Maine Mid Coast Tours

Maine Restaurant Association Selects Life Time Achievement recipient

Peter Boisvert — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:46:02 +0000

The Maine Restaurant Association has selected its Life Time Achievement recipient for 2012. The association will present the award at its April 3rd awards dinner at the Holiday Inn By The Sea located in Portland Maine. The winner of the award is Curt Parent.

Curt Parent is the owner of Cook’s Lobster House. On April 3rd, 2012 Curt will be recognized by the Maine Restaurant Association at its annual awards dinner, for his life time achievements. The MRA will film a short documentary about the acheivements of Curt to be shown at the dinner and present the award to Curt. Curt is no stranger to receiving awards. In 2010 Curt was presented the Southern Maine Mid Coast Chamber Big Business of the Year Award. Presented to Curt by Governor Baldacci at the Chamber annual awards dinner.

Curt and his family have owned Cook’s Lobster House Restaurant and Lobster Shipping Company since 1955. Cook’s Lobster House is an icon to the Mid Coast Maine area. Cooks draws thousands of visitors and Mainers to the region by its name recognition. In 1997 Cook’s Lobster House was one of only 7 businesses in the nation selected to be featured in the world wide visa commercial. Home Of The International Visa Commercial . Cook’s promotion of the beauty and natural resources that Harpswell has to offer has helped to make Harpswell a destination vacation spot. Tour boats, charters, walking trails, beaches and the local businesses are all promoted on Cook’s Lobster House’s social media sites. Cook’s also puts on and pays for the 4^th of July fireworks that are displayed on its point of land.

Cook’s Lobster has been voted the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Mid Coast Maine since 1995 along with being “1996 Editor’s Pick” for Yankee Magazine.

Cook’s was awarded the Big Business of the Year award by the Southern Mid Coast Maine Chamber Of Commerce in 2010

Curt understands the importance of giving back to the community. He has his management participate actively in the local business organizations. Cook’s managers are on the board of directors of the Harpswell Business Association and the marketing committee of the Southern Mid Coast Chamber. Cook’s is a member of the Maine Restaurant Association, The Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Maine Tourism Association, The Southern Mid Coast Chamber, The Harpswell Business Association and a host of other great organization in Maine. Curt also has the restaurant support local charities and organizations like the local fire department and even has hosted its own Christmas party’s to raise money for the Harpswell Home Heating Assistance Program. http://cookslobsterhouse.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/2009-donator-list/

Curt has coached The Mid coast Youth Hockey Team for 9 years and was the Vice President of the organization for 4 of those years. In addition Cook’s has sponsored the Mid Coast Youth Hockey Team for 30 years. Curt also during the same time period coached the Brunswick Middle school Hockey Team From 2006 to 2009. The Brunswick Team won the Southern Middle School championship in 2007 while Curt was coach. Curt also coached the Brunswick Carl Ripken Baseball team for 6 years and was a director for four of those years.

Cook’s employs near 100 people over the course of the year, providing a stable income for the areas local population. Curt personally directs the shipping of over 2 million pounds of lobster to Canada. This Maine lobsters gets processed and shipped throughout the world. Cook’s provide safe docking and storage for Maine lobstermen. Cook’s shipping part of the business helps lobstermen throughout the region keep a steady market for their catch of Maine lobster.

Cook’s Lobster House is concerned with keeping Maine and the environment pristine and economically viable. During the summer months Cook’s has a sea life educational tank that helps educate, by hands on fun, the importance of the marine environment and sea life to Maine.

Curt’s dedication to Maine and sustaining the Maine lobster industry. Curt’s giving to the community personally and by his employees. Curt’s dedication to the local kids and community. Curt’s continuous success in the restaurant and lobster industry, are the reasons Curt Parent is receiving the life time achievement award.

Congratulations Curt for the recognition of your life time achievements in giving to the community and success in your business.

Brunswick Downtown Association News Letter

Peter Boisvert — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:06:38 +0000

BDA Silent Auction – December 1st
Held from 5-7 pm in the Reading Room at the Curtis Memorial Library, this fundraiser supports the BDA’s efforts to assist with improvement projects, public programs, and special events in Downtown Brunswick.

Come enjoy music and complimentary refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on treasures from local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. Featured Auction items will include works of art, tickets to professional sporting events, vacation rentals, boat cruises, a ride in a Cessna 183, a three-hour kayak tour and picnic, gift items and certificates from local businesses, and much more.

For more information on the Silent Auction, visit www.brunswickdowntown.org/silent-auction.

Coats and Toys for Kids Season Kick Off – December 3rd

For the second consecutive year, Maine Eastern Railroad will team up with the News Center teams at WCSH-6 in Portland and WLBZ-2 in Bangor with a special train event for the season kick-off of the Coats & Toys for Kids campaign.

Please bring a new or gently-used children’s coat or a new, unwrapped toy to donate. These coats help many families keep their children warm through the long Maine winter, and the toys will help make a happy Christmas for many children throughout the state.

News Center’s “Storm Center” celebrity, Togus the Cat, will be at Brunswick Station, 16 Station Avenue, from 8 to 8:45 am, along with his owner, News

Brunswick Maine Train Station

Center reporter, Don Carrigan. Then they will ride the train to Rockland Station with a stop at Bath Station. Collection boxes for donated coats and toys will be available at each location.

Togus has become famous for his appearances on the Maine’s NBC affiliate stations during stormy winter mornings. Fans of the friendly feline are invited to spend time with Togus at the train station and enjoy refreshments. Copies of the “Togus Takes the Train” coloring books will be available. Donations accepted for local animal shelters. Photos of Togus are very much encouraged, but don’t be disappointed if the friendly feline decides to spend much of his time inside his travel cage. He’ll still be very visible and sociable, but you know how celebrities can be.

The visit with Togus does not include a train ride, and the train will not accept passengers that morning.

In addition to Maine Eastern Railroad, several organizations collaborate annually on the Coats and Toys for Kids Day program, including MEMA, Shaw’s and Hannaford supermarkets, Pratt-Abbott Cleaners, Pepsi and The Salvation Army. FMI, click here or call 596.6725.

Cook’s Lobster House Christmas Party

Peter Boisvert — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:22:41 +0000

Cook’s Lobster House is pleased to announce the 3^rd Annual Holiday Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction to be held at the restaurant on Saturday, December 17^th from 4-9pm. Proceeds benefit the Harpswell Home Heating Assistance program and the Harpswell Santa Fund. We invite you to partner with us to directly benefit Harpswell families in need. To view a list of this years donations to the Silent Auction see Below

Christmas Party Events

3:50pm Santa Arrives

3:50 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

4:00 to 8pm Door prize sign up (20 live lobsters)

4:00 to 4:20 Caroling by “4 in Accord” an accapella quartet singing in barbershop style. Four friends that decided to share their love of harmony with others, because the music is always better when there is an audience!

4:25 to 4:50 Brunswick H.S. Caroling

5:00 to 7pm Silent Auction

5:00 to 6pm Church Choir Caroling

6:15 to 6:45 Mt Ararat Caroling

7:00pm Silent Auction End of bidding

7:30 Silent Auction Winners Announced

8:00 Door Prize Winner Announced

7:30 to 8:30 Free Gift Wrapping

Dinner will be served from 4pm to 9Pm

We are currently soliciting donations for our Silent Auction to be held that evening from 5-7pm. Donations often include business discounts and gift baskets, artwork created by local artists, and the hand-made crafts of our community members. We also ask that on the night of the 17^th, you bring in an unwrapped, in-box toy that will help the Harpswell Santa Fund bring holiday cheer to the children of Harpswell. Thanks to your generous donations in years past, we have raised over $3,000 to contribute to the HHHA. This year the need is greater than ever and with your continued support, we hope to make this the most successful benefit yet.

Cook’s will provide appetizers for the Auction, offer a 10% discount on all food purchased that evening if you bring in a toy for the Harpswell Santa Fund, and we will donate 10% of all food sold that evening to the HHHA. 100% of the proceeds of the Silent Auction will benefit the HHHA.

Thank you for all that you do to make this a community of caring and love

. We look forward to working with the people of Harpswell to help families in need.

A list of this years events and donor are posted below. Right now we can say that there will be caroling by three or four different groups, door prizes, a visit by Santa, Free gift wrapping, a silent auction, great food and company. We hope to see you at this wonderful event to help those in need this year.

Here is a list of donors and their donations for 2011 to be updated daily

Donor Donation

Harpswell Local T.V. Public Notice

Times Record Public Notice

Coastal Journal Public Notice

The Quartet: “4 in Accord” an accapella quartet singing in barbershop style. Four friends that decided to share their love of harmony with others, because the music is always better when there is an audience! Caroling 4:00 to 4:20pm

Brunswick High School Choir Caroling Starting at 4:25 to 4:50pm

Church Choir Caroling from 5:00 to 6:00pm

Mt Ararat High School Choir??? Caroling ????

Gun Point Gallery Art work ???

Maine Made Photos Beautiful Maine Picture

Brett Johnston Sea bag full of goodies

Sue Boisvert Hand Made Scarfs

Jean Richter Sewing????

Social Media Connected Website set up

Cook’s Lobster House 20 live lobsters Door Prize and 10% of food sales

Ash Cove Pottery Wonderful Local Made Pottery

Dolphin Marina and Restaurant ???

Bailey Island General Store ???

C. Periwinkle & Co. Beautiful Earrings

The Vegetable Corner $25 Gift Certificate

The Village Shop Handmade Basket and 3 Gift Box Set

Thistles & Things Tea Pot or jewelry

Tracy Johnson Fine Jewelry Blueberry Earrings

Willow Heart Healing Arts Center $100 Gift Certificate

Common Table Inn B & B Event Center $10 Gift Certificate

Hawks Lobster $40 Gift Certificate

Tevake Sailing Charters $270 Gift Certificate (6person 2hr. charter)

Harpswell Inn One Night Stay at Inn

Sea Escape Cottages 3 Jars Home Made Jam

Seams By The Sea 2 Embroidered Sweatshirts

Lobstart Studios/TOMe, LLC A Great Calendar

Great Maine Vacations $50.

Lynette Breton Design Hand Carved Wooden Spatula

Log Cabin Inn A one night stay at Inn

Island Candy Company Basket of candy and treats

Harpswell Flower Shop $25.00 Gift Certificate

Desserts By Jan Yule Log Cake and Carrot Cake

Thomas Point Beach VIP Pass for a Family of Four for the 2012 Season

Thank You to our many donors and participants in this years Christmas party.

2009 Christmas Party

Thank You 2009 Businesses and Individuals That Donated To The Auction

2008 Christmas Party

If you have any questions, would like to make a donation or need any more information, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Mary Coombs Koss: mhkoss@gmail.com / 757-667-8363

Peter Boisvert: pboisvert@comcast.net / 207-833-2818

Matthew Hillery: mdhillery@gmail.com / 207-522-4286

Santa Visits The Christmas Party

Southern Mid Coast Chamber New Letter

Peter Boisvert — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:01:40 +0000

Visit Us On The Web At www.MidCoastMaine.com

SAVE THE DATE – 2012 Annual Meeting & Dinner!

To find out more about this event, or to register, click here.

Come out and enjoy a fun-filled evening to start the New Year! The festivities begin with networking and cocktails in Daggett Lounge with over 20 member booths on display. Next, the networking continues as a sit-down dinner is served by Bowdoin College’s award winning staff. A short business meeting will follow dessert — you’ll find out how the Chamber is going to help your business succeed in 2012! — and then our entertainment for the evening.

Gary Crocker, Maine Humorist, will close out our meeting with his unique style of Maine humor. So come out and enjoy this light, fun-filled evening by networking with members of the best business community in Maine — the Mid Coast!

Sponsorships & display booths for B2B networking are available. For more information, contact Carolyn Farkas-Noe by email.

Usual price is $175 dollars! This member-only offer has been discounted for the holidays! Inserts must be at the Chamber Office no later than December 2nd. One thousand newsletters will be distributed during the week of December 5th. For more information, contact Sally Jo by phone at 725-8797 ext 2 or email by clicking here.

Upcoming Member & Regional Events

from the Chamber’s Community Calendar

to see more events or add your own, click here

November 18, 2011

Grand Opening of the Newest Cirrus Training Center5:00 PM to 8:00 PM * Brunswick Executive Airport, 2 Pegasus St. , Brunswick, Maine Join Cirrus, FlightLevel Aviation and Maine Coastal Flight in celebrating the Grand Opening of the newest Cirrus Training Center at the Brunswick Executive Airport. Maine Coastal Flight has been… MORE >

Assoc. for Consulting Expertise Monthly Meeting7:30 AM to 9:30 PM * Portland Country Club, Rte. 88 , Falmouth, Maine Hear all about it: Maine is about to become a top national center for entrepreneurship. Presented by Don Gooding, Executive Director for Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development. FMI:… MORE >

7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale9:00 AM to 5:00 PM * 344 Old Stage Road, Arrowsic ME 04530 , Arrowsic We’re having our 7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale at Arrowsic Island Pottery this coming weekend, Nov 18, 19 & 20 … 9-5 each day. Great pottery bargains (20-50%off), lots of goodies to eat… MORE >

“Aloft! Topsails to Turbines”9:30 AM to 5:00 PM * Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St. , Bath, Maine Through Nov 27. “Aloft! Topsails to Turbines” exhibit chronicles how for centuries Maine’s residents used that most ancient form of energy – wind power – to propel commerce, and how the… MORE >

Friday Night Jazz7:30 PM to 10:30 AM * Solo Bistro, 128 Front St. , Bath, Maine FMI visit www.solobistro.com MORE >

Casco Bay Art League Holiday Art Show & SaleAll Day * Thornton Oaks , Brunswick, Maine Nov 9th Thornton Oaks Art Committee welcomes you to the Casco Bay Art League Holiday Art Show & Sale featuring: Carolyn Bachman, Frances Caswell, Ann Cutter, Hannah Dring… MORE >

November 19, 2011

Downtown Brunswick Early Bird Sale6:00 AM * Downtown Brunswick , Brunswick Mark your calendars for the Brunswick Downtown Early Bird Sale, November 19th. It will definitely be an event you don’t want to miss. There will be a slew of activities – fun for the whole… MORE >

7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale9:00 AM to 5:00 PM * Arrowsic Island Pottery 344 Old Stage Road , Arrowsic 04530 We’re having our 7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale at Arrowsic Island Pottery this coming weekend, Nov 18, 19 & 20 … 9-5 each day. Great pottery bargains (20-50%off), lots of goodies to eat… MORE >

Little Elf Shop – West Bath School5:00 PM to 8:00 PM * West Bath School, 126 New Meadows Rd , West Bath The Little Elf Shop West Bath School, 126 New Meadows Road Friday, November 18 from 5-8 PM A magical place for children to purchase holiday treasures for their family and friends. All are welcome… MORE >

Frozen Turkey HuntTBA * Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 132 Botanical Garden Dr. , Boothbay FMI:www.mainegardens.org MORE >

Masters Of The Arts Country Legends Series7:00 PM to 10:00 PM * Orion Performing Arts Center, 50 Republic Ave. , Topsham, Maine Iconic Nashville is coming to Maine folks! Deb Grisham Entertainment presents a night of Great Traditional Country Music. A portion of the proceeds go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bath-Brunswick…. MORE >

November 20, 2011

7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM * Arrowsic Island Pottery 344 Old Stage Road , Arrowsic 04530 We’re having our 7th Annual Open House Holiday Sale at Arrowsic Island Pottery this coming weekend, Nov 18, 19 & 20 … 9-5 each day. Great pottery bargains (20-50%off), lots of goodies to eat… MORE >

November 21, 2011

Public Forum: Draft Waterfront Access Study6:00 PM * Town Hall Meeting Room, 100 Main St. , Topsham, Maine Over the past several months, Town staff, consultants and residents have met on multiple occasions to consider the potential for developing access to the Androscoggin River in the Green Street area… MORE >

November 22, 2011

November 23, 2011

November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Day Specials11:30 AM to 6:00 PM * Cook’s Lobster House , Bailey Island The Thanksgiving Day menu at Cook’s Lobster House on Bailey Island Maine is served between the hours of 11:30am and 6:00pm. There will be two special Thanksgiving specials and the entire regular… MORE >

Thanksgiving Dinner At Cook’s Lobster HouseAll Day * 68 Garrison Cove Rd. , Bailey Island, Maine The Thanksgiving Day menu at Cook’s Lobster House on Bailey Island Maine is served between the hours of 11:30am and 6:00pm. There will be two special Thanksgiving specials and the entire regular… MORE >

November 25, 2011

Brunswick Holiday Tree Lighting5:00 PM to 7:00 PM * Maine St. Town Green,Downtown Brunswick , Brunswick, ME Ring in the season with neighbors and friends at the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, November 25th from 5 – 7 pm on The Mall (town green) on Maine Street in Brunswick. Enjoy horse and… MORE >

Friday Night Jazz7:30 PM to 10:30 AM * Solo Bistro, 128 Front St. , Bath, Maine FMI visit www.solobistro.com MORE >

November 26, 2011

Shoppers Train6:00 PM to 8:00 PM * Brunswick to Rockland ANNUAL SHOPPING TRAIN On Saturday following Thanksgiving, November 26, the railroad will run its popular annual shopping train to Rockland. The trip is designed for adults and families who are… MORE >

Old Fashioned ChristmasTBA * Downtown Bath Festive window displays, decorating contest, trolley caroling, parade. FMI: www.visitbath.com or 207-442-7291 MORE >

November 27, 2011

November 28, 2011

Maine Coastal Islands NWR presentation and discussion7:00 PM to 8:00 PM * Curtis Memorial Library , Brunswick Join us for a lively presentation and discussion presented by Refuge Manager, Beth Goettel. She will give an overview of the Refuge, touching on the history of establishment, types of habitat and… MORE >

November 29, 2011

Ribbon Cutting at Daniel Buck Appraisals11:00 AM to 12:00 PM * 212 Center St. , Auburn, Maine Attend the Ribbon Cutting and congratulate the company on thier new location. If you would like to Sell, Purchase or have an Appraisal on your Antiques, Paintings and Personal Property, Daniel Buck… MORE >

Big Game6:30 PM to 9:00 PM * Topsham Public Library , Topsham Cathance River Education Alliance Lecture Series FMI: www.creamaine.org MORE >

Wine Dinner6:00 PM to 8:00 PM * Cook’s Lobster House , Bailey Island Wine Dinners At Cook’s Lobster House Hoist up a glass of wine or brew if good life be what ye seek! Here is our menu for the wine dinner scheduled for November 29th. 4 courses, 4 wines 1st… MORE >

November 30, 2011

If your event isn’t listed, enter it now!

Listing events on the Chamber’s Website is FREE for all members and community organizations!

Holidays In Harpswell Maine

Peter Boisvert — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:24:28 +0000

Holiday In Harpswell Maine Weekends Open House

Holiday In Harpswell Brochure (Click on picture for larger view)

Press For Times Record News Release for “Holidays In Harpswell”

The town of Harpswell located in Mid Coast Maine is having a two weekend open house. The primary theme is ” Buying Local” this holiday season. Through opening our various diverse galleries, studios, and eateries these two pre-Christmas week ends: Dec. 3rd -4th & Dec. 10-11, Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4p.m., we want to entice local and regional consumers to tour, enjoy, and shop the literally dozens of arts/artisans, crafts, and fine eateries that Harpswell has to offer itself and the general mid-coast region. The message we hope to send: Support local arts/artists as you would your farmers. Enjoying and buying locally supports and sustains our own culture and economy!

DISCOVER HARPSWELL’S HOLIDAY HERITAGE

The Harpswell Art and Craft Guild’s 1^st. anniversary holiday event includes twenty five studios, shops, galleries and eateries in Harpswell located along Harpswell Neck on Rt. 123, on Great, Orrs and Bailey Islands along Rt. 24 and in Cundy’s Harbor. This collaborative effort celebrates “Holidays in Harpswell” on both Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-4 and Dec.10-11 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day. HACG, Five Rivers Arts Alliance and Southern Mid-coast Maine Chamber continue to work together to bring the best of what the Mid-coast/Harpswell has to offer for this holiday season. As well as the diverse products and fine meals, the public can enjoy the always spectacular drive along Harpswell’s scenic coastline and experience the satisfaction of supporting local artisans and businesses whose communal effort help create that old time holiday feeling of neighborly connection.

Tour ALL the local regions of Harpswell to discover baskets, pottery, jewelry, crafts, wooden heirloom flower presses, hats, ornaments, furniture, fine art, hand bags, note cards, clothing, candies, handmade paper, plus demonstrations and special event offerings at five local eateries. Brochures with location maps will be available at the Brunswick Visitors Center, Five Rivers Arts Alliance sponsored event
Downtown Move Up” located on the 2^nd. Floor of the Lincoln Building, Main St., Brunswick (Dec.2-4) and other locations along local routes and participating sites. Look for the big red bow on the guild’s distinctive Blue Heron sign.

Holidays in Harpswell Events Schedule

SATURDAY, Dec.3

On the Hour- Carousel Carving Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing - Basket making Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Jewelry Making Demo-Widgeon Cove Gallery

11, 2 Pottery Throwing Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

12, 1 Coiled Fiber Basket Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

2 pm Gallery Talk- Harbor Works Gallery

3 pm Signing of Fine Arts Books by Susan Rayfield-GPCG

SUNDAY, Dec. 4

On the Hour- Carousel Carving Demos-Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Basket-making Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Jewelry Making Demo-Widgeon Cove Gallery

11, 2 Pottery Throwing Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

12,1 Coiled Fiber Basket Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

2 pm Gallery Talk- Harbor Works Gallery

1-4 Signing of A BAILEY ISLAND GIRL REMEMBERS:

Janet Freeman Baribeau- Seaside Creations

Janet Freeman Baribeau

Janet Freeman Baribeau’s long line of maternal Harpswell ancestors and her love for the people of Bailey Island and their stories prompted the writing of this book. From her personal memories she’s tried to show and share a way of life that is no more for all those who wonder what it was like to grow up on a small island in Maine.

SATURDAY, Dec.10

On the Hour- Carousel Carving Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Basket-making Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Jewelry Making Demo-Widgeon Cove Gallery

11,2 Pottery Throwing Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

12,1 Coiled Fiber Basket Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

12 noon Signing of LobstArt Studio’s 2012 Lobster Calendar-GPCG

2 pm Gallery Talk- Harbor Works Gallery

3 pm Signing of Fine Arts Books by Susan Rayfield-GPCG

Susan Rayfield

Inspired by color and atmosphere, Susan Rayfield is well known for her expressive photographs of Monhegan, a rugged island twelve miles off the coast of Maine. Her work has been shown in many exhibitions and is contained in corporate collections.

A native New Yorker, Susan is the author of six books, among them Wildlife Photography: The Art and Technique of Ten Masters (Amphoto). She has juried international photography competitions, including the annual Best of Nature Images sponsored by Nikon. In New York, she was the picture editor for Audubon Magazine, and has edited numerous photography books.

SUNDAY, Dec. 11

On the Hour- Carousel Carving Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Basket-making Demos- Gun Point Cove Gallery

Ongoing- Jewelry Making Demo-Widgeon Cove Gallery

11,2 Pottery Throwing Demos- Ash Cove Pottery

12,1 Coiled Fiber Basket Demos-Ash Cove Pottery

12 noon Signing of LobstArt Studio’s 2012 Lobster Calendar-GPCG

2 pm Gallery Talk- Harbor Works Gallery

1-4 Signing of A BAILEY ISLAND GIRL REMEMBERS: Janet Freeman Baribeau, Seaside Creations

SPECIALS from Participating Eateries:

COOKS LOBSTER HOUSE: 20% discount to patrons with receipt on day of purchase from participating member(s) of event

MO-JO CAFÉ: On going weekend specials on artisanal pizzas

Here is a list of businesses participating in The Holiday Weekends Open House. Please call them for details of what specials are happening at their fine establishment.

1.) Ash Cove Pottery

833-6004

info@ashcovepottery.com

www.ashcovepottery.com

2.) B. McFadden Gallery

Click on Picture for driving directions

833-6940

bradmcfa@gwi.net

bradmcfadden.com

3.) Bailey Island Store (Terry Pontbriand)

833-2400

tpontbriand@yahoo.com

4.) C. Periwinkle & Co., Gifts & Gallery

833-8040

cequimby@comcast.net

Facebook @

Periwinkle & Company

5.) Cafe Mojo

406-2155

mojomaine@gmail.com

6.) Cheri Goguen / The Purple Acorn

232-2363

purplehouse91@hotmail.com

7.) Common Table Inn / Deb Wolfender

(W) 833-5564 /(C) 754-8693

deb@commontable.com

www.commontable.com

Click on image to print Participating Business Map / Click Print Preview And Scale 125% For Full Page Printed Map

8.) Cooks Lobster House

833-2818

pboisvert1@comcast.net

www.cookslobster.com

9.) Gallery at Widgeon Cove

833-6081

kuhl@gwi.net

www.widgeoncove.com

10.) Giant Stairs Seafood Grill

833-5000

11.) Gun Point Cove Gallery

833-7303

info@gunpointcovegallery.com

www.gunpointcovegallery.com

12.) Harbor Works Gallery

841-9812

gsaldanh@bowdoin.edu

www.harborworksgallery.org

13.) Henning Porcelain (weekend cluster with Ash Cove Pottery)

833-5556

michelle@henningporcelain.com

www.henningporcelain.com

14.) Island Candy Company

833-6639

islandpeople@myfairpoint.net

15.) LobstArt Studios

410-336-1609

doc@lobstart.com

www.lobstart.com

16.) Lynette Breton Design

725-9802

lbretondesign@gmail.com

www.holdingpatternsflowerpress.com

17.) Maine Made Photos

207-844-0340

hutch75@gmail.com

www.mainemadephotos.com`

18.) Margaret Leonard

833-6051

1706 Harpswell Neck Rd.

mleonard207@yahoo.com

www.mflspictures.multiply.com/photos

19.) Ms. Etta & Co.

729-8234

sfides@myfairpoint.net

20.) Paulus Fine Furniture

833-5026

paulus@paulusfurniture.com

www.paulusfurniture.com

21.) The Village Shop

833-6651

tomnorma@gwi.net

22.) Tile from Away

833-5330

tilefromaway@gmail.com

www.tilefromaway.com

23.) Sea Side Creations

833-6645

jbrobb5@msn.com

24.) Susan Rayfield

729-1851

sray@aol.com

25.) Steve’s

833-6329

steveblack1948@yahoo.com

www.steveblackphotos.com

Portland Maine Harvest On The Harbor

Peter Boisvert — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:08:42 +0000

One of the great food events that take place in Maine is Portland, Maine’s Harvest On The Harbor. The event is put on by the Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event draws thousands of seafood lovers to the Portland waterfront to sample some of the best seafood that Maine has to offer. The event also brings in top chefs from around the country to showcase there expertise at preparing Maine’s treasures of the sea.

Harvest on the Harbor, a Maine Culinary Exploration

Harvest on the Harbor offers a unique experience that celebrates Maine’s talented chefs and many renowned dining establishments, while showcasing high-caliber and authentic gourmet products from local farmers, fishermen and food artisans as well as wine, beer and spirit makers.

New events this year will include Top of the Crop: Maine’s Best Farm to Table Chef, where an esteemed panel of judges will determine which chef most successfully captures the farm to table experience. Skillfully paired wines and a crisp apple dessert will round out this robust rendezvous.

One of the popular event is The Ultimate Seafood Splash. Restaurant, harvesters and sellers give a taste of some of the most wonderful seafood and menu items they sell and serve. Sampling wine, great seafood and socializing while being entertained. A great experience for exciting your taste buds.

Here is an inside look at last years Ultimate Seafood Splash from one of the particapating restaurants. Cook’s Lobster House

This year, Harvest puts a new spin on The Ultimate Seafood Splash, teaming up with local fishermen to introduce lesser-known, abundant species of fish from the cold coastal waters of Maine. These emerging, responsibly harvested fish will expand the consciousness of consumers’ culinary appetite.

Maine Lobster

Peter Boisvert — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:04:57 +0000

Lobster on the Coast of Maine

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Potatoepete

Lobster on the Coast Of MAINE

Before 1850, lobster fishing was done simply by collecting lobsters that had washed up on the beach or had been stuck in tidal pools when the tide went out. In 1850 the lobster trap was invented and the lobster fishing industry was born.

Maine Lobsters are clawed lobsters which comprise a family of large marine crustaceans. Lobsters are economically important as seafood to the world and to Maine, forming the basis of a global industry that nets more than $1 billion annually. Though several groups of crustaceans are known as “lobsters,” the clawed lobsters are most often associated with the name. They are also revered for their flavor and texture.

They live on rocky, sandy, or muddy bottoms from the shoreline to beyond the edge of the continental shelf. They generally live alone in crevices or in burrows under rocks. They are caught primarily using lobster traps. A lobster trap can hold many lobsters. Lobster traps are constructed of wire and wood. An opening permits the lobster to enter a tunnel of netting. Traps are usually constructed in two parts, called the “chamber”, where there is bait, and exits into the parlor, where it is trapped from escape. Lobster traps are usually dropped to the sea floor and are marked by a buoy so they can be picked up later. The colorful buoys dotting the Maine coastline are like registered trademarks for the harvesters. Each lobsterman registers his or her buoy markings with the State.

The cold waters of the gulf make it one of the most productive marine environments in the North Atlantic. The Gulf furnishes habitat for the American lobster, which grows to very large sizes. Lobsters in Maine are harvested by boat captains independently or with one or two assistants. Lobster fishing in Maine is largely an in-shore fishery, with boats generally making day trips within 10-12 miles of shore. Each harvester can fish up to 800 traps, hauling and setting a portion of their traps each day. The Maine lobster industry continues to flourish while in other areas of the country the lobster catch is down.

Settling down to a lobster dinner is an expectation to the traveling public when visiting Maine. The key to finding a great lobster dinner is to find a place that harvests the crustacean and serves it all in the same day. One of those places is Cook’s Lobster House.

Cook’s Lobster House is situated on Bailey Island in the Mid Coast region of Maine. Since 1955 the lobstermen of Bailey’s Island have been landing their catch on the docks at Cook’s Lobster House. Cooks ships the lobster throughout the United States and Canada in addition to being enjoyed in their Restaurant. The waters surrounding Bailey’s Island are deep and cold. These waters are perfect for some of the best lobster fishing in Maine.

The day starts early for the local lobstermen here at Cooks. Lobstermen climb aboard their boats before the sun rises. They head out for what can be a sixteen hour day with the hope of a big catch. The faint glow of an approaching sunrise over the Cribstone Bridge awakens the seabirds to a new day. The air is moist with the smell of salt and diesel as the boats start-up. The lobstermen begin their assault on the sea. Casco Bay is their destination and they don’t have far to go because Bailey Island jets thirteen miles out into the bay. Connected to the mainland by a series of islands and bridges ending with Baileys Island, a two-mile long by ½ mile wide rock-bound paradise

After a long day on the water the lobster is brought to the docks and weighed. The lobster is held in wooden crates each holding about 90 lobsters each. They are immediately placed into the salt water holding tanks on the docks or tied onto the docks and submerged in the sea. The process then begins of separating the size and shell hardness of the lobsters. Once the lobsters are picked through they are shipped to their destination or brought to the restaurant where they are put into the restaurants salt water holding tanks until a guest orders one for a meal.

The secret to a great lobster is the freshness and the amount of time that the lobster has been kept out of the sea water. The longer out of the natural environment the less succulent the lobster. Cook’s Lobster House prides itself with having a lobster come in and served the same day. Curt Parent the owner of the famous landmark restaurant says “there is no fresher lobster anywhere unless you eat it under water. We also ship our lobsters next day internationally, so that if you have a Cook’s Lobster House lobster you have the freshest lobster you can get”.

There are many ways to prepare the Maine lobster you can steam, stuff, sauté, sauce, and bake it. The most popular way to have a Maine lobster prepared is by boiling it. At Cook’s Lobster House they boil the lobster in its natural sea water to maintain all of the great characteristics of its taste. One of their guests is quoted as saying “The lobster was succulent and tender. It was absolutely the best lobster I’ve ever had (and I’ve eaten many lobster, and many in Maine).“

One of the rich traditions that Cook’s Lobster House carries on is the Outside Lobster Bake where lobster and corn are covered in seaweed and seawater and prepared in large wood fired vats. There is no better way to experience a Maine lobster then to be outside on the coast with the smell of the fire and salt air. At Cook’s Lobster house you also have their outstanding views of the waters of Casco Bay and the Cribstone Bridge as your backdrop.

To find out more about the best Maine lobsters or Cook’s Lobster House visit their website at www.cookslobster.com or call them at 207-833-2818

Brunswick Maine Air Show Mere Creek Golf News Letter

Peter Boisvert — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:47:56 +0000

The Mere Creek Golf Course located in Brunswick Maine is involved

in the Great State of Maine Air Show. This is a great way for the avid

golfer whose,family wants to go to the air show, to experience the

best of both activities and support a worthy cause. Please enjoy the

news from Mere Creek Golf courseand make your plans to experience

the Great State of Maine Air Show

A MAINE TRADITION CONTINUES… A NEW ONE IS BORN

Naval Air Station Brunswick’s transition to its new life as Brunswick Landing

has been a successful, exciting process. Yet even with the changes at the former

base, a long-standing Maine tradition will continue: The Great State of

Maine Airshow, scheduled for August 26th, 27th and 28th of

this year! The show will include a spectacular fireworks display and

“mini Air Show” Friday night– the full show (including the Blue Angels)

happens Saturday and Sunday. As part of Brunswick Landing, our Mere

Creek Golf Course is at the center of the action. So we say… let’s have

a party and play some golf!

Announcing the 1st Annual AirShow Scramble at Mere Creek.

GOLF. BARBEQUE. PRIZES. AND PLANES, PLANES, PLANES!

The Air Show Scramble at Mere Creek will consist of three one-day,

nine-hole scrambles. Participants will play in groups of five starting at

noon on Friday and at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday. You can

choose to play in the event one day… two… or all three!

Your entry fee of $75 (per person, per day) includes all of the following:

· 3 One Day 9 Hole Scrambles · 5 person teams · Carts Included ·

Prizes– 1st and 2nd Gross each day and 1st Gross Overall ·

Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive ·

Authentic Texas BBQ Each Day · 2 Complimentary Beverage Tickets ·

Ticket to the Air Show ·

Pass for 18 Holes at any of our semi-private courses throughout Maine!

The field will be limited to only 16 fivesomes per day–

don’t wait to sign up! Click here to download our mail-in form…

pick one up from the pro shops at any of our Clubs… or call our

head office to sign up and pay over the phone at (207) 442-8725.

HONORING THE WOUNDED WARRIOR

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist soldiers as they recover and transition back to civilian life.

The Great State of Maine Air Show will highlight the Wounded Warrior Project– and to show our support of this worthy cause, a portion of our tournament entry fees will be donated to WWP. For the month of August, all Harris Golf pro shops throughout Maine will be accepting donations for the cause. Our courses salute those who have sacrificed so much in the name of our freedom!

An airshow… a golf tournament… a family weekend… a worthy cause. Join us for the 1st Annual Air Show Scramble at Mere Creek– it promises to be a great late summer weekend for all!Yours in Golf,The Clubs of Harris Golf

Harpswell Maine Elijah Kellogg Church Daponte String Quartet Concert

Peter Boisvert — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:03:50 +0000

The Daponte String Quartdt will perform at the Elijah Kellogg Church in Harpswell Maine on July 26th at 7:30

String Quartet Opus 33, No.3, “The Bird” Franz Joseph Haydn
String Quartet No.8 Peter Schulthorpe
String Quartet No.13, “Rosamunde” Franz Schubert

For driving directions to the Elijah Kellogg Church in Harpswell Maine Click on the > Maine Mid Coast Map.

To buy tickets or to learn more please visit the DAPONTE STRING QUARTET WEBSITE

General Questions:

P.O. Box 401
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Phone: (207) 529-4555

Newsletter and Mailing List:

Kathleen Mosesmoses@lincoln.midcoast.com

Maine Lobster News

Peter Boisvert — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:51:27 +0000

The Maine Lobster Association keeps track of important happenings regarding the lobster industry of Maine and the surrounding areas. The lobster industry is an important industry to Maine and keeping informed will keep that industry strong for generations to come. Please enjoy the MLA’s new letter below.

Price report

MLA Announcements

The July issue of the MLA newsletter is here…..
We want to hear from you! Maine Landings, the MLA’s new Web site, seeks your words (and pictures and videos and audio recordings). The interactive site features lobster science, management, history and harbors. To make it truly reflect the diversity of Maine’s lobster industry, however, we need to hear from you. What’s missing? What would you like to see featured? Tell us what you think at www.mainelandings.org.
The MLA has set up a fund to benefit the children of Dave Mahonen, who was lost at sea in December while fishing. The funds will be donated to a trust to benefit Sumir and Dylen Mahonen. If you would like to donate, make your check payable to:
The MLA Relief Fund (please put ‘David Mahonen relief fund’ in memo line) Mail to: MLA, 21 Western Ave #1, Kennebunk, ME 04043. The donations will be deposited into a special fund set up at TD Bank in Kennebunk.

Live Lobster picking up steam in Gouldsboro

The billboard-sized aluminum fisherman standing outside what was the last full-time sardine cannery in the U.S. no longer holds an oversized tin of Beach Cliff sardines.

The hulking fisherman is now grasping an old-fashioned wooden lobster trap in his arms. The iconic sign, tall as a utility pole, has been repainted as the plant prepares to make the jump from processing sardines to processing lobsters. Nearly 15 months after the sprawling Stinson Seafood factory in the eastern Maine town of Gouldsboro shut its doors, the plant is coming back to life. Read more……

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Maine’s legal size conflicts with southern states’

Maine lobster dealers are starting to feel the pinch of new laws in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey that bar the possession of some lobsters that are of legal size in Maine. The new laws say that lobsters’ bodies must be at least 3 3/8 inches long. In Maine, the minimum size for a lobster is 3¼ inches long.

An eighth of an inch may not seem like much, but complying with laws requiring different minimum sizes is causing headaches for Maine dealers, especially when dealing with lobster “chicks,” the smallest ones on the market. Read more….

Lobstermen want state waters exempt from new rules

Federal officials have begun the process, with input from lobstermen, of considering possible restrictions on buoy lines, but some Maine fishermen say there’s another issue that they want to address with regulators.

Several fishermen at a Tuesday meeting about the buoy line issue said they are not happy with the exemption area National Marine Fisheries Service established when floating ground lines were banned in 2009. If federal regulators are going to place limits or requirements on the ropes fishermen use to connect buoys on the surface to traps on the bottom, many fishermen say, then all traps placed in state waters should be exempt from the mandates. “I think that is something the state should immediately try to address,” Deer Isle fisherman Leroy Bridges said at Tuesday’s meeting. Read more….

Deer Isle couple donate land to Lobster Institute

The sale of two pieces of land on an island in Nova Scotia will benefit the University of Maine Lobster Institute. Basil and Harriet Heanssler, owners of Conary Cove Lobster Co. in Deer Isle have donated two parcels of undeveloped land on McNutt’s Island in Nova Scotia, one 91 acres and the other 87 acres.

Proceeds from the sale will aid the lobster institute in its mission to maintain a healthy, sustainable lobster resource and vibrant lobster industry by helping to build its endowment. Read more….

Southern Maine lobstermen wary of rule changes

Chebeague Island lobsterman Alex Todd says he welcomes rules to prevent whales from becoming tangled in his fishing gear. But he is skeptical of what he sees as the usual heavy-handed federal regulatory approach to enacting them. “What they come up with doesn’t apply in certain areas, but they jam it down our throats,” Todd said.

Todd and the rest of the state’s 4,300 active lobster fishermen could be affected by new rules under development that will dictate what kind of ropes they may use while fishing. Read more…

Lobster Advisory Council meeting in July

The next Lobster Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, at 3:00 pm at the Natural Resource Services Center, 1st Floor Conference Room, Hallowell.

Annual Stonington Fishermen’s DayThis yearly celebration on July 17 in Stonington is hosted by the Island Fisherman’s Wife Association. It’s a fun-filled day on the pier featuring food and craft vendors, a pet show, codfish relay, wacky rowboat races, a touch tank and a bounce house for the kids.

Researchers discuss right whale behavior in Bay of Fundy

Two researchers from the New England Aquarium in Boston entertained tourists recently at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse as they talked about their study of right whales in the Bay of Fundy.

Kara Mahoney Robinson and Jessica Taylor are researchers and educators at the New England Aquarium, which conducts worldwide studies of right whales. Each August and September, a team of researchers arrives in Lubec to study the whales in the Bay of Fundy. Read more…..

Summer flounder stocks “viable”

Summer flounder are back, a National Marine Fisheries Service report shows, and the recovery is considered a fisheries management success story. The 2011 Stock Status Report released this week declares summer flounder “viable” after, well, floundering since at the early 1990s and being listed as “recovering” since 2009.

The latest assessment shows the summer flounder stock is no longer overfished and that overfishing is not occurring. Southern flounder landings were actually down by 29 percent in 2010, partly because of a 45 percent reduction in gill net flounder landings. New gill net restrictions resulting from a lawsuit over gill net interactions with sea turtles could have contributed to the decline. Read more….

Nova Scotians sue to halt salmon farm

Communities along St. Mary’s Bay off eastern Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Salmon Federation have filed legal action to halt creation of a salmon fish farm operation in the bay. The group is asking the Nova Scotia Supreme Court to prevent establishment of what it claims would be the province’s largest fish farm with an estimated two million fish stock amid lobster rich fishing grounds.

The fish farm would not only threaten the traditional lobster fishery but endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale, roseate tern, harlequin duck and wild Atlantic salmon as well as harm tourism, said the group made up of Ecojustice representing the St. Mary’s Bay Coastal Alliance and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the LFA 34 Lobster Fishermen, the Freeport Community Development Association and the Villages of Freeport, Tiverton and Westport. Read more…..

3-D tour of Massachusetts seafloor unveiled

Dave Foster appeared at a glance to be playing a video game as he sported red 3-D glasses and used a hand-held control to navigate the floor of Buzzards Bay. In reality, the U.S. Geological Survey geologist was showing the results of cutting-edge data collection that’s helping scientists diagram the deep.

Using so-called GeoWall projection, researchers Monday morning displayed SONAR-gathered data from 2009-11 on the bathymetry — essentially “submarine topography,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound in a form that’s not only three-dimensional but interactive. Read more…..

New Brunswick lobstermen report disappointing season

Another season of lobster fishing has come and gone along the northern portions of the Northumberland Strait. On New Brunswick’s longest inshore wharf, lobstermen have been packing up and boats have been pulling out as mackerel, herring, and scallops become the flavour of the season in Licenced Fishing Area 23, since the once lucrative season ended at the end of June.

“It’s been a funny year,” said André Martin, a long-time lobster fisherman out of Escuminac and president of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union. “We were down 30 per cent on our catches; I don’t know if it was the big storms or the rough weather we had all spring, but we missed around 13 days that we couldn’t fish, especially in May.” Read more….

Editorial: Charge more for that extra 1/8th inch

New laws in three states that slightly increase the legal size of lobsters there are creating a headache for some Maine dealers, but a little thought might help resolve the problem. New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, apparently as a conservation measure, have recently made it illegal to possess lobsters with a carapace size below 3 3/8 inches.

Since the minimum size for “keeper” lobsters in Maine waters is 3 1/4 inches, that eighth of an inch is a huge difference for dealers shipping to those major urban markets to the south. Read more….

New York City awash in lobster rolls

New York is being invaded! With their claws and tails cunningly camouflaged in split-topped buns, lobsters are everywhere, passing themselves off as street food. Blame overfishing of predatory cod, credit sustainability-minded lobstermen; for lots of reasons, there’s a glut of Maine lobster, and a glut of new lobster rolls in New York. But be careful: abundant doesn’t mean economical. At $8 to $25, better choose wisely. Read more…..