Portland Public Library announces A Visit with Author and Naturalist Jim Arnosky

Portland Public Library announces A Visit with Author and Naturalist Jim Arnosky
as part of the library’s summer reading program, I ♥ Reading in Portland: Time of Wonder
Thursday, July 28^th 10:30am – 11:30am 
 in the Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library 

Portland, Maine - Portland Public Library’s Sam L. Cohen Children’s library is excited to announce that award winning author, Jim Arnosky, will be visiting the Portland Public Library, as part of the library’s summer reading program, I ♥ Reading in Portland: Time of Wonder. Jim Arnosky has written and illustrated over 132 books on nature subjects and has illustrated 46 other books written by various authors! His presentation will include a drawing demonstration, singing and playing his guitar and talking about a few of his books and adventures he’s had while researching in the outdoors. 

Jim Arnosky spends half the day exploring the outdoors and the other half at his drawing board.  He’s been creating award winning books for over 30 years. He states, “I am convinced that if you love the outdoors, natural places, and wildlife, you will grow into a person who will consider those factors no matter what work you do. My job is to foster an appreciation of nature and a curiosity about wildlife. I tell kids what I know and let them decide how to think about it. Hopefully they'll use that knowledge and make a difference.” 

Jim Arnosky has been honored for his contribution to children’s literature by the Eva L. Gordon Award and the Washington Post/Children’s Book Guild Award for nonfiction. He has been awarded the Christopher Medal and Orbis Pictus Honor. Many of his books have been chosen as ALA Notable Books and have received Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teacher’s Associations. Jim was honored with the Franklin Fairbank Award for being Vermont’s foremost creative guide to nature lore.

This event is free and open to children ages 5-12.

Author Helen Peppe at Scarborough Public Library

SCARBOROUGH, Maine - The Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, will welcome Helen Peppe on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm. Peppe is the author of Pigs Can’t Swim, a memoir that has been recognized by Kirkus Reviews and the American Booksellers Association.

As the youngest of nine children growing up on a farm in rural Maine, Helen never seemed to fit in with the rest of her family. While her sisters focused on boys, cigarettes, and alcohol, Peppe preferred to curl up with a book. Once she learned the animals on the farm were raised to be eaten, she became the family’s only vegetarian. And no matter how many times her parents and siblings berated her for talking too much, Peppe could not stop asking questions about the world around her.

Despite her life’s many hardships, Peppe manages to fill Pigs Can’t Swim with humor, insight, and touching compassion for the family that was never able to understand her. Constantly finding herself in trouble despite her efforts to avoid it, the young Peppe maintained an unfailing innocence that proves both charming and heartbreaking.

Peppe’s humorous delivery and engaging rapport with the audience have drawn people to other appearances in libraries and booksellers around the state. The event at the Scarborough Public Library is open to the public and free to attend. Copies of Pigs Can’t Swim will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served.

For more information about this, and other events at the Library, log onto www.scarboroughlibrary.org or call the Library at 883-4723.

Lecture by Journalist and Author Robert Whitaker at Husson University

Address the History, Science and Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Bangor, Maine - Approximately 50 million people - one in five Americans - are taking at least one psychiatric medication. Could our drug-based paradigm of psychological care, in some way, be fueling an epidemic of disabling illness?

In an effort to help members of the public better understand the use and abuse of prescription medicine, the College of Health and Education at Husson University is presenting a lecture by noted journalist and author Robert Whitaker. Much of Whitaker’s writing has focused on psychiatry, the pharmaceutical industry and mental illness.

“Robert’s research into mental illness and medication challenges conventional notions about the long-term value of psychiatric drugs,” said Paula Tingley, interim dean of the College of Health and Education at Husson University. “Anyone who is interested in the field of psychiatry and how mind and mood-altering drugs are affecting individuals should attend this eye-opening lecture.”

In his book, Anatomy of an Epidemic, Whitaker investigates the astonishing rise in the number of people enrolled in government disability due to mental illness over the past 20 years.  As part of this lecture, he will share his research into psychiatric medications and their long-term effects on patients suffering from depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. He’ll also highlight innovative programs in Europe that could be adopted here in the United States as part of an effort to reform mental health care.

“Exposure to new paradigms from national thought leaders like Robert Whitaker enriches the content of our

Author & Illustrator Sandra Palmer Fish to Speak at the Harlow on Peace by Piece

Hallowell, Maine - On Thursday, the 12th of September at 6pm, author/illustrator Sandra Palmer Fish of West Gardiner is presenting the monthly Arttalk at the Harlow Gallery, located at 160 Water Street in Hallowell. Sandra will share her latest book Peace by Piece and lead a discussion about the theme of the book as well as the process of creating it. Some of the artists who illustrated the joy-filled book about peace will also be present to discuss techniques used to create the illustrations - mosaic collages created from tiny pieces of recycled magazine pages. Harlow Gallery's ArtTalk series is sponsored by The Bank of Maine, a local Maine business and long-time supporter of the Harlow. Bank locally! Your $3 suggested donation supports arts programming at the Harlow Gallery.


Sandra Palmer Fish is a certified teacher with a BS in Elementary Education. Peace by Piece is the second book she has published. Sandy travels to schools, libraries, churches, and other interested groups to share her books and oftentimes leads art workshops for the participants to create their own artwork. The book is part of an ongoing peace project started in 2007 to generate discussions about peace through art. Proceeds from sale of the book benefits organizations which educate children, the future leaders of our world communities.  Sandra has taught as a classroom teacher and then later as a volunteer with youth sports, church groups, school newspapers, youth drama groups, Destination ImagiNation, and other groups who have asked for her time and energy. During her free time, Sandy enjoys creating children’s literature and various artisan crafts such as making braided and hooked rugs, knitting, quilting, as well as new hobbies shared by friends. Her favorite pastime, however, is spending time with her family. She has traveled all around the country with them, and they all agree….there’s no place like home!

For more information contact:  Nancy Barron at the Harlow Gallery: 207-622-3813, kvaa@harlowgallery.org, www.harlowgallery.org

Bella Thorne (Disney's Shake It Up!) Announced as the New Celebrity Spokesperson for WallFlower Jeans

New York -  WallFlower Jeans, an All-American Juniors denim brand has announced Bella Thorne of Disney's Shake It Up! as its celebrity spokesperson through 2014. Bella is the perfect choice as she reflects the brand's core attitude—young, fashion forward, independent and confident. From the street to the red carpet, Bella is the epitome of a fashion risk taker, always experimenting with new looks, making her the perfect choice for WallFlower Jeans. Fans will be excited to know that Bella will be making an in store appearance this fall (national contest will be launching soon).

"Bella personifies the All-American WallFlower lifestyle and we are thrilled to be partnering up with her. Her hard work and dedication have made her a role model that we are proud to have as a part of our WallFlower family." –Nathan Mamiye

Bella's notable fashion red carpet moments have been featured in InStyle Magazine, People Style Watch, US Weekly and UK's Daily Mail online to name a few. She has won best dressed in today's biggest magazines including People, US Weekly, Life & Style, Star and OK!

"I love WallFlower jeans for back to school because no matter what wash, what style, what fit you're looking for, you'll find a pair of jeans that will go with your outfit of the day. I really like working with WallFlower because they make key pieces for the everyday girl. "–Bella Thorne

Key back to school/fall pieces/trends for WallFlower include: Legendary Bootcut, Luscious Curvy Bootcut, Sassy Skinny, Essential Tees, Enzyme Washed Shirting and Chambray Tops.
Price Point: $10–54

For more information visit www.wallflowerjeans.com.

About WallFlower Jeans
WallFlower Jeans, a division of Mamiye Brothers, is a lifestyle brand that provides stylish looks from head-to-toe at an exceptional value, complete with jeans, tops, dresses, outerwear, handbags and intimate apparel. The line offers Classic, Curvy and Plus-Size options in the latest washes and styles. WallFlower Jeans is available at most major department and specialty stores as well as online at www.wallflowerjeans.com. Previous WallFlower girls include: Sarah Hyland (ABC's Modern Family), Jenna Ushkowitz (FOX's Glee), and Savannah Outen (musical artist).

About Mamiye Brothers
Mamiye Brothers is America's premier designer, manufacturer and marketer of Children's, Junior, and Missy fashion apparel brands.  Established in 1947, Mamiye is known for its outstanding reputation for product quality and consistency, corporate integrity, fashion sense and keen management.  Mamiye Brothers manages a comprehensive portfolio of the most renowned and sought after evergreen global brands.  A complete list of brands and company overview can be found at www.mamiye.com.

About Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne, star of the hit Disney Channel original series Shake It Up!, has skyrocketed to fame with her tween/teen fans playing aspiring dancer Cece Jones. Shake It Up! originally premiered with 6.2 million viewers. Bella recently returned from South Africa where she was filming the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore comedy The Familymoon in which Bella stars as Sandler's daughter. In addition she is set to go into production for Silver Pictures' Home Invasion and Disney's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Bella has signed a deal with Hollywood Records and has a three-book deal with Random House titled Autumn Falls. The first book is scheduled to be released in summer 2014.

RCN America Network wishes to congratulate Bella Thorne on this latest achievement.

Bella Thorne: 20th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala "Love To Erase MS"

Century City, California - Fifteen year old Bella Thorne looked beautiful in a black/green dress and black high heels as she and Tristan Klier attended a great event in Century City, California called 20th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala "Love To Erase MS" on May 3rd, 2013 at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

About Bella Thorne:
Annabella Avery "Bella" Thorne born October 8, 1997 is an American teen actress, dancer, singer, and model. She is a child model and actor with appearances in more than 20 films and television series and more than 60 commercials, she is best known for her role as the aspiring young dancer CeCe Jones on the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up.

So far in 2013 this beautiful actress has landed a record deal with Hollywood Record, Random House Children’s Books book deal and most recently landed in a role in "Blended" to be released in 2014.

About Race To Erase MS:

The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of MS. Funding research is the core focus of the Foundation and all funds raised support our Center Without Walls program, a selected network of the nation’s top MS research centers. This nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists are on the cutting-edge of innovative research programs, working as a team on therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS. In addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, we hope to increase awareness by educating the public about this mystifying disease.

Since 1999, the Race to Erase MS has raised $23,519,888 in contributions. We have funded MS research grants and programs totaling $18,510,805. Our core focus is to assist in the treatment and ultimate cure of MS. 72% of all foundation spending since 1999 has been on program activities, funding cutting edge research through our Center Without Walls, which is greater than the 65% recommended by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

We are proud of the tremendous strides that have been made in our Race to Erase MS and the advances that have been made towards finding a cure.

The landscape of MS…There are now 8 drugs with FDA approval to help stop theprogression of MS and 3 more coming out in the very near future. The future is bright for the person being diagnosed today with multiple sclerosis.

For more information, please click here.

Gabrielle Douglas Visited NBC News "Today Show" & BET's "106 & Park" April 29th

New York City, New York - Seventeen year old Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas looked beautiful as she spent
Monday April 29th, 2013 visiting NBC "Today Show" in a blue suit coat, pants with a white top and BET's "106 & Park". At BET's "106 & Park" she wore a green dress with black high heels to talk about her new book "Raising The Bar".

Gabrielle Christina Victoria "Gabby" Douglas is an American artistic gymnast. As a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual and team all-around competitions

Masiela Lusha Attends Opening Night Of "Catch Me If You Can"

Hollywood, California - Actress Masiela Lusha 27 looked beautiful as she attended the opening night of "Catch Me If You Can" held at The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12th, 2013.

Masiela Lusha born in 1985 is an Albanian-American author, actress, producer and humanitarian who first gained recognition after starring in film and TV projects such as ABC's George Lopez and Sony Picture's Blood: The Last Vampire.

 Photos BY: David Livingston/Getty Images

Masiela lusha Attends "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" Los Angeles Premiere

Hollywood, California - Albanian-American Author Masiela Lusha looked simply beautiful as she attended the "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" Los Angeles Premiere held at Pantages Theatre on March 8, 2013 in Hollywood, California.

Masiela Lusha born on October 23, 1985 is an Albanian-American author, actress, producer and humanitarian who first gained recognition after starring in film and TV projects such as ABC's George Lopez and Sony Picture's Blood: The Last Vampire.

 Photos BY: Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic

Dahlov Ipcar Book Signing and StoryWalk® A Success

NOTED AUTHOR CELEBRATED AT RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS
Dahlov Ipcar Book Signing and StoryWalk® A Success

Brunswick, ME—Hundreds of community members joined Mid Coast Hospital at two recent events that featured local artist and children’s author, Dahlov Ipcar.

Earlier this month, the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary hosted the beloved author at the hospital’s fifth annual book signing featuring her latest republished book, Stripes and Spots, and her new board book, Maine Alphabet. Originally scheduled to run for two hours, the event ran well past the closing time.

The proceeds benefited the Auxiliary’s $150,000 pledge for the Walk-in Clinic in downtown Brunswick as well as health career scholarships offered to Midcoast area students. Following the book signing, Ipcar was joined by members of the Auxiliary and friends for an intimate celebration of her 95th birthday, which was November 12.

The following week, Ipcar joined Carol McFadden, Children’s Librarian, and members of the hospital’s Community Education and Outreach Team at the Patten Free Library in Bath to unveil the Wild Animal AlphabetStoryWalk, based on her board book of the same name. During the event participants listened as Ipcar read her colorful story and then were invited to try out the new StoryWalk.

Participants joined Jessica Loney, Mid Coast Hospital’s 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Program Coordinator to follow a series of storyboard pages that were set up throughout the library, prompting activities such as “jumping like an antelope” and “slithering like a snake.“

The StoryWalk is aportable resource, developed by Mid Coast Hospital as a tool for use by local schools and community partners to promote 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!, a statewide program that encourages children to make healthy choices. These include: eating five or more fruits and vegetables per day, limiting screen time to two hours per day, engaging in one hour or more of physical activity per day, and limiting sugarsweetened beverages to zero by choosing water or low fat milk instead.

Ipcar is a treasured friend of the hospital and an invaluable contributor to the Midcoast community. Large format murals by the artist are available for viewing at both the hospital and at the Patten Free Library. Additionally, Island Port Press has republished seven of her original books and published three new board books for enjoyment by generations to come. Wild Animal Alphabet and other books are available for purchase at www.islandportpress.com<http://www.islandportpress.com>, the hospital Gift Shop, and local bookstores.

The Best Maine Artist

There is still time to get involved in The Best Maine Artist promotion.  If you are an author, a poet, an artist, or a photographer we would like to help to promote you and your work!  So, send us your best.

Greg Mort, artist, astronomer and author will present "Voyages," at the Vose Library

Greg Mort, artist, astronomer and author will present "Voyages," at the Vose Library in Union, Maine featuring images and stories about the artistic inspirations of the natural beauty of Maine's haunting landscapes and pristine star filled night sky. Mort will sign his book Voyages, with proceeds going to go to Vose Library and Georges River Land Trust. http://www.voselibrary.org/events/ Greg Mort paints entirely from life hiking the rocky coast and out islands of the Penopscot Bay area. He is widely recognized and an important American contemporary artist with original works included in major private, gallery and museum collections around the world such as the Smithsonian, Corcoran, Delaware, Farnsworth and the Academy Art Museum. www.gregmort.co m. A life long passionate science enthusiast and astronomer he currently serves on the Executive Board of the Lowell Observatory and has been a NASA artist for almost 30 years. Mort's art is featured in many books including VOYAGES Exploring the Art of Greg Mort, NASA/ART 50 Years of Exploration, and Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot. www.gregmorteditons.com. Mort and his wife Nadine were early founders of The George's RIver Land Trust. They started The Art of Stewardship Project which supports partnerships between artists and environmental organizations. www.gregmortediitons.com.

Maine Guide, Author, Filmmaker, Bush Pilot, and Sportsman Paul Fournier Presents Book Signing and Talk

Augusta, Maine - The Friends of the Maine State Museum concludes its annual series of talks and programs, “Highlights at the Maine State Museum,” with a book signing and talk by Paul Fournier on Wednesday, June 27.  Fournier’s presentation at the Maine State Museum in Augusta is free of charge and begins at 6:30 p.m.

Fournier’s talk will center on stories from his recent book, Tales from Misery Ridge: One Man’s Adventures in the Great Outdoors, which was named the best book of 2011 by the New England Outdoor Writers Association.   Copies of the book will be available from the Museum Store.

A native of Jay, Maine, Paul Fournier became a registered Maine Guide and licensed private pilot at the age of eighteen.  He owned Brassua Lake Camps for eight years and guided sportsmen and canoe camping parties in the Moosehead Lake and Allagash areas.  He obtained a commercial pilot’s license and in 1957 began flying seaplanes part-time to remote areas of northern Maine.

During the 1950s, Fournier began writing for a number of magazines, such as Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, Natural History, Yankee, and Down East.  His writing led to work with the Lewiston Evening Journal, Lewiston Daily Sun, and Bath Daily Times.  For several years, he wrote a weekly column, “The Great Outdoors,” for the Christian Science Monitor.    

After selling his camp business in 1963, Fournier was hired by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to help establish the first-in-the-nation Marine Fisheries Extension Service.  There, he produced educational films about marine studies.  He later owned his own film production company and produced stories for a variety of clients, state agencies, and national networks.  One story about Maine eagles, threatened by a proposed refinery in Eastport, appeared on the premier of the CBS Sunday Morning show with Charles Kuralt.  In 1980, Fournier became media coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, where he produced a weekly series of television programs, “Maine Fish and Wildlife,” for the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Fournier retired from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 1995.  He continues freelance writing, mainly for aviation magazines.  In 2004, he donated many of the photographs, films, manuscripts, and artifacts from his career to the Maine State Museum.  A small exhibit of these items will be on view at the museum through the end of August 2012.

Fournier’s talk at the museum is the final in the Friends of the Maine State Museum’s 2012 winter/spring series of special programs and lectures.  The series is sponsored by the Friends and The Bank of Maine.

The Maine State Museum is located in Augusta, Maine in the State House Complex off State Street.  For more information call (207) 287-2301 or visit the museum’s website at www.mainestatemuseum.org.

Best Maine Artist

Rockland, Me- In an effort to help promote Maine Art and Maine Artists, Rocky Coast News and Shoot Maine Studios Publications are sponsoring "Best Maine Artist".  If you are an Artist, Photographer, Poet or Artist we want to see your beat work.   If chosen your work with your background story will be featured on Rocky Coast News .Com along with a link to your web site. The best that we receive will be published in
The Best Maine Artist 2012 publication.
Send your best work to: goodnews@rockycoastnews.com

For details go to:http://bestmaineartist.blogspot.com/

Islands In Time March 28th

An Adventures in Living Well event

Presented by Philip Conkling, author and president of Island Institute

Camden, ME - Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill. The new edition of Conkling’s Islands in Time, capturing the rugged beauty and evolving culture of the islands of the Gulf of Maine from prehistory to the present, has readers everywhere ooohing and ahhhing. Explore our state’s unique and precious off-shore world in a presentation illuminated with photos from the book (copies available for purchase and signing).

Free. Reservations required. Call 230-6114 or email.


This event is on Wednesday, March 28th from 10:30pm to 12pm.

TODAY: Kevin C. Mills Release Party

TODAY: Kevin C. Mills Release Party

Rockland, ME - Kevin C. Mills will be at Maine Authors Publishing offices on Main street starting at 4-7pm this evening. Please come to get your copy of his new book "Breakwater" and signed.

Kevin C. Mills is an award winning Author/Journalist with three books currently, "Sidelined", "Sons & Daughters Of The Ocean" and new book "Breakwater".

Rocky Coast News will have an article with photographs of Kevin's book signing and release party by tomorrow at 2pm on our site.

Rocky Coast News

David Mills, Reporter

Rockland, ME 04841

rockycoastnews@live.com

(203)585-7815

Rocky Coast News is a division of Rocky Coast Media