schedule of Events

Bangor, Maine – On December 31, 2014 the Downtown Bangor Partnership hosts Maine’s largest, free public New Year’s Eve celebration, Downtown Countdown, presented by Cross Insurance. The evening will be jam-packed with music, dancing, kid-friendly activities, comedy, a ball drop, and more!

Start your evening with a stop at Information Central, located at Epic Sports (6 Central Street) and supported by The Maine Edge. Grab a Downtown Countdown map, warm up with hot chocolate and popcorn, and purchase a $5 “Downtown Countdown” button that will offer exclusive specials and discounts at local businesses throughout the month of January. (Button purchasers will be automatically entered into a raffle for Waterfront Concert tickets and gift certificates from Northeast Whitewater!) Then hop on the “Countdown Connector,” a free shuttle, provided by Eastern Maine Community College, that will pick up and drop off event goers throughout downtown Bangor from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Schedule of Events  www.countdowntownbangor.com.

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Maine Discovery Museum (74 Main Street), Noon to 8 p.m.

Bring the family to downtown for an afternoon of activity. Face painting, hat and noisemaker creation, snacks, and a multi-language countdown will give kids a fun way to ring in the New Year.

University of Maine Museum of Art (40 Harlow Street), 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Add a final, glittering touch to your New Year’s Eve attire with a handmade crown or tiara. UMMA hosts a family-friendly activities spot where kids and adults can have some pre-Downtown Countdown fun.

West Market Square, 7:45 p.m. to Midnight
Central Maine Fire Twirlers kick off the festivities with a spectacular flaming showcase. Then, The Trendy Robots will bring the streets of downtown Bangor to life with a mash-up of country, classic rock, and pop music favorites. Broad Street will be closed. Dancing in the streets is encouraged!

At midnight, revelers will gather in West Market Square to watch as the iconic beach ball, wrapped in holiday lights, is dropped from the top of Paddy Murphy’s.

Organ Recital at St. John’s Episcopal Church (225 French Street), 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Experience a unique and memorable concert with music from St. John’s fully restored and completely functional pipe organ, a rare surviving example of pre-Civil War American organ building.

ImprovAcadia at The Rock & Art Shop (36 Central Street), 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Bar Harbor based improvisational group brings cutting-edge comedy to downtown. Three, half-hour performances will begin at 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. Supported by Bangor Daily News.

Hollywood Casino (500 Main Street), 9:00 p.m.

A red carpet New Year's Eve at Hollywood Casino with live entertainment featuring Motor Booty Affair, the ultimate disco tribute band. Celebrity impersonators, a special NYE feast at Epic Buffet, non-stop gaming, and much more!

Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s Juniper Quartet at Central Gallery (89 Central Street), 9:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra's Juniper Quartet features co-concertmaster Lynn Brubaker (violin), Amanda Cushman (violin), Linda Theriault (violin), and Tim Garrett (cello). Supported by the City of Bangor’s Commission on Cultural Development.

RetroRockerz at the Union Street Brick Church (126 Union Street), 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Good time oldies performed in Bangor’s landmark church in the heart of the downtown historic district, with plenty of room for dancing. Supported by Epstein Commercial Real Estate.

Juke Rockets at Bagel Central (33 Central Street), 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
High energy beats from the Juke Rockets, Maine Blues Society’s “Best Blues Band in the State of Maine.” Supported by Paul Cook.

Penobscot Theatre Company (131 Main Street), 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

*Please note tickets are required for this venue.

One night only! Performances of “Legends: The Music of Judy Garland” at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for subscribers and $35 for the general public. To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.

The Parking Garage will be open from 7 a.m. on December 31, 2014 until 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Every year, the generous support from our community partners makes Downtown Countdown possible. Thanks to Cross Insurance, Eastern Maine Community College, the City of Bangor’s Commission on Cultural Development, Bangor Daily News, Paul Cook, Epstein Commercial Real Estate, Hollywood Casino, The Maine Edge, Maine Discovery Museum, Penobscot Theatre Company, University of Maine Art Museum, Bangor Savings Bank, Brewer Federal Credit Union, Caron Signs, Emera Maine, Northeast Whitewater, The Beta Agency, Creative Print Services, The Henry’s Bridal Boutique, Rudman Winchell, Waterfront Concerts, Webber Energy, Jeff Kirlin—The Thing of the Moment, Justin Russell Photography, The Law Offices of Joe Baldacci, Mexicali Blues, and The Rock & Art Shop for partnering with the Downtown Bangor Partnership to make this event happen!

(Editor’s Note: Due to a lack of contestants, the Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bunyan Competition, which was slated to be part of the Downtown Countdown 2015 activities, has been cancelled.  While we regret the loss of this event, the schedule of activities in Downtown Bangor remains full and exciting throughout New Year’s evening!)

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district.  For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.

KICK OFF 2015 AT THE DANCE HALL WITH GARY SREDZIENSKI & THE SERFS

Local musical legends warm up a January night

Kittery, Maine - Time to dust off your hula hoop and get ready to dance. On Saturday, January 10 at 7:30pm Gary Sredzienski and the Serfs return to The Dance Hall building on their wildly successful regular gigs there. The band’s eclectic blend of accordion-driven musical styles gives anyone within an earshot little choice but to hit the dance floor. “It’s one of our favorite nights at the Hall.” says executive director Drika Overton. We get audiences of all ages smiling, laughing, and dancing. At their last appearance a woman came with her 75 year old father and 17 day old baby! Can’t beat that!”

The Serfs have been delighting audiences for 20 years with their unique blend of instruments and musical genres. One of the earliest objectives of the band was to elevate the much maligned image of the piano accordion, which Gary does with masterful aplomb.  And The Serfs cover all musical genres, crossing boundaries to elevate the accordion's image as a diverse multicultural vocalist.

ETHNIC   INSTRUMENTAL ROCK  XTREME POLKA!

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at www.thedancehallkittery.com.

Historic Photography Exhibit & Other Events at Blue Hill Public Library

Blue Hill, Maine - Blue Hill Public Library will kick off a year of focus on local history with a historic photograph exhibit by the Penobscot Marine Museum, Hancock County Through Eastern's Eye, during the month of January. The Museum’s photo archivist Kevin Johnson will present a talk about the exhibit on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00pm.

A century ago the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company sent crews with box cameras into tiny northeastern towns telling them to ask local citizens what they should photograph, what was important to them about their town.  Because of this, the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company photos are both aesthetically beautiful and historically important.

“This exhibit definitely helps to keep our past present,” says Kevin Johnson.   “People love to see

Top 10 Jackson Laboratory news stories of 2014

Connecticut, U.S., JAX officials dedicate The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, National Human Genome Research Institute Director Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., and other leaders of the academic and scientific worlds joined JAX officials at Oct. 7 dedication ceremony for The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in Farmington, Conn.

David and Barbara Roux provide historic $10 million gift to advance genomic medicine research

On Oct. 26, The Jackson Laboratory announced the largest private gift in its history: a $5 million gift from the technology investor David Roux and his wife Barbara, triggering $5 million in matching funds for a total gift of $10 million. The funds will initiate the creation of the Roux Family Center for Genomics and Computational Biology.

Jackson Laboratory researchers find new mechanism for neurodegeneration

A research team led by JAX Professor and Howard Hughes Investigator Susan Ackerman, Ph.D., has

Maine 7 Day Forecast

Today 

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight 

Mostly clear, with a low around 15. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday 

Sunny, with a high near 22. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night 

Mostly clear, with a low around 14. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

 Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night 

Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

New Year's Day 

Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.

Thursday Night 

Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday

 Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Friday Night 

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Saturday 

A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.

Saturday Night 

A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday 

A 30 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

"Rockland, Maine" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Rockland, Maine" by Doug Mills

The American Eagle, Nathaniel Bowditch, Isaac H Evans and Angelique gather at Rockland, Maine. [07152011]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

Oceanside Boys JV & Varsity Secures Wins Against MCI

Rockland, Maine - What a night for the Oceanside boys jv and varsity teams as they were able to pull off two wins against MCI. These two games were held at Oceanside High School on December 27th in Rockland, Maine.

The Oceanside jv boys won this game by a score of 73-59.

Varsity match saw a lot of lead changes before ending in Oceanside's favor as they were able to win by a score of 61-52. Scorers for Oceanside were Eli Thorbjornson 7, Jimmy Strong 2, Nate Raye 5, Nicholas Mazurek 16, Jarrod Leonardi 9 and Keenan Hendricks with 22 points. MCI scorers were Dylan Fitts 4, Josh Buker 5, Slade Emery 2, Austin Tolman 13 and Todor Imsir with 28 points.

Results from the freshman game are unavailable.

Camden Public Library Events January 1 through January 14, 2015

Saturday, January 3

Opening reception for Jack Silverio’s art exhibit “Progressions and Proportions” at the Camden Public Library, 2:00 pm. Silverio is an architect and artist in Lincolnville.

Meeting of the Simply Books Club at the Camden Public Library, 2:00 pm. Simply bring along whatever book you’re currently reading and share it with the group; all are welcome.


Tuesday, January 6

Cate Lamb will lead a “Needle Felting” Workshop at 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. Participants in this hands-on workshop will create a piece of felted art and learn how to create and decorate felt jewelry, ornaments, and sculpture. There will be a $10 materials and registration fee; all materials and tools will be provided. Call the library at 236-3440 to sign up or with questions.

Camden Conference discussion session on “Russia’s Neighbors,” 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, the final in four topics in the series. Participants will be expected to read several short readings, available on the Camden Conference website. The discussion sessions are free of charge.


Wednesday, January 7

Regular meeting of the Midcoast Stroke Support Group, 10:00 am at the Camden Public Library. All are welcome.


Thursday, January 8

“Marbling & Paste Paper” workshop at the Camden Public Library with Amy Hand, 7:00 pm. Register by calling the library at 236-3440. There will be a $10 materials fee. The workshop is part of the  library’s “Jumpstart January” series.


Sunday, January 11

“Weaving the Joy” basket weaving demonstration by Shirley A. McAfee, 2:00 pm at the Camden Public Library, part of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society’s “Maine Living Series.”

“Living from a Creative Center” workshop at the Camden Public Library with writing instructor and creativity coach Teresa Piccari, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Although the sessions are free, pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 12 people For more information or to register, contact the library at 236-3440. The session is open to writers and artists in all mediums.


Monday, January 12

Erika Manning presents “The Peri-Menopausal Years & Beyond” at 12:00 noon at the Camden Public Library as part of the Destination Wellness Brown Bag Lunch series. Manning will focus on the therapeutic use of yoga for women as they transition through the sometimes challenging peri-menopausal years and beyond.


Tuesday, January 13

Leer y Charlar Spanish Book Club, 1:00 pm at the Camden Public Library; all who are proficient in Spanish are welcome.

Tuesday Book Club at the Camden Public Library, meets at 1:00 pm in the Picker Room. For more information please call 470-7473.

Regular meeting of the Reading Group of the Camden Philosophical Society, 4:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. Everyone with an interest in reading and discussion are welcome.

Sumi-e Oriental Brush Painting Workshop with Frederica Marshal, 7:00 pm at the Camden Public Library. The workshop is part of the library’s “Jumpstart January” program for adults. Pre-registration is necessary by calling the library at 236-3440; there will be a $10 materials fee

"Sailing Into Rockland" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Sailing Into Rockland" by Doug Mills

Stephen Taber and Angelique sailing into Rockland harbor past the Rockland Breakwater Light.[07112008]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

"A Good Wind" The Maine Windjammer Project

"A Good Wind" by Doug Mills

The historic schooner Victory Chimes catches a good wind coming into Rockland Maine. [06072010]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

The Grand Shouts “Hooray for ‘Hollywood’!”

Ellsworth, Maine - The Grand announces the lineup for its monthly “Classic Hollywood Films” series beginning on Sunday, January 4th at 2 pm and concluding in April. Ticket prices for each movie and are $5 per person, general admission .

What’s better than getting out of the cold and into a warm theater and seeing the best that Hollywood has offered from the past decades? In 2015, The Grand offers everyone the opportunity to see classic films the way they were meant to be seen – projected on a giant screen, larger than life – films that are appropriate all ages, so you can bring the whole family. Titles for 2015 monthly Sunday matinees are:

January 4th –  North by Northwest. One of Alfred Hitchcock's classic thrillers, the story of

SECOND SUNDAYS: Bookmaking

Photo courtesy of Marguerite Ogden

Hallowell, Maine - The Harlow Gallery’s Education Committee presents SECOND SUNDAYS, a monthly series of community events held within the Gallery at 160 Water Street in Hallowell. January’s SECOND SUNDAY is Sunday, January 11, 2-4pm, ­ One piece of paper makes a book: ­Take one piece of paper, fold and cut it and you have a multi page book to use for drawings, doodles, collages, or stories.

Mark your calendars and look forward to activities on the second Sunday of every month at the Harlow. These events will bring artists and art lovers together to enjoy the process of making art as well as looking at art and discussing it. Many of the events will be perfect for families, and all are welcome. These sessions take place every 2nd Sunday from 2 to 4 pm at the Harlow Gallery, and are free and open to the public. Materials are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own as well.

Donations to support the gallery always welcome – the Harlow Gallery is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and

Holiday Greeting From Victory Chimes

Happy Holidays!

As we enter a quarter century of ownership, we want to wish each of you - who have joined us and been part of our history with Victory Chimes - a Happy Holiday and prosperous New Year.

As most of us realize, Victory Chimes has a soul and we are all connected with her in our own particular way. We are part of her proud history in the “here and now” as her sails catch an optimistic wind and her bow cuts a wake still leaving a mark upon turbulent waters of Maritime and American history. She has proudly sailed under the American ensign for 115 years now. Victory Chimes is the end of the line - the soul operating survivor - of the once massive fleet of three-masted or larger American schooners that grew this country’s economy during America’s Golden Age of Sail.

In 2014 Victory Chimes, launched in 1900 in the small town of Bethel, Delaware, celebrated her 60th year Down East. The waters of Penobscot Bay are where her legend grew; where she became an iconic image to artists, photographers, and millions of tourists. So much so, that a schooner launched in the Chesapeake Bay, made its way onto the back of the Maine State quarter. She was put there by an adoring Maine public who voted her image sailing by the Pemaquid Light, onto their quarter. Voters realized Victory Chimes represented the last of the large working schooners Maine had launched in the thousands, but were now all gone. They realized she’d been a symbol of Maine for more than a half century. It didn’t deter them that she wasn’t Maine built, they felt she earned the right as a worthy representative of Maine’s maritime history by out lasting the rest.

We continue to sail her like she was sailed in 1900, and we continue sailing Penobscot Bay that provided such a great sailing season in 2014. The weather was beautiful, the breezes mostly fair and the scenery, as always- exquisite.

Even though we’ve guided Victory Chimes through the enchanted islands in and around Penobscot Bay, it still reveals new charms to us constantly. This past season we saw whales, dozens of Bald Eagles, seals and amazing wildlife. We saw meteor showers from a secluded anchorage. The Northern Lights once and an evening where the Milky Way looked so close you could swim in it.

Victory Chimes took Line Honors in the Great Schooner Race (First across the finish line) for the second straight year. A photo with Victory Chimes in it won the Maine Windjammer Association Photo Contest for the second straight year. We had a beautiful wedding aboard, some great theme cruises and some awesome sailing hitting 9-10 knots on several occasions. We are including this summer’s sailing schedule in hopes that you’ll come back and join us in making more memories.

As caretakers you renew us each year with your loyalty and support. You make us feel like we are still in our 30s realizing a proud dream of owning and sailing the last of America’s large schooner still working under sail.

Enjoy your families and friends this Holiday Season. Thanks for your support.

Capt Kip Files and Capt Paul DeGaeta

[Video and Stills by Shoot Maine Studios Rockland Maine]

Downtown Skowhegan Nears Funding Goal

Skowhegan, Maine - Hight Family of Dealerships, Kyes Carpenter Insurance, and fifty-nine other businesses and individuals have come together this month to support Skowhegan’s downtown revitalization.  Main Street Skowhegan, the nonprofit organization founded almost ten years ago to coordinate this work, will be using the funds to expand their programs in 2015.

According to the Main Street Skowhegan website, the organization has raised over 75% toward a goal of $10,000 for the end of 2014.  They hope to raise $2,250 more in the remaining days of December.

“The number of donors and the amount of money raised so far shows the community’s commitment

"Morning Flight" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Morning Flight" by Doug Mills

Early morning flight at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. [10212010]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com