Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Moose-lings

By Melanie Brooks

Who knew baby moose were so adorable? Not me! I've lived in Maine the majority of my life and have never seen a moose calf. I think adult moose are sort of, well, awkward-looking to say the least. But these young moose look downright cuddly.

Below are three photos from the over 300 that were submitted for our Maine Moose Photo Contest. All three feature a mama moose and her calf(s). Vote for your favorite photo below!

Photo by Jim Borden

Photo by Kerwin Whitney

Photo by Linda Belisle

Thursday, April 15, 2010

What's Happening this Weekend...

No chance to be bored this weekend...

Hedwig & the Angry Inch
April 14 - May 2
Penobscot Theatre, Bangor
This groundbreaking Obie-winning off-Broadway smash tells the story of internationally ignored song stylist Hedwig Schmidt, an East German rock 'n' roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation.
www.penobscottheatre.org

American Acrobats
April 16
The Grand, Ellsworth
This five-person group will wow audiences with their gymnastics, contortions, juggling, hoop diving, rope jumping, and so much more. Don't miss out on this exciting and infectious show. 10 am. $3.
www.grandonline.org

Beads & Baubles
April 16 & 17
Maine Grind Building, Ellsworth
This spring bead and jewelry show returns its second year with over 15 vendors. Crystal gemstones, as well as porcelain, vintage, and contemporary beads, are for sale. Friday: 12 - 6 pm; Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
www.fernhousestudio.com

Home Show
April 16 - 18
Bangor Auditorium & Civic Center
Over 250 booths showcase the best of the region's builders, remodelers, and local businesses. Fri. 1 - 9 pm; Sat. 10 am - 9 pm; Sun. 10 am - 5 pm. $6; children under 12 get in free.
www.basspark.com

Hamlet
April 17
The Strand Theatre, Rockland
The works of Shakespeare have inspired more operatic adaptations than any other writer's. Simon Keenlyside and Natalie Dessay bring their extraordinary acting and singing skills to two of the Bard's most unforgettable characters in this new production of Hamlet. 1 pm. $15 adults; $5 students.
www.rocklandstrand.com

Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
April 17
Kenduskeag to Bangor
Snag a seat on the riverbanks and watch dozens of canoeists and kayakers brave the 16.5 mile journey from Kenduskeag to the Penobscot River in Bangor.
www.kenduskeagstreamcanoerace.com

Earth Day Celebration
April 17
College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor
Enjoy music, children's activities, exhibits, andmore on Earth Day at the College of the Atlantic. Celebrate the earth, our world, and sustainable existence.
www.coa.edu

YMCA's Healthy Kids Day
April 17
MDI YMCA, Bar Harbor
There are lots of fun and games in store for YMCA's national Healthy Kids Day, all to promote healthy lifestyles for all generations.
www.mdiymca.org

Park Day Cleanup Project
April 17
Fort Knox, Bucksport
Volunteers are needed to assist in Park Day Cleanup, held by Fort Knox, the Civil War Preservation Trust, and the History Channel. Volunteers who pick up and remove winter debris will receive T-shirts and a tour of Fort Knox. 10 am.
fortknox.maineguide.com

The Great Orono Bike Swap
April 18
Student Recreation & Fitness Center, Orono
Hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, this event features hundreds of bikes, an area to test ride, exhibits by local bike shops, and refreshments. A small commission from all sales benefits the Coalition. 9 am - 2 pm. $3 admission; free for UMaine students.
www.bikemaine.org

Midcoast Wedding Expo
April 18
Point Lookout Resort & Conference Center, Northport
This event includes everything a bride could need, complete with a fashion show, vendors, gifts, and prizes. 8 am - 5 pm.
www.maineweddingexpo.com

Christmas for Families
April 18
American Legion Post 207, Trenton
The Christmas for Families Country Music Show and Indoor Yard Sale raises money for families in need during the holidays. 10 am.
266-1943

Mozart in Paris
April 18
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Enjoy French delights with musical portraits from two of the nation's most celebrated composers. Features conductor Michael Butterman, soprano Suzanne Nance, and the University of Maine singers and Oratorio Society. 3 pm.
www.commlinscenterforthearts.com

Merry Wives of Windsor
April 18
Camden Opera House
Don't miss this rarely seen Shakespearean comedy performed by the Camden Civic Theatre. 8 pm. Tickets $12 - $16 with $2 off for students and seniors.
www.camdencivictheatre.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

2010 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

Photos and captions by Michael Alden

It's that time of year again -- and with the weather being so wet the Kenduskeag Stream is looking pretty swift. Thanks to Brewer photog Mike Alden for sharing some of his photos from last year. Alden also runs the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race website. Check it out!

Robert Lang of New Brunswick, Canada - the current all time record holder of the Kenduskeag with a race time of 1:50:08, set in 1997.

Earl Baldwin of Orrington is a boat builder and Maine paddling legend. An octogenarian, Baldwin often cruises past other paddlers who are a less than a quarter of his age.

The Gumby Boat is something of an institution on the Kenduskeag. They've been featured in Sports Illustrated among other national publications.

Zip Kellogg paddles the race while standing upright the entire time, even through the rapids. Often dressed in natty attire while steering a boat festooned with flowers, Kellogg cuts a striking figure on the Kenduskeag.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

What's Happening this Weekend...

Less than stellar weekend weather? Here are some fun ideas!

Cherryholmes
April 9
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Cherryholmes has stormed to the top of the bluegrass world. Their sound is made up of hard-driving instrumental virtuosity and explosive vocal harmonies, featuring a mixture of original songs written by members of the band and carefully chosen classics. 8 pm.
207-581-1755
www.collinscenterforthearts.com

Robinson Ballet Live 2010
April 9 & 10
Bangor Opera House, The Grand, Ellsworth
Don't miss this live show performed by the Robinson Ballet. This year's children's show is La Botique Fantasque (The Magic Toy Shop) — a love story between two cancan dancer dolls. 7 pm all nights. Friday: $14 adults; $10 students; $8 seniors and children; Saturday: 3 pm. $5.
www.penobscottheatre.org
www.grandonline.org

Merry Wives of Windsor
April 9 - 18
Camden Opera House
Don't miss this rarely seen Shakespearean comedy performed by the Camden Civic Theatre.
8 pm. $12 - $16, with $2 off for students and seniors.
207-236-7936
www.camdencivictheatre.com

AAUW Book Sale
April 10
Church of Universal Fellowship, Orono
The American Association of University Women marks its 59th annual book sale promoting equality for women and girls. The sale includes a variety of used books for all ages, a light lunch, and snacks. 8 - 9 am: $10 for early admission; 9 am - 2 pm: Free admission.
207-866-3504

Jonathan Biss
April 10
Rockport Opera House
One of the top pianists on the international circuit, Jonathan Biss returns to perform for Bay Chamber Concerts. Don't miss this Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award winner. 7 pm.
888-707-2770
www.baychamberconcerts.org

Ruthie Foster & The Family Band
April 10
The Strand Theatre, Rockland
There's southern blues in her groove, rock in her rhythm, a blend of gospel redemption, country, poetry, and jazz elegance in her singing. 7 pm. $23.
207-594-0070
www.rocklandstrand.com

Flannery Brothers
April 11
The Grand, Ellsworth
The fabulous brothers from Bangor sing songs from their album Love Songs for Silly Things! Their songs range from doo-wop and R&B, to surf rock and folk songs. 2 - 3:30 pm.
207-667-9500
www.grandonline.org

Todd Wolfe Band
April 11
Unity Centre for the Performing Arts
Gritty, bluesy, and full of fire, Todd Wolfe, former guitarist for Sheryl Crow, favors heavy riffs, wicked phrasing, dirty slide, and syrupy tones. They have shared the bill with the likes of the Allman Brothers, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Dickey Betts, Peter Frampton, and Johnny Winter. 7:30 pm. $15.
207-948-SHOW
www.unityme.org/theater

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

An Early Opening for Maine State Parks

By Melanie Brooks

Thanks to some uncharacteristically warm spring weather, some of Maine's state parks are opening their camp sites earlier than expected -- which is good news if you ask me. Early openings are highly unusual, regional parks manager Ron Hunt said in a press release. "This is almost three and a half weeks earlier than the listed date." Nevertheless, park staffers are prepared and visitors are showing up.

It's reported to be rainy on Saturday but partly sunny and 60 degrees out on Sunday, according to the powers that be at weather.com. So if you're itching to get out there and be one with nature, head to one of the following parks and get your camping on:

Sebago Lake State Park in Casco and Naples

Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal
Camden Hills State Park in Camden
Lake St. George State Park in Liberty

Monday, April 5, 2010

No Good Gluten

By Melanie Brooks
Photo by Leslie Bowman


If you are one of the approximately 3 million American's suffering from celiac disease, you'll want to check out our Metro Health article for April. And since April 15th is tax day, I thought I'd share a little nugget of info I just found out: people suffering from celiac disease can take tax deductions for gluten-free foods as a medical expense! There are some rules and regulations, of course, but you can find out more information here.

If you would like more information on the Celiac Support Group in Bangor, shoot me an email at melanie@bangormetro.com.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

What's Happening this Weekend...

This is not a joke: The weather will be nice this weekend!

Spotlight on Country
April 2
Center Theatre, Dover-Foxcroft
A night of country music featuring Hank Hughes and Vintage Country, plus special guests New Relm, the Higgins Family, Bob Elston, and Kenny James.
7 - 9 pm. $8 in advance $10 at the door.
www.centertheatre.org

Robinson Ballet Live 2010
April 2 & 3
Bangor Opera House, The Grand, Ellsworth
Don't miss this live show performed by the Robinson Ballet. This year's children's show is La Boutique Fantasque (The Magic Toy Shop) — a love story between two cancan dancer dolls.
7 pm all nights. Friday: $14 adults; $10 students; $8 children and seniors; Saturday: 3 pm. $5.
www.penobscottheatre.org
www.grandonline.org

Passy River Canoe Race
April 3
Littlefield Farm, Waldo
It's time for the 37th annual canoe race on the Passagasswakeag River. It starts at Littlefield Farm and runs for four miles, with several sections of Class I, II, and III whitewater.
www.waldocountyymca.org

Child Parent Day
April 3
Waldo County YMCA, Belfast
A day of fun for the whole family, including crafts, music, fitness activities, dress-up, and games. Get close to live owls, plant seeds, try the obstacle course, and receive a free book. Sponsored by Waldo County Child and Parent Council and the Waldo County YMCA.
10 am - 2 pm. Free.
www.waldocountyymca.org

WHSN's 7th Annual Acoustic Showcase
April 3
Gracie Theatre, Bangor
Live at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University. Featuring all-acoustic performances from the Sea Captains Headstart and Rustic Overtones.
$20 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Maine Chapter of the National MS Society.
www.whsn-fm.com