It's here: Maine Ahead

After a year of hard work and perseverance, we have finally launched Maine Ahead. Pfew! Not to brag or anything -- but we think it looks damn fine!


What will you find inside the pages of our very first magazine? Besides dazzling photos and quick-witted cartoons you can read about the following:

An in-depth Q & A with five former Maine governors.

A private tour of Shipyard Brewery.

A rare interview with Hannaford CEO Ron Hodge.

Inside a Maine dream home.

Crab cakes with Portland chef Alan Cook.

A look back in time to Maine's sardine workers.

And more....

In fact, we're so psyched about our first issue that we put it up on our website, MaineAhead.com, for you to look at! Click here to be taken to the digital flipbook to feast your eyes on the first issue.

What's Happening This Weekend...

Turkey Day is upon us and if shopping at the mall on Black Friday isn't your thing, here is a list of other stuff to do with your days off...

The Nutcracker
November 21 & 29
University of Maine, Machias and the Caribou Performing Arts Center
The Robinson Ballet once again brings dreamland on the road. Nov. 21 in Machias at 3 and 7 pm and Nov. 29 in Caribou at 2 pm.
www.robinsonballet.org

Festival of Lights
November 27-29
Rockland
Celebrate the spirit of giving with this holiday festival. Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat, the historic inns hold holiday open houses, and the Christmas tree is made out of lobster traps. It doesn't get more Maine than this, folks.
www.therealmaine.com

Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
November 29-29
Brewer
Find Christmas gifts at this United Maine Craftsmen's event. There's a gift give-a-way every hour!
www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com

History Section: Part Two

You didn't know we were going to publish a second history issue did you?! Well, to be honest, we didn't either. But we got such rave reviews on our June/July issue that we figured we'd finish the tale -- from Bangor's Great Fire of 1911 to today. And with the help of Dick Shaw, it turned out to be as gorgeous as the first one.

If you haven't picked up your December issue of Bangor Metro yet, we've provided a little preview below of some of the great images you'll see when you do. It's definitely a collectors issue and we hope you like it as much as you did our summer guide.

What's Happening This Weekend...

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by the bustling holiday season, never fear. There are plenty of fun events happening in our area this weekend to help you get some shopping done, relax to the sounds of folk music or enjoy a classic holiday tradition.

Early Bird Sale & Bed Races
November 21
Bar Harbor
There's no need to attend the craziness of Black Friday if you go to this event. Enjoy early morning sales in Bar Harbor with extra discounts if you're still in your pajamas. Feel free to shop around but don't miss the bed races! Sale starts at 6 am, bed races at 10 am.
www.barharborinfo.com

Aztec Two Step
November 21
Caribou Performing Arts Center
Listen to Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman, two of acoustic music's stars as they perform Simon & Garfunkel songs as well as their own originals. 7 pm. $14 adults, $8 students/seniors, and $5 for children 12 and under.
www.caribouschools.org

Arlo Guthrie and Family
November 21
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Arlo Guthrie performed at Woodstock in 1969, and he hasn't lost any of his luster. With simply a few guitars, his voice and a harmonica, he delivers an unforgettable folk music performance. 8 pm.
www.collinscenterforthearts.org

The Nutcracker
November 21
University of Maine, Machias
Relive the classic tale of The Nutcracker as performed by The Robinson Ballet. 3 pm and 7 pm. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors, and $5 children 12 and under.
www.robinsonballet.org

Pecha Kucha at the Camden Opera House

By Annaliese Jakimides
Photos by Leslie Bowman

Friday night, about 400—including at least a couple of people, Leslie and I, from as far away as Bangor—gathered at the Camden Opera House for Pecha Kucha Night in Midcoast Maine. Simultaneously, Pecha Kuchas (meaning “chit chat” in Japanese, we were told) were happening in Pittsburgh, Bali, and Belgrade, although no one was sure which one (Maine or Serbia).


Eight artists from the Midcoast showcased their work. Formula for these gatherings all over the world: The artist (loose definition allowed for an importer of wines) stands in front of the audience, while 20 slides of their work (for the wine guy, that meant Italian hillsides, and stunning, gnarled, old vines) flash on the screen. Well, not exactly flash. Each image lingers for 20 seconds, a long time if not accompanied by chatter, which some artists did and others did not. Let me tell you, some of the work was stunning, and some of the monologues entertaining, and at least one of the presenters left us with a compelling need to question ourselves about many things. It was a blast. Actually, it was a controlled blast.

Afterwards, Camden was hopping. Since neither Leslie nor I have any experience with Camden’s weekend nightlife, it’s hard to judge whether this was because of the two-day Juice Conference about the creative economy, but—no matter—conversation was flowing, and so was the wine.

Presenters were Scott Minzy, book artist and printmaker; Autumn Cipala, ceramic artist; Bill Laurita, owner of Swans Island Blankets; Mary Barnes, unconventional dry and wet drawings; Paul Chartrand, importer of organic wines; Antonia Small, photographer and writer; Anastasia Fischer, interaction designer; and Sam Cady, shaped canvas painter.

L.L. Bean does the holidays

By Melanie Brooks

It's the middle of November and I am done all of my Christmas shopping. No, I'm not kidding! It's done! I start my Christmas shopping in the summer so that 1. I don't have to shell out money for gifts all in one month and 2. I can actually enjoy the holidays. If you happen to be a normal individual who doesn't do their Christmas or Hannukah or Festivus shopping all year long you might be thinking a trip to the outlets in Freeport is a good idea to find something for everyone on your list. I would agree with you. But before you hop on the interstate, take a moment and find out what sorts of fun things L.L. Bean and the town of Freeport are doing for the season.

I'm a big fan of Bean's Summer Concert Series. Little did I know that they hold events during the holiday season, too. Below is a list of events throughout the rest of November and December to help you plan your shopping excursion. Have fun!

November 20
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
See one of the largest holiday trees in the state, and the only one alight with thousands of multi-colored energy efficient LED lights, hand strung by local artist and designer Pandora LaCasse.7 pm.

November 21 to December 27
Old-Fashioned Carriage Rides
What is more fun than snuggling under a blanket during a carriage ride? Not much.
Rides run on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 7 pm.

November 27
Freeport's Moonlight Madness
Enjoy midnight shopping around Freeport. There will be refreshments, activities, and special discounts all over town! 12 am.

November 28
Meet Author and Filmmaker Ken Burns
If you haven't seen his newest project, The National Parks, you're missing out on something amazing. Burns will be at the flagship store for a booksigning. 11 am to 1 pm.

December 4 to 24
Free Gift Wrapping Weekends
Enjoy this free service and support local non-profit organizations.

December 4 to 6
Freeport's Annual Sparkle Weekend
Bring your family and enjoy the annual parade, a talking Christmas tree, carolers, cocoa, and of course, a visit with Santa.

For a more detailed list of events visit freeportusa.com and L.L. Bean's Calendar of Events.

What's Happening This Weekend...

With a chill in the air and election day behind us, the holidays are just around the corner. Cross some gifts off your list by visiting a craft show or catch a movie this weekend.

The Gifted Hand
November 13 & 14
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Ellsworth
This craft show can't be missed. It features over 50 locally and nationally recognized artisans, along with a café staffed by Cleonice and Table bistros. There will even be a door prize drawing. Fri. 10 am–5 pm; Sat. 9 am–4 pm. Admission is $2 with all proceeds going to benefit Birds Acre.
giftedhandshow.com

Bridal Show
November 15
Morgan Hill Event Center, Bangor
Are you or someone you know planning a trip down the aisle anytime soon? If so, you may want to check out this bridal show including a variety of catering, flowers, dresses, DJs and everything a bride could need. The event will be catered by Jolain's Gourmet and door prizes are available. 1–5 pm.
morganhilleventcenter.com

Valentino—The Last Emperor
November 15
Strand Theatre, Rockland
Take a contemporary look into the fashion world with this documentary following the life of designer Valentino Garavani. 3 pm.
rocklandstrand.com