Winter Storm Watch Issued For Central & Coastal Maine Monday

..BITTER WIND CHILLS TONIGHT THEN ANOTHER COASTAL STORM LIKELY
MONDAY...

.GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT IN THE WESTERN
MAINE MOUNTAINS. THIS COMBINED WITH VERY COLD TEMPERATURES WILL
PRODUCE DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS AT TIMES.

THEN LATE SUNDAY YET ANOTHER LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM EXITS THE COAST
IN THE MID ATLANTIC. THIS STORM WILL TRACK SOUTH OF NEW
ENGLAND...AND SPREAD SNOW ACROSS PART OF THE REGION. THERE IS
STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE FINAL TRACK OF THIS LOW
PRESSURE...WHICH WILL DETERMINE WHERE THE HEAVIEST AXIS OF
SNOWFALL LINES UP. AT THIS TIME MUCH OF THE AREA SOUTH OF THE
MOUNTAINS COULD SEE 6 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOWFALL.

SOUTHERN OXFORD-SOUTHERN FRANKLIN-SOUTHERN SOMERSET-INTERIOR YORK-

NMCC, Dept. of Transportation--Region 5 Receive SHAPE Award for Safety

AUGUSTA, Maine - Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced that Northern Maine Community College and Maine Department of Transportation-Region 5 have each earned the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE).

SHAPE recognizes public-sector organizations that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program for their workers.

"We congratulate NMCC and MDOT in Region 5 for becoming SHAPE certified," Governor Paul R. LePage said. "These state agencies know that keeping workers safe is not only good for the people of Maine, but also good for their communities and their taxpayers. Better safety means less lost time due to injury and illness as well as lower workers' comp costs."

Northern Maine Community College received its award on January 22 and MDOT on January 23,

Trekkers’ “V-Day Par-Tay” Valentine’s Dance to feature “Just Teachers”

Rockport, Maine - Trekkers, a nonprofit outdoor-based youth mentoring organization, is holding a Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 14th at the Samoset Resort. This 21 and over fundraiser will feature live music by “Just Teachers,” a local band known for playing music that gets people dancing!



The evening will begin with a social hour from 7–8pm and include a cash bar provided by the Samoset. “Just Teachers” will take the stage starting at 8pm and will keep things moving until 11:30pm. The event will combine fantastic music, delicious appetizers, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and an evening of fun, all to benefit Trekkers’ students. Proceeds from the event will be directly applied to the students’ program fees. The silent auction donors currently include K-9 Solutions Dog Training, The Korean Schools of Karate, Smile Concepts – Dr. Stephen A. Zizza, Trade Winds Motor Inn, Trade Winds Health Club and Wee Care Learning and Nature Center.



There are still a few tickets available, but they are going fast. Tickets for the dance are $15 each and can be reserved by contacting a participating Trekker, or by calling Shari Closter at the Trekkers office (207-594-5095 or shari@trekkers.org).

Call for Artists for Upcoming Art Exhibition at Johnson Hall in Gardiner‏

Hallowell, Maine - The Harlow Gallery and Johnson Hall invite Maine artists to submit work for an art exhibition opening Friday, April 10, 2015 at Johnson Hall. The art exhibition will be on view at Johnson Hall at 280 Water Street in Gardiner from April 10 through May 22, 2015, and sales proceeds will support two cornerstones of the arts in central Maine: Johnson Hall and the Harlow Gallery.

Email submissions are being accepted through March 1st and will be reviewed by curatorial committee comprised of staff and volunteers from both organizations. Artists interested in submitting work should visit the Harlow Gallery online for complete instructions at harlowgallery.org/open-call-for-johnson-hall.

Johnson Hall located in Gardiner, Maine is celebrating its150th anniversary this year. The first floor has been recently renovated into an accessible 117-seat performance space, where Johnson Hall presents arts programs for all ages, all year round live professional music, theater and dance performances; theater and art camps for children; and workshops and classes for children and adults. The theater also collaborates with other community organizations to bring arts and theater programs to children and to present a summer festival, outdoor concerts and movies; and provides space for community classes, groups, rehearsals, and meetings. Johnson Hall’s upper floors await restoration, and the community is engaged in a planning process to return the Hall to its full glory—a 360-seat theater and conference center, which will provide cultural enrichment and boost the regional economy.  Find out more at www.johnsonhall.org.

The Harlow Gallery is a 501(c)3 membership based nonprofit located at 160 Water Street in downtown Hallowell since 1963, where have worked to connect and celebrate the art, artists and community of central Maine for over half a century. For more information visit the Harlow Gallery online at harlowgallery.org or call 622-3813.

Absentee ballot requests can be made online for House District 93 Special Election

AUGUSTA, Maine - Absentee ballots for the Special Election in House District 93 can now be requested online, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced Friday.

The ballots are available via the State of Maine Online Absentee Ballot Request Service, http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl .

The March 10, 2015 special election is necessitated by the resignation of Elizabeth E. Dickerson of Rockland, who had won the House seat in the November election. Dickerson submitted her resignation to the State on January 20. For this special election, this online ballot request service is open to all Maine citizens who are registered to vote in either Owls Head or Rockland, including those who are in uniformed service or overseas.

In Maine, any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at a voting place on Election Day and does not need a specific reason to do so. Civilian voters may request an absentee ballot until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. Those with "special circumstances" that arise may apply with their town to request a ballot after that deadline. All completed ballots must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Candidates for the March 10 election must have nomination papers filed with the office of the Secretary of State on or before 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9 to appear on the ballot. Write-in candidates must be declared and file with the office on or before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

"Haul Out" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Haul Out" by Doug Mills

Haul out time for Timberwind at North End Shipyard in Rockland Maine.[04092012]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

There are still some Special "Windjammer" Packager left!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Doug Mills newest documentary "Windjammer" on DVD plus "The Great American Windjammer Vol.1" 

200 pages with nearly 100 8x10 photos.

ONLY: $40.00 for the package!

UPDATE BREAKING NEWS: Person Critically Injured On Camden Street In Rockland Hit & Run Dies From Injuries

Photo of Jeremy Stone, 40, of Rockport
related to crash in Rockland last night.

UPDATE 7:15pm Saturday Night: On January 30, 2015 at 5:30pm, Rockland Police and EMS responded to Camden Street for the report of pedestrian that had been struck and the vehicle had left the scene.

Daniel F. Cormier, 35, of Owls Head was transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Shortly after the crash Jeremy Stone, 40, of Rockport was located at a residence in Rockland where he was arrested.  Stone is currently being held for the charges of Operating under the influence, Class B, Leaving the scene of an accident involving death, Class C, and 2 outstanding warrants.  Additional charges are pending.

Rockland Police were assisted by Rockport Police and Maine State Police.

Medomak Middle School Wins Fifth Straight Busline League Cheerleading Champions

Rockland, Maine - On Thursday, January 29th, 2015 the Medomak Middle School cheerleaders won their fifth straight Busline League Cheerleading Competition title. This year's competition was held at Oceanside High School East in Rockland, Maine. The competition had two rounds to show their moves to the judges.

Medomak Middle School in the first round scored 47.5, second 52.1 with a average score of 49.8. Cheerleaders from Medomak had a great night showing that they are a team to watch out for. Members that took part were Abby Bradeen, Cheyanne Greene, Grace Kurr, Katie Ryan, Kylie Weeks, Ashley Winchenbach, Lily Winchenbach, Katie Genthner, Mariah Grindle, Cassie Smeltzer and Amelia Witherell. Coach is Leanne Young and manager Caitlin Brekenfeld.

Great Salt Bay finished in second place. Scores in the first round was 43.4, second 45.3 with an

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

PORTLAND, Maine -- There will be a Citywide Parking Ban in the City of Portland this evening, Friday, January 30 beginning at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM, Saturday, January 31. During this ban, all vehicles left on City streets during these times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

For more information on snow bans, click here. 
The city offers numerous free options for parking on the peninsula during a snow ban. All vehicle owners must remove their vehicles from these designated areas listed below by 7:00 AM the morning the ban is removed. The city may tow, at the owner's expense, any vehicle which has not been removed by the 7:00 AM deadline:
◦Deering Oaks - on the Tennis Court Road only

More Snow Today, Clear Clogged Vents

The National Weather Service has posted Winter Storm Warnings for all of Maine today, extending into Saturday. NWS is advising that traveling will be hazardous, and that those who must travel should ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter weather. 

##Clean up, clear out and stay safe

As this snow moves in, Mainers should also make sure that all heating vents are clear of snow. Tuesday's blizzard heaped up snow drifts around buildings and vents, and many cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings have been reported around new England as CO backed up into buildings from clogged vents. Check your own vents, and then check on friends and neighbors to see if they need help clearing theirs. Carbon monoxide kills. 

###[Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it]

"Crossing The Finish Line" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Crossing The Finish Line" by Doug Mills

Mary Day and Angelique crossing the finish line at the 2013 Great Schooner Race. [07052013]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

Winter Parking Ban Announced in Lewiston - Clarification on Garage Use for Parking‏

Lewiston, Maine - The City of Lewiston has announced a winter parking ban commencing Friday, January 30th, at 10 p.m. and continuing until noon on Saturday, January 31st.  A total of 8 – 12 inches of snow is expected, and Public Works plows will be trying to push back the banks to help widen the streets for safer travel.

Parking alternative info can be found at http://www.lewistonmaine.gov/winter

Please note that if a person parks in a Lewiston parking garage during a winter parking ban, some of the time utilized may be free; other time will not be.  For instance, if the driver enters the parking garage after 6 p.m. and removes his/her vehicle by 6 a.m. the next morning, the stay will be free.  However, should the vehicle remain there longer, the driver will be charged regular garage use parking fees of $1.00 per hour.  If the car is there several days in a row, the driver will be charged the $1.00 per hour up to the daily max of $6.00 for the day, and the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. aspect of the driver’s stay will continue to be free.

February Programs for Job Seekers at the Wilton CareerCenter

Wilton, Maine - For those who are looking to make a change in careers or get a new job, the Wilton CareerCenter will be offering a variety of programs for job seekers in February. All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted.

"CareerCenters hold monthly workshops that help Mainers improve their job search and employment prospects," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "They also offer several training programs that teach or improve job skills or develop new career paths after a job loss. I encourage job seekers to visit their local CareerCenter and let us know how we can help them get back into the workforce."

To learn more, like the Wilton CareerCenter on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WiltonCareercenter . Maine Veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 645-5800.

GATEway to Employment: Wednesdays, February 4 and 18, 9 a.m. to noon

This workshop offers an overview of basic information on resumes; interviews and job search skills

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, January 29 beginning at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM, Friday, January 30. During this ban, all vehicles left on City streets within the Yellow Zone during these times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

For more information on snow bans, click here.

For more information on winter operations in Portland, click here.

Winter reminders from Portland MEDCU and Fire Department:

·         Please keep your walkways clear in the event emergency personnel need to get to your

CineGrand Takes “The Hundred-Foot Journey”!

Ellsworth, Maine - The Grand announces “The Hundred-Foot Journey” as the next title in its CineGrand series of the best recent films, many of them nominated for this year's Academy and Golden Globe Awards, screening on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 pm.  The film is sponsored by The Salt Box Restaurant in Hancock.  Additional Grand films are available for sponsorship by community members and businesses, with sponsorships still available with a $200 donation to The Grand. Contact The Grand for more information. Ticket prices for CineGrand films are for general admission seating and are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $5 for Grand members.

Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect

"In Boothbay Harbor" The Maine Windjammer Project

"In Boothbay Harbor" by Doug Mills

The HMS Bounty in Boothbay Harbor. [10172012]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Doug Mills newest documentary "Windjammer" on DVD plus "The Great American Windjammer Vol.1" 

200 pages with nearly 100 8x10 photos.

ONLY: $40.00 for the package!

Are You Dug Out? Winter Storm Warnings Issued For Maine Friday

...A WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE REGION LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY...

.LOW PRESSURE WILL APPROACH THE AREA FROM THE WEST LATE TONIGHT.
THE LOW IS EXPECTED TO INTENSIFY IN THE GULF OF MAINE FRIDAY
NIGHT AND THEN MOVE INTO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES SATURDAY. HEAVY
SNOW IS POSSIBLE AT TIMES FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT.
STRONG WINDS WILL CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW LATER
FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY.

NORTHEAST AROOSTOOK-NORTHERN PENOBSCOT-SOUTHEAST AROOSTOOK-

Rockland Digs Out From January 27th Blizzard (Gallery & Video)

Rockland, Maine - People were out digging out from a blizzard that impacted the area on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015. City of Rockland was also busy using a front end loader to remove snow.

More Snow On The Way, Winter Storm Watches Issued for Friday

...ANOTHER ROUND OF SNOW EXPECTED LATE THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY...

.INITIALLY WEAK LOW PRESSURE WILL TRACK EASTWARD FROM THE GREAT
LAKES TO THE NEW ENGLAND COAST FRIDAY...WHERE IT WILL BEGIN TO INTENSIFY RAPIDLY AS IT MOVES NORTHEAST TO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES.
THIS WILL BRING SNOW TO THE REGION THURSDAY NIGHT...PERHAPS
BECOMING HEAVY DURING THE DAY ON FRIDAY IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL
MAINE. ALTHOUGH THIS WILL NOT PRODUCE THE AMOUNTS OF SNOW WE SAW
ON TUESDAY...6 INCHES OR MORE OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE IN THE WATCH
AREA.

NORTHERN OXFORD-NORTHERN FRANKLIN-CENTRAL SOMERSET-

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, Wednesday, January 28 beginning at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM, Thursday, January 29. During this ban, all vehicles left on City streets within the Yellow Zone during these times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Given that plow crews are still in the process of removing snow from streets in the downtown district and there might not be much available on-street parking, residents who need a place to park after having to leave the parking ban lots at 7:00 AM this morning can park on the Eastern Prom, the Western Prom, and at Deering Oaks during the day today (1/28).

What is the Yellow Zone?

Lewiston Post Storm Clean Up & Condition

Lewiston, Maine - City Administrator Ed Barrett notes that roads are passable this morning, although they are snow covered and have been narrowed due to snow banking. Motorists are urged to use caution, especially at intersections where visibility is limited and in areas where roads have been narrowed.

Crews are applying salt and sand to busier streets in preparation for another round of city-wide plowing aimed at reducing the snow cover on arterial and collector streets and widening out all streets, including those in residential areas.  This needs to be done to prepare for potential further storms on Friday and next Monday.  Unfortunately, this may result in additional snow in driveways.

Sidewalk plowing is underway in the downtown area and will move to priority areas around schools

"American Eagle" The Maine Windjammer Project

"American Eagle" by Doug Mills

Tall ship American Eagle sailing past the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. [07132012]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

#Blizzard2015 #PortlandME Update

Citywide Parking Ban still in effect through Wednesday at 6AM

No solid waste collection Wednesday

City Offices & City Hall to Open at 10AM Wednesday

Portland, Maine - City of Portland officials continue to urge residents to stay off the streets through the duration of the blizzard conditions.Heavy snow and strong winds are creating dangerous travel conditions and extremely poor visibility, even for plow truck operators and emergency vehicles. People should remain at home and travel only if necessary. Conditions also make it hard to see pedestrians, so please use caution even when walking and remain at home if possible. According to the latest weather update from the National Weather Service, there is the potential for an additional seven inches of snow between now and midnight.

 

"We're glad that people are heeding our warnings and staying off the streets and at home," said Portland Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Jerry LaMoria. "This is making it much easier for the more than 40 plow crews currently handling operations."

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE UPDATES

Sabrina Carpenter Hits Paris Berelc 'Sweet Sixteen' Birthday Party

View image | gettyimages.com

Hollywood, California - Fifteen year old 'Girl Meets World' star Sabrina Carpenter looked beautiful in a black vest, shorts, high heels and white top as she hits Paris Berelc's 'Sweet Sixteen' birthday party held at The Loft and Rooftop Wet Deck at W Hollywood on January 25, 2015 in Hollywood, California.

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

View image | gettyimages.com

EMMC Services to Resume Normal Hours on January 28

Bangor, Maine – All of EMMC’s outpatient services, including EMMC Cancer Care, EMMC Family Medicine offices, specialty care practices, and all services at the Union Street and State Street campuses will resume normal hours of operation on Wednesday, January 28.



EMMC encourages patients to put safety first, as driving may be hazardous into the morning. Patients who have questions or need to reschedule appointments due to the weather are asked to call their physician’s office.

Camden Hills Girls Varsity Wins Tough Battle Against Oceanside

Rockland, Maine - The first three quarters belonged to Oceanside as they hosted Camden Hills on Monday, January 26th, 2015 in Rockland, Maine. It was a great start for Oceanside until the last quarter when Camden really surged ahead. They won this tough battle with Oceanside by a score of 50-46.

Camden Hills varsity players had a great battle with Oceanside. Scorers for Camden were Charlotte Messer 9 point with 1 foul shot/free throw, Hannah Wincklhofer 8 points, 2 foul shots/free throws, Mara Dostie 2 points, Eliza Boetsch 6 points, Maddie Bowman 6 points, 4 foul shots/free throws and Rachel Pease with 19 points, 7 foul shots/free throws.

Scorers for Oceanside who worked their hardest to pull off a win were Ashley Gardner 8 points, 2 foul shots/free throws, Caitlin Raye 4 points, Alexis Davis 1 foul shots/free throws, Jillian Brooks 2 foul shots/free throws, Makenna Brooks 14 points, 2 three pointers, Kaylee McCorrison 2 foul shots/free throws and Payton Billingsley 13 points with 2 three pointers and 3 foul shots/free throws.