Heartwood Opens January Drama “Ghost-Writer” This Weekend

Damariscotta, Maine - FREE TICKETS!   A limited number – for first-time Heartwood audience, only.  Must reserve in advance (see info, below).   Offer not valid at the door.  And now for the rest of the story.

Lovely.  From the first sighting of the warm, period set, to the final words of the last scene, the audience is drawn directly into this absorbing, meditative, at times humorous one act play by Michael Hollinger.  Directed by Griff Braley, Heartwood’s “Ghost-Writer” features a trio of highly capable actors, whose synergy is even greater than the sum of their parts.
 
Two well loved Midcoast actresses, Millie Santiago of West Boothbay and Dixie Weisman of Newcastle, are joined by newcomer to Heartwood, Dwight Burtis of Thomaston.  As one can see and hear by watching the “Ghost-Writer” video trailer at www.heartwoodtheater.org, this small, dedicated cast has thoroughly enjoyed the rigorous, in depth analysis of text and character, during the weeks of rehearsal.

From the title, one knows this is a play about words; as the text unfolds, one enjoys the play with words.  “If you simply reside within the words and let them be, they will take you somewhere.  I find that absolutely magical,” muses Santiago.  Weisman notes, “It’s rhythmic.  Like reading pieces of music, woven together in

"Watch" Out: Flood Watches Posted for Western and Southern Maine This Weekend‏

"Watch" Out: Flood Watches Posted for Western and Southern Maine This Weekend‏

The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine has [issued a Flood Watch](http://www.maine.gov/mema/weather/watch_warn.htm) for southern and western section of Maine for Saturday evening through late Sunday night. 

As Mainers and visitors prepare to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend, the Maine Emergency Management Agency reminds everyone to stay aware of current conditions. Whether you are camping, hiking or just driving Maine's scenic roads, if flooding occurs, take care and stay safe.

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding. The concern for this weekend is based on the heavy rainfall that is expected across the area. Up-to-date weather forecasts are available on the [MEMA](http://www.maine.gov/mema/weather/watch_warn.htm) and [National Weather Service Gray](http://www.weather.gov/gyx) websites. 

##Respect the power of water

A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.

If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited.

Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

##Here are some safety tips:

* Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information. * If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, valleys, washes etc. * Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. * Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. * Respect all barricades in flooded areas * Report flooded roads to local authorities * Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. * Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

[NWS Gray](http://www.weather.gov/gyx) has also posted a [Coastal Flood Watch](http://www.maine.gov/mema/weather/watch_warn.htm) for areas of the southern coast for Saturday evening through late Sunday night. Those along the coast should monitor those conditions as well.

For more information on flood safety and preparedness, visit [Maine Prepares](http://www.maineprepares.com). You can sign up to receive weather alerts by e-mail or text message through [MEMA and Maine.gov's subscription service](http://www.maine.gov/mema/mema_subscribe.shtml).

Maine Fiber Frolic Kicks off Fair Season June 2nd

Maine Fiber Frolic Kicks off Fair Season June 2nd


Augusta, Maine - The Maine Fiber Frolic, the state’s newest agricultural fair, starts Maine’s entire agricultural fair season on Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3, at the Windsor Fairgrounds in Windsor. This unique exhibition focusing on fiber arts and crafts will weave together more than 80 vendors selling all sorts of fiber-art supplies and a variety of finished goods.

"The Maine Fiber Frolic is a family-oriented event where our visitors can see wonderful fiber-producing animals, such as alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, and rabbits; learn to make beautiful finished products; or watch something as unusual in Maine as an alpaca shearing,” Nancy Williams, fair president, said. “The frolic will showcase some of the best fiber artists and craftspeople in Maine.”

Frolic vendors will bring their fiber-producing animals to highlight the process of growing and making the fiber they use in their products, Williams pointed out. Craftspeople who grow their own herbs and make sachets, soaps and hand lotions also will be on exhibit, she said.

“Many vendors are fiber farmers, and several specialize in the process of dyeing to create a rainbow of colors for their goods,” Williams said.

There now are about 2,200 fiber farms in Maine, and since the 1990's, Maine farms producing high-quality fibers have proliferated. These growers are supported by a larger network of businesses and consumers -- processing mills, professional and home craft-makers, fiber artists, supply shops, training and learning centers -- all of whom add value to raw materials and provide services and supplies that combine to create a huge variety of product offerings to the public.

 The Maine Fiber Frolic will not be without the usual fair competitions, but everything focuses on fiber arts and crafts. The “Sheep to Shawl” competition, for example, will require two teams to take a washed fleece, card it, spin it and finally weave a shawl of a specified size.

Visitors also will be able to see a fleece show, a “Make It with Fiber” contest, and various art contests. In addition, the frolic will include fiber workshops and sheep dog demonstrations.

Free entertainment will be provided by Dan Grady's “Marvelous Marionettes,” and The Potluck String Band will round out the event’s busy weekend schedule.

For more information, go to:
o       Maine Fiber Frolic - http://www.fiberfrolic.com
o       Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs — http://www.mainefairs.org/
o       Get Real. Get Maine! — http://www.getrealmaine.com/
o       Maine Department of Agriculture — http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/

Reconstruction Of Route 201 In Farmingdale Enters Final Stages - Grading and Paving Scheduled For This Weekend

Reconstruction Of Route 201 In Farmingdale Enters Final Stages - Grading and Paving Scheduled For This Weekend

Farmingdale, Maine - The reconstruction of Route 201 in the town of Farmingdale is in the final stages of construction, according to the general contractor completing the project. John Sturgeon, Senior Project Manager for Sargent Corporation stated, "We are continuing our efforts to accelerate the project for final completion by June 30th with the least possible daytime disruption to the local businesses and the traveling public". In concert with this effort, Sargent has scheduled the final grading of the roadway from Northern Avenue north, a section of approximately 800 feet in length, in preparation for paving from 6 p.m. Saturday evening, May 19 to 6 a.m. Sunday morning, May 20, 2012. The paving of the base and binder courses will take place on Sunday night, May 20 and Monday night May 21, 2012 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting.

Due to the importance of a quality finish pavement, the main line surface paving will take place during the daytime starting on or about the first week in June and continuing with side street and drive paving until the end of June. Sturgeon said, "The Sargent Corporation and the Maine Department of Transportation want thank everyone for their continued patience, cooperation and understanding in the final stages of construction in this project".

Sargent Corporation is completing the reconstruction of Route 201 for MaineDOT. For information on this and other construction projects, visit MaineDOT.gov.