thescene nov/dec 2012

HOLIDAY SEASONHOLIDAY SEASON 22001122VOL. 3 • NO. VOL. 3 • NO. 88

DISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTIONALONG THEALONG THECOAST OF MAINE:COAST OF MAINE:LINCOLN,LINCOLN, KNOX AND KNOX AND WALDO COUNTIESWALDO COUNTIES

E A T • D R I N K • P L AY • W A T C H • L I S T E N • R E A D • B E M E R R Y

scsceneneethe

the FREE!

2 theSCENE • November - December 2012

91 Camden St., Suite 403Rockland, ME 04841

207.594.4401

Contact us:[email protected]

Send calendar items to:[email protected]

Editor • Holly Vanorse Spicer

Production Department Manager • Christine DunkleDesignersHeidi Belcher, David Dailey,Debbie Post, Kathleen Ryan

Sales DepartmentManager • Dave LibbySales RepresentativesCandy Foster, Karen Mehorter,Jody McKee, Pamela Schultz,Alysha Steltzer

the

thescene

Ad Deadline forJanuary/February is 1/3/13

issueInthis

3 OPENING COLUMN

4 FILM SCENE: Cloud Atlas

5 BREW SCENE: Holiday Cheer Part One

6 FOOD SCENE: Yankee Chef

7 TOP DISH: The Mermaid Restaurant

8 MUSICIAN SCENE: Blind Albert

9 HOLIDAY DRINK SCENE

10 TOP 10

11 RECYCLED ART SCENE:How to make less trash

12 SOAP SCENE:Home Brewed Soaps

13 HANDCRAFT SCENE:The Wreath Nook, ETC

14 MUSIC SCENE:The gift of music -

for free - all year long

15 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

17 SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN

18 CALENDAR OF EVENTSThings to do this Holiday Season

20 NEW YEARS IN BLUE HILL

facebook.com/thescene1

Published Monthly

Daniel DunkleDaniel Dunkle writes the humor column, “Stranger Than Fiction,” and “Down in Front” blogs and movie reviews. He is News Editor for Courier Publications, LLC, which publishes theScene, The Courier-Gazette, The Camden Herald and The Republican Journal. Follow him online at villagesoup.com or on twitter at twitter.com/#!/DanDunkle.

After 30+ years in the record business in Los Angeles including long stints at Warner Bros. and DreamWorks Records, Marc consults and manages artists and has started an independent music label that concentrates on singer - songwriters. It’s called Mishara Music and is based here in Midcoast Maine. Marc writes about the national and local music business. Visit marc online at misharamusic.com & marcrescue.wordpress.com Write him at [email protected] or here at [email protected]

Marc Ratner

Jim BaileyChef Jim Bailey is a Maine native who has more than 25 years experience in the New England kitchen. Although proficient in international cuisine, he’s an authority of Yankee Food History, New England genealogy and the New England lifestyle since the 17th Century. With two cookbooks just written, Chef Jim looks forward to hearing from you at via email [email protected] or theyankeechef.com.

A graduate of Siebel Institute for Brewing Studies in Chicago, Ruggiero worked as a consultant across the East Coast setting up a micro-brewery on Long Island, N.Y. called James Bay Brewing Company. In 1995 he relocated to Rockland, Maine to build Rocky Bay Brewery which closed in 2007. He is now the brewmaster at the new Shag

Rock Brewing Company in Rockland, located atthe AmalfiOn the Waterrestaurant.

Richard Ruggiero

7

12

13

VanWart is a fourth generation farm steward, author and illustrator with a love for Maine’s people, places and happenings, who lives at Peaked Mountain Farm in Dedham, Maine. Gail and her dog, Blae, contribute regular posts about Maine at nosingaroundmaine.blogspot.com.

Gail J. VanWart

theSCENE • November - December 2012 3

Pottery • Candles • Curtains • Potpourri • LampsLampshades • Holiday Decor & much more!

Holiday Open House Saturday, December 1st

Mon-Sat 9-5 • Sun 10-414 Washington Rd., Waldoboro (across from Moody’s Diner)

(207) 832-4222 • www.burnhamsbloomers.com

Maine’s Midcoast Primitive Gift & Floral Shop

Burnham’s Bloomers

Opening Column

The Winter holidays mean many different things for many different people. For me, it’s a lot of planning, scheduling, traveling to see our families, along with

lots and lots of food. When it was decided to have the November issue become a two- month issue instead of just one, my brain kicked into overdrive.

The holidays. All of the things from celebration to food that it involves. I could have easily found a hundred and one things to include in this special, holiday issue. However, because of space, I had to spend a lot of time determining just what exactly to include. Sort of like Christmas present shopping. You always have that one person that is really, really easy to buy gifts for. You have an idea list a thousand miles long, but you need to stick to that budget so you can get all of your friends and family gifts. You can only get that easy-to-shop-for person one or two things. So which things on that list do you get them?

There are a lot of great things in this issue that all cater to the upcoming weeks during the holiday season. Everything from the usual reviews, columns and contributors to local handmade gift ideas, special holiday drink mixes for parties and fun holiday events. Happy Holidays!

By Holly Vanorse Spicer

Pints for PawsThe Loyal Biscuit Co. and Trackside

Station are teaming up again for a fun fundraiser for the Humane Society of Knox County.

Everyone is invited to come to Trackside Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. for Pints for Paws, a social for animal lovers for the benefit of animals.

The evening will feature entertainment by local musician Paddy Mills and raffle prizes from many areas businesses. For every pint of beer sold, Trackside will donate $1 to HSKC. Attendees of all ages are welcome and are asked to bring an item to donate to the shelter — canned dog or cat food, paper towels, gallons of bleach, old towels or blankets, etc.

The Loyal Biscuit Co. has held this event at locations in Rockland, Camden & Belfast and have raised over $5,588 for local area shelters. Trackside Station is located at 4 Union Street in Rockland. For more, information visit www.facebook.com/loyalbiscuit; or call Loyal Biscuit at 594-5269. Due to the location, pets are not allowed at the social.

NutcrackerThe Atlantic Ballet Company presents Nutcracker at

the Camden Opera House from Nov. 30 until Dec. 2. Tickets are $14 for seniors and children under 12 years of age and $20 for adults. They are available at HAV II, Reading Corner, Opera House Video and Personal Bookshop. For more information, visit atlanticballetcompany.org

There’s a lot to smile about!

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By the time you read this review, “Cloud Atlas” will have already been relegated to the bargain bin as a box office failure.

Well, what of it? Yes, it failed to make money. It bit off more than it could chew with a myriad of characters and five or six story lines spanning centuries. With a three-hour running time and an R rating to scare away the tweens, it never really had much hope.

But it deserves a good hard look because I think this was a really ambitious effort on the part of some very talented people. “Cloud Atlas” took some risks, and I’m sorry to see it fail because that may mean it will be an even longer time before we see anything more interesting than a caped, tights-wearing hero streak across the big screen again.

I happened to catch the five-minute trailer about a month ago and thought it looked fascinating. When I saw that it was based on a novel, I was thrilled and ran out to pick up a copy of David Mitchell’s book.

The book contains several loosely related stories. A lawyer makes his way across the South Pacific with a crazy doctor in 1849. A young composer labors in the 1930s under the tyrannical watch of an older, established but burned-out musician. In the 1970s, a young, female journalist takes on crooked energy tycoons in a thrilling tale of corruption. An foul-mouthed, aging publisher has to stage a jail break from a horrific nursing home.

Then there are two stories set in the future. One is of a “fabricant” fast-food restaurant employee who joins a revolution against a totalitarian regime. The other comes long after the apocalyptic collapse of civilization, when a young goat herder guides a woman through a

savage world to a place where she can contact the last remnants of a technology-based human society.

The book is 500 pages of high-end writing that somehow captures everything about human existence. It ruminates on our pasts and futures, our existential angst, our impending environmental crisis, and the moral dilemmas we face. Love, war, comedy, triumph, failure... it’s all in there.

It’s very fast-paced and exciting and highly philosophical.

The movie is as true to the book as it can be, but it’s just too much stuff to digest all at once. Many of the stories are trimmed down quite a bit to fit, and I think it might have been difficult to follow if you hadn’t read the book first.

Any one of the stories would have made a terrific movie on their own. The movie includes a terrific cast with Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and other less famous but equally talented players all taking on multiple roles to see

how reincarnated souls change and evolve over the ages.

The gimmick kind of works, with the actors changing races and genders through the use of makeup, but it also kind of distracts from the story(s).

Hugh Grant may have earned some respect in the acting community for playing against type. Here he appears not only as a big energy executive in the 1970s, cut as an aboriginal warrior of the savage future in skull makeup. Wow!

The biggest problem with the movie is that the moral, philosophical musings that seemed so strong in the book came across as a bit corny or rushed on screen.

However, I think this is also part of a larger trend. I’ve noticed that any story these days with a moral compass is dismissed as trite or overly earnest, while some snarky, sarcastic, immoral, nihilistic hogwash is championed as “brave realism.”

I appreciate philosophical

idealism and moral inspiration.This was directed by Tom

Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski. The Wachowskis were, of course, the directors of “The Matrix” and “V for Vendetta.” My hope is that they aren’t discouraged by this setback. They’re definitely on the right track and will reach an audience with something big down the line.

Besides, maybe this will become one of those cult movies that takes on a new life on video or cable in the future. It’s a reincarnation movie after all, so maybe it will do better in the next life.

Down in FrontBy Daniel Dunkle

gradeDan’sDan’s

Cloud Atlas(Rated R): B

Cloud Atlas, a beautiful effortsceneFilm

Hugh Grant in Cloud Atlas.


ReviewBrew

Holiday Cheer Part One

Summer has fades away, with all the fall colors, and the holiday season is upon us. We still have football and all the

holiday joy that will meld together in a wish of family and friend celebrations. And with the holiday season, comes all those lovely winter holiday brews that taught our palettes, ales and lagers full of flavor and sporting such names has Double Brown Ale, Double Chocolate Stouts, Spiced Scotch Ales ,just to mention a few. Winter is full of flavor with hearty beers to complement the heartier fair that we encounter; most of these special beers are brewed only once a year, and in very limited small batches, so let’s baste our palettes with these next three brews, and take in all the holiday flavor we can handle!

Geary’s Hampshire Special Ale - DL Geary Brewing Co. Portland, Maine

DL Geary Brewing Co. was the first micro-brewery to make its presence in Portland Maine, and has been brewing some very special ale’s since. Geary’s Hampshire Ale or HSA has the locals branded it! Is absolutely one of their special limited fall/winter beers. This Ale pours into the glass with a very rich

amber color and off white thick long lived head, which settles slowly leaving a nice lacing appearance on the sides of the glass. The aroma of specialty roasted malts comes to play, with the wonderful boutique of hops, which is slowly taken by the hints of nutmeg, fruit and coriander. As the beer passes over the palette, with a very large and rich mouth feel the sweetness of malt suddenly balances to a wonderful round hop bitterness, that turns the palette with a fantastic toasted caramel finish, beautifully well balanced Ale that will give youre taste buds a wonderful complex flavor ride! A must try Winter Ale. Falls in the Strong English Ale category at 7% ABV. I have been told they even brew a very limited version that is whiskey infused! I will have to search for this special ale.

Attenuator Dopplebock - Marshall Wharf Brewing Company - Belfast, Maine

Marshal Wharf Brewing Co. has been brewing outside the box unique styles of Ales and Lagers for quite some time, although they are attached to a wonderful restaurant /Pub, I have been seeing their unique brews on draught at local pubs and restaurant more and

more lately. Attenuator Dopplebock is one of their many diverse beers which are available at their attached pub Three Tides. Off the tap ,this beer pours with an amber copper glow with good brightness’ in color. It poured off the tap with a wonderful two finger off white head that retained to the side of the glass creating lustfully lacing. The rich aroma of Carmel malt and alcohol come to play, has this beer is consumed, the flavors of sweet malt come through and lay beside a hint of nutty flavor and the warming of alcohol. The mouth feel is surprising smooth with light but pleasing carbonation which finishes with a slight delightful hint of coffee. A great example of the style, and well balanced, worth a try at your favorite pub, or a trip to three tides for a pint or two!

Hop Noir - Peak Organic Brewing Company - Portland, Maine

Peak Organic located in Portland Maine, is another brewery producing unique Ales and Lagers, and has quickly become a favorite brew across the great state of Maine, Hop-Noir is definitely one if these type of Ales. This is not an everyday drinking beer, at least in my book,

but what this beer communicates well is that almost anything is possible. This beer pours with a thick dark tan head, and nearly black in color with some ruby highlights when held up to the light. The aroma of sweet malt with a hint of fruitiness and chocolate. The flavor takes over the palette with a strong hop profile up front which is slowly balanced out to sweatier malts, which finish out to a wonderfully silky smooth mocha creaminess. A very complex interesting beer, and well worth the search, I had the pleasure of sampling this Ale at Rock Harbor Pub on draught and like I mentioned previously, not an everyday drinker, but well worth a try to find the specialty holiday niche on your bucket list of beers!

So while you soak up the holiday cheer this season, do it with this three fine unique beers, and celebrate with a toast to flavor!

Cheers have a safe and cheerful holiday season,

Rich

By Richard Ruggiero

Leather works, cobbler, seamstress and beauticianThe only female cobbler

in the State of Maine• Custom Leather Clothing

• Leather Accessories •Repairs

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135 Thomaston St., Thomaston • 594-2342135 Thomaston St., Thomaston • 594-2342MonMon ~~ Fri 10 - 7, Sat by appointment Fri 10 - 7, Sat by appointment

Leather Works & Cobbling

If you can think of it, I can make it!Like us on

The Holidays are Coming!Make reservations for our popular Thanksgiving Buffet

prepared by our award winning Chef.

Serving 11-2 for $1999

We are currently taking reservations for Holiday Parties

- small and large.

Call 338-2646 for information

or to reserve your space today!


Yankee ChefsceneFood

The Yankee Chef would like to extend a great big Season’s Greetings to all the readers of the Scene. With this issue being

on the stands for two months, I have the pleasure of doubling my column. I could give you run of the mill recipes for classic holiday dishes or I can stop talking and give you some out of the ordinary treats you just may make a tradition in your family. So without rambling, enjoy the season, your family and friends and above all, take a peek at this Yankee treats.

Now we have all tried, at one time or another, Warm Indian Pudding. I must say you have never tried it this way. Go to my blog, theyankeechefblogspot.com to find more sauces and the original Yaqnkee Indian Pudding recipe for the dish listed below.

Indian Pudding FrittersOne recipe Indian Pudding, cooked

and cooled overnightDessert sauce of your choice, one is

listed below3 c. prepared pancake batter1 qt. vegetable oil1 large pot*Candy thermometer*Fill your large pot with the

vegetable oil. Heat to 350- degrees , checking the temperature with a candy thermometer.

Place prepared pancake batter in a bowl; set aside. Remove Indian Pudding from refrigerator and carefully,

and thinly, remove top “skin” from the top. With a tablespoon or melonballer, scoop out about a heaping tablespoon of cold pudding and roll between your hands to form a ball. Place in the bowl of pancake batter and continue until you have 6 balls in the batter. Make 6 more balls and set them on a plate to coat in batter.

When oil is hot enough, and with 2 forks, roll each ball in batter to evenly and thickly coat. Gently lift out the Indian Pudding balls with two forks and lower into the hot oil, frying 6 “fritters” at a time. Cook for approximately 45-60 seconds, turning to make sure that all sides are browned. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate or tray. Upon lifting the last ball into oil, place the remainder of the balls into the batter and begin coating.

Repeat process with the last 6 fritters. Serve with Apple Cider Sauce, listed below, or visit my blog for many more sauces that truly elevate this New England dessert to today’s level.

* Or follow manufacturers instructions for deep frying in your deep fryer. heat at least 1 qt.oil to 350-degrees F.

Apple Cider Sauce1/2 c. dark rum.1 qt. pure apple ciderThat’s It!Put cider, and rum if you are

using, in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and gently boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy in texture. This may take anywhere from 12-25 minutes, depending on the strength of your stoves heating element. If you boil it down too much, remember a couple of things. If you decide you want the cider more thick, once removed from the stove, it will thicken even more. If you have left over syrup you want to use again, simply, and gently, heat it back

up and it will thin out. Also, As you reduce the cider, stir more frequently so that it doesn’t scorch or burn on the bottom.

And don’t forget that veritable French Creme Fraiche. Often overlooked, this less-sour version of sour cream has always been a delight when served with fre3sh fruit. The Yankee Chef offers that although we may be a tad stubborn when it comes to our food, we are not going to overlook an addition to our culinary heritage if it is complimentary. And I assure you, the Indian Pudding Fritters and Creme Fraiche do just that!

Figgy Pudding has stepped out of the limelight as of late, but let’s Yank it and try it all over again!

Warm Chocolate Fig CakesThis recipe uses custard

cups(ramekins), I have had luck with muffin tins in the past but just barely. I urge you to spend $2 a cup and keep 6 on hand. The only problem with muffin tins is that 5 may be done while a sixth will not.

1 c. figs, chopped2 T. finely chopped hazelnuts or

pecans2/3 c. butter or margarine3/4 c. chocolate chips2 oz. unsweetened chocolate2 eggs4 egg yolks1/2 c. sugar3 T. flourPreheat oven to 350°F. Butter eight

6-ounce custard cups(or use a muffin tin) or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place cups on baking sheet. Sprinkle figs and nuts in bottom of cups, dividing evenly. Heat butter, chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate in small saucepan over low heat or in microwave until smoothly melted; set aside to cool slightly. Beat eggs, egg yolks and sugar with electric mixer on high speed until mixture is very thick, like meringue, about 3 minutes. Fold in chocolate mixture, gently but thoroughly. Fold in flour. Spoon batter into prepared dishes, filling almost full.

Bake in center of oven 15 to 18 minutes or until puffed and set around edges. Cool 5 minutes. Run knife around edge of dishes and invert cakes onto serving plate. Serve immediately.

The Holidays wouldn’t be the same without some sort of cookie for everyone. Look no further!

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies

3 c. flour2 t. baking soda1 1/2 t. cinnamon1 1/2 t. ground ginger3/4 t. ground cloves1/2 t. salt1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar1 c. (2 sticks) butter or margarine,

softened

By Jim Bailey

Season’s greeting from the


The Mermaid Restaurant

& Pub atHomeport Inn

121 East Main St.

Searsport, ME 04974

Inn: (207)-548-2259

Pub: (207)-548-0084

The Mermaid Restaurant

121 E Main St. • Searsport Restaurant: 207-548-0084HomeporthistoricInn.com

dishTop

RESTAURANT HOURS: Open Tue - Sat 4 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Closed Mondays • Happy Hour Tues - Thurs 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sun 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

1/3 c. molasses1 egg1 2/3 c. (11-oz. package)

butterscotch chipsPreheat oven to 350° F. Combine

flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat sugar, butter, molasses and egg in lg. mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour mixture until well blended. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded T. onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

So simple, you’ll wonder why you have never made this before.

‘Tis the Season Gingerbread Bark

Parchment or wax paper2 (8 oz.) dark chocolate candy bars,

finely chopped1/4 c. white chocolate chips1 t. vegetable oil1/3 to 1/2 c. chopped or crumbled

gingersnap cookiesLine baking sheet with parchment

or wax paper. Melt 2/3 of dark chocolate in uncovered, microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute; Stir. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Add remaining dark chocolate and stir until melted. Spread chocolate into 10 x 8-inch rectangle on prepared baking sheet.

Microwave white chips in small, heavy-duty plastic food storage bag for 30 seconds. Knead bag until chips are smooth. Add oil; knead to combine. Cut tiny corner from bag;

squeeze to drizzle over dark chocolate. Immediately sprinkle chopped cookies over bark.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Break bark into 24 pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Cook’s Tip: 1 1/4 c. chocolate chips may be used in place of dark chocolate baking bars.

Here is something your kids will surely love. Visit my blog for many, many children’s candy ideas. Simply put the word Christmas in the search space and you will find some hilarious ideas to treat the kids to.

Homemade Christmas Coal1/4 c. butter or margarine10 oz. marshmallows1/8 t. black food coloring4 c. rice cerealMelt butter and add marshmallows

in a large saucepan. Add black food coloring and mix in well. Add rice cereal and stir until blended. Drop by small spoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper. Make different shapes and sizes. Cool. Place 3-5 of

them into a small cellophane or ziptop bag and tie with ribbon.

Include a tag saying…“I heard you have been naughty

not nice, and Santa even checked his list twice.

So all the way from the cold North Pole all you’re getting is a bag of coal.”

I will see you next year everyone, and thank you for all the readership, emails and visits I have gotten since my column first appeared in The Scene. I truly hope everyone continues to read this great paper, the free monthly’s are slowly going by the wayside. Don’t let this happen to The Scene. Happy Holidays and please feel free to email me at [email protected] with ideas, questions and responses.

The Mermaid Restaurant and Pub at Homeport Inn is a full service pub and restaurant located at 121 E Main St in Searsport, Me. We offer chef prepared meals specializing in fresh local seafood, angus steak, grass fed buffalo, fresh chicken, burgers and kid’s meals. Come try our hand cut french fries, sweet potato fries or onion rings. Save room for one of our home made desserts. Reserve a table by the fireplace or come watch your favorite team on one of our flat screens. Book your Holiday Party with us. Visit us at HomeportHistoricInn.com or reach us at 548-0084.

138 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915338-6262 • 338-6266Sunday - Thursday 11 - 9pmFriday - Saturday 11 - 10 pm

WED-SUN 11:00-2:30LUNCH BUFFET

$695

FRI & SAT 4:00-8:00DINNER BUFFET

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DELIVERY within 5 MILES

Oriental CuisineCheck out our Daily Lunch Specials

Serving Beer & Wine • Take Out or Dine InHours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm

Delivery within 5 miles207.338.2216 / 207.338.2226

185 Searsport Ave., Route 1(near The Welcome Center) Belfast, Maine

Voted BestChinese Restaurant“2007, 2008, 2009

& 2011”

Ming’sChinese RestaurantChinese Restaurant


sceneMusician

Blind Albert

Location: Rockland,MaineSounds like: Blind Albert [is] one

of a kind.Influenced by: The world’s great

musicians, songwriters and guitar players

How long have you been a musician? I started playing music back in 1965, about 45 years.

What led you to make the choice? My dad played guitar so there was

always a guitar in the house. Once I heard the Rolling Stones back in 1965, I was hooked [I’ve] been rockin’ and rollin’ ever since.

What’s it like being a musician in Maine? Well you certainly don’t get rich. I have been able to make a living playing music, it’s not as glamorous as most people would think. I’ve been able to work and play with a lot of great blues people over the past 22 years I’ve been in Maine.

Have you faced any challenges? Many. Lots of traveling through snow storms, late night driving, getting home at 4 a.m., equipment and cars breaking down, showing up at a club to find it closed, dealing with unscrupulous club owners who don’t want to pay you, etc. It all comes with the territory.

Where are some of the places you’ve performed? North Atlantic Blues Festival, most clubs in the Midcoast area and around the state, California, Connecticut, Cape Cod.

What is the most memorable thing someone has said to you in regards to a performance, a song or to you as a musician in general? There’s been a few. I’m also a live sound engineer. I’ve worked with some of the greatest blues people in the world. Shemekia Copeland once asked me to be her sound man for her shows but I was unable to travel, [it was] a very nice complement. Having people come up to me after a performance and tell me how much they enjoyed my playing and singing and also the overwhelming response I’ve received from an NPR interview

that was produced by Tina Antolini and a documentary I produced about my experiences in combat in Vietnam.

Your favorite song to perform/sing? Any of my original songs.

Are you going to be performing anywhere over the upcoming holiday season? I’ll be performing with my band in Portland in the upcoming months at a great blues and jazz club called Gingko Blue. I’ll be performing in and around the Midcoast area, a great place called Fresh at Bayview Landing in Camden, Rock City in Rockland, Highlands Coffee House in Thomason and a few other venues. You can find me on Facebook, my schedule etc. Do a search for Vincent Gabriel Blind Albert and my page will pop up.

MAINE STATE PRISONSHOWROOM

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The Prison Showroom offers high quality

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Hand crafted products make for unique

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207.218.4110


sceneHoliday Drink

Looking for a new drink to have a taste of this coming holiday season? Here are some fun, yummy drinks that are perfect for

the winter season. Or maybe you don’t want to ring in the new year with plain old champagne? There are two toast-perfect drinks included.

Gingerbread Apple Cocktail 2 oz. Domaine de Canton1 oz. vanilla vodka2.5 oz. apple ciderA few drops of lemon juiceOrange zestAgave syrupLine a chilled martini glass lightly

with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs. Place all ingredients except for

orange zest in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately.

Mocha Nog Punch 10 parts Kahlúa Mocha5 parts Absolut Vanilla20 parts eggnogCombine ingredients and serve in a

punchbowl with a floating ice block. Hint: Freeze ice with coffee beans

for decoration.

Cranberry Spice 1 oz. Domaine de Canton1/2 oz. Cabernet

Sauvignon1/2 oz. Chambord2 oz. cranberry

juiceShake well with

ice. Use 3 cranberries for garnish.

Rum Butter Cider 1 oz. Grand Marnier1 oz. Bols Butterscotch Liqueur1 1/2 oz. Zacapa 23 Year Rum4 oz. hot apple ciderPut the first three ingredients in a

mug and add the hot cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star anise.

Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake Martini

2 parts EFFEN Raspberry Vodka1/2 part chocolate liqueur1/2 part Irish creamServe in a cocoa-rimmed martini

glass with a raspberry garnish.

Delicious Night Blackberry Martini

1 oz. p.i.n.k. Vodka1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice1 oz. blackberry brandy1/2 oz. CointreauSplash of sour mixFresh blackberriesCombine ingredients over ice

and shake well. Strain into a well-chilled martini glass. Pour 1 1/2 scoops of mulled blackberries through the center. Stir slightly. Garnish with a blackberry on the edge of the glass.

Chambord & Champagne 2 1/2 oz. ChambordChampagneRaspberries, for garnishAdd Chambord to bottom of flute

glass and top with champagne. Drop in a raspberry for garnish. Quick and easy but glamorous all the same.

Ruby Sipper This modern beverage lends

itself perfectly to being the signature cocktail at a holiday gathering or to putting a spin on the traditional New Year’s toast.

1 1/4 oz. citrus vodka3/4 oz. peach liqueur2 oz. white cranberry juice1 1/2 oz. Barefoot Bubbly Premium

Extra DryPomegranate seedsPlace spoonful of pomegranate

seeds in a chilled martini glass. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, peach liqueur, and white cranberry juice with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass. Top with Barefoot Bubbly and serve.

Mon.-Fri. 9am~5:30 • 207-563-528177 Biscay Rd., Damariscotta (3/10 miles from McDonald’s on the right)

SCARBOROUGH’S COLLISION REPAIRAll Makes & Models

DISTRIBUTED MONTHLYALONG THECOAST OF MAINE:LINCOLN, KNOX AND WALDO COUNTIESscsceneneeth

e

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Video Games 1. Assassin’s Creed III (XBox 360)2. Assassin’s Creed III (PS3)3. Just Dance 4 (Wii)4. Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (PC)5. Just Dance: Disney Party (Wii)6. FIFA Soccer 13 (PS3)7. FIFA Soccer 13 (XBox 360)8. Pokémon Black Version 2 (DS/3DS)9. Madden NFL 13 (XBox 360)10. New Super Mario Bros 2 (DS)

10Top Books (fiction, combined print)

1. Reflected in You (Sylvia Day)2. The Racketeer (John Grisham)3. 50 Shades of Grey (E L James)4. 50 Shades Freed (E L James)5. 50 Shades Darker (E L James)6. The Panther (Nelson DeMille)7. The Casual Vacancy (JK Rowling)8. My Kind of Christmas (Robyn Carr)9. Back to Blood (Tom Wolfe)10. Cloud Atlas (David Mitchell)

Kindle downloads 1. Perfect Hope (Nora Roberts)2. The Racketeer (John Grisham)3. American Patriot’s Almanac (William J. Bennett, John T.E. Cribb)4. The Secret of Ella and Micha (Jessica Sorensen)

Theater Movies 1. Wreck It Ralph2. Flight3. Argo4. The Man With the Iron Fists5. Cloud Atlas6. Taken 27. Paranormal Activity 48. Silent Hill: Revelation 3D9. Hotel Transylvania10. Here Comes the Boom

Digital Music Downloads 1. “Gangam Style” PSY2. “Locked out of Heaven” Bruno Mars3. “Die Young” Ke$ha4. “One More Night” Maroon 55. “Diamonds” Rihanna6. “Some Nights” fun.7. “22” Taylor Swift8. “I Cry” Flo Rida9. “Home” Phillip Phillips10. “I Almost Do” Taylor Swift

Albums 1. Red (Taylor Swift)2. good kid - (m.A.A.d city)3. Night Train (Jason Aldean)4. Babel (Mumford & Sons)5. Viva Duets (Tony Bennett)6. Black and Blu (Gary Clark Jr.)7. House of Gold and Bones Part 1 (Stone Sour)8. The Truth About Love (P!nk)9. On This Winter’s Night (Lady Antebellum)10. Two Eleven (Brandy)

Books (non-fiction, combined print) 1. Proof of Heaven (Eben Alexander)2. Killing Kennedy (Bill O’Reilly, Martin Dugard)3. No Easy Day (Mark Owen, Kevin Mauer)4. Killing Lincoln (Bill O’Reilly, Martin Dugard)5. Rod (Rod Stewart)6. The Signal and The Noise (Nate Silver)7. Makeup to Breakup (Peter Criss, Larry Sloman)8. How Children Succeed (Paul Tough)9. America Again (Stephen Colbert)10. Heaven is for Real (Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent)

5. The Unwanted Wife (Natasha Anders)6. Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn)7. Reflected in You (Sylvia Day)8. Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (Manel Loureiro, Pamela Carmell)9. 50 Shades Freed (E L James)10. NYPD Red (James Patterson, Marshall Karp)

1. Podcasts2. Find My Phone3. Pinterest4. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 for iPad5. Drop Box

6. CSR Racing7. Chrome8. Temple Run — Brave9. Mega Run — Redford’s Adventure10. Skype

iPad/iPhone downloads (free)


sceneRecycled Art

By Destiny Ward

How to make less trash, by making more art

I believe that everyone is an artist, and everyone can make art. You don’t need to go out and spend lots of money on fancy art supplies to

be creative! Sometimes, all you need to create something beautiful, is a new way of looking at old things, and the courage to give it a try. Challenge yourself to think outside the box to come up with a use for some of the things you might otherwise throw out.

Making art out of recycled materials is a win/win situation. You are saving yourself money by making something on your own, and you are helping the environment and your community by choosing to reduce the amount of stuff you contribute to landfills.

Never underestimate the potential you have to create something amazing. You can make something beautiful and have a positive affect on people around you as a result. This might sound like a lofty goal for something as simple as re-purposing household garbage, but making the choice to reuse materials can have some great consequences.

Artist Vik Muniz, created art using garbage from one of the world’s largest dumps, which is located in Brazil. He used all the money from the sales of his artwork, to help the community in which the dump is located. His goal was to try to improve the daily lives of the “catadore”, or garbage pickers, who make their living by sifting

through and organizing, mountains of garbage every day. You can learn more about Vik Muniz and his project in the documentary film, “Wasteland”, directed by Lucy Walker.

A neighborhood in Detroit was revitalized thanks to the Heidelberg Project and the art of Tyree Guyton. He decorated buildings in his neighborhood with works of art using found materials and paint in wild colors. He made something people would want to look at, because he wanted encourage people to visit the city, and breathe life back into his community.

Necessity is the mother of invention. These days we have no choice but to consider the impact

we each have on the environment. Throwing things away is expensive! Recycling items by either reusing them or taking them to a recycling center is free! If you can’t use your recyclables, surely someone can. At Midcoast Solid Waste in Camden, you can bring your returnable bottles to donate to The Lions Club, which will help to fund their community service programs, such as the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets they create and distribute to community members in need.

Local schools will usually take donations of materials for their art classes. Egg cartons, cereal boxes, newspapers, and yogurt containers are

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Home Brewed SoapsBusiness name: Home Brewed Soaps What is it that you make and sell?

I make beer soap out of Olive, Castor, Coconut, Shea Butter, Avocado oil, home brewed beer and lye.

How did you get started making it? I started making soap about 7 years ago for Christmas presents and fell in love with not only the art of making soap but more importantly the way my skin felt after using homemade soap. I stopped making soaps for a couple of years before I came across the idea of making beer soap. My partner brews beer as a hobby and one day we were brainstorming and I said, “ I wonder if I can make soap with beer?” So then I googled it and found that the process

was very much the same as I already knew so I began making it with beer rather than water. Shortly after Home Brewed Soaps was born.

When did the idea of selling it come to you? The idea of selling it came to me after gifting the soaps that year for Christmas. Everyone that I gave the soap to kept telling me that I should sell the soaps, so I did. I sold them for awhile at various craft shows in the area as a very part time business. Then there was a time in between my old method of soap making to my now new method of beer soap making where I didn’t make soap at all. The idea of selling has always been with me in just about any venture I take and have taken throughout my

life. I am an entrepreneur at heart and I naturally always have the thought in my head, “I wonder if I could sell this and make a business out of it?”

Where is the home base for your business located? My business or should I say soap shop/brew room is located at my house on Oliver Street in Rockland. I have a soap shop in my garage where I make the soap. I don’t have a retail store there however I do have customers come by for their beer soaps by appointment only.

Where are Home Brewed soaps available for sale? Home Brewed Soaps are available for sale both locally and online. You can find Home Brewed Soaps locally at The Good Tern Co-Op in Rockland, Fresh off The Farm in Rockport, The Wine Shack in Freeport, Snapdragons Flowers and Gifts in Rockland, Pure Maine LLC in Blue Hill, and at The Waldo County Craft Co-Op in Searsport. Online you can purchase Home Brewed Soaps at www.homebrewedsoaps.com and on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeBrewedSoaps . Home Brewed

Soaps are available in regular size bars and also custom size guest soaps for Inns, Party Favors, Wedding Favors and more. For custom orders contact me at [email protected] with questions.

What have been the challenges of making and selling your own product? The challenges of making and selling my own product is keeping up with the demand, and juggling life and work. It is hard to delegate and organize time. Also with soapmaking it is very difficult to draw the line with the scents. I find it very hard to stick to certain scents. My soap shop is flooded with different essential and fragrance oils just waiting to go into a batch of soap!

Rewards of having your own business? I enjoy being able to work when I want to and not having a set schedule and it is really rewarding and gratifying to hear positive feedback from customers who love my beer soap!

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Q & A with Melanie Landi


What is the Wreath Nook, Etc.? The Wreath Nook, Etc. is a home-based, retail business. I hand –craft seasonal, along with year ‘round, wreaths and décor. I have several other hand-made items also; this is where the “Etc.” comes in. I make everything myself in a cozy room in the back of my home.

How did it get started? I have always enjoyed creating with my hands. I actually began making Christmas and dried floral wreaths when I was a teenager. I worked locally for a couple of different companies. It wasn’t until around 1994 that I decided to branch out on my own, and began setting up at craft fairs around the state. I did take a break for several years to spend time with my daughter and just be a Mom. I picked it back up a few years ago, working mostly during the holiday season.

I have been painting since 2005, when I realized my love for the art. I came from a long line of artists, including my great-grandfather, whose work is still being displayed in the Smithsonian, New York Historical Society and the Cooley Gallery. My Father was also an incredible artist, in the areas of portraits, landscape, sketches and graphic art, as well as illustrating some of my Mom’s books. I would sit for hours as a child and watch him work. I guess that is where I picked up my painting talent. I love to paint on slate or wood mostly.

What types of items do you make? I hand-craft Maine balsam fir wreaths, garland, kissing balls

and tabletop trees for the holidays, along with a variety of eucalyptus and dried floral wreaths and decors for all seasons. I also make hand-painted signs on roof slates and wood. Holidays are a busy time as I make hand-painted wooden ornaments and cross-stitched pillow ornaments also. The pillow ornaments are filled with a wonderful balsam scent. Recently, my daughter has added a couple of items to the business as she is making fleece, hand tied pillows and mini security blankets.

Is there a “specialty” product that you make and sell? I guess my specialty product around the holidays would be my Balsam Fir wreaths and kissing balls. I have picked up several new customers, including local businesses, in the past few years, and I have a long list of repeat customers every year.

Any other time of the year, I would say that my eucalyptus and dried floral wreaths would be my specialty product. I have recently designed a “Pink” wreath for Breast Cancer Awareness as suggested by many customers. 10% of all proceeds from the sale of this particular wreath will be donated to the Susan G. Komen fund.

Where is the home-base for the Wreath Nook, Etc.? I am located in the small town of Dover-Foxcroft. I work right out of my home. We just bought our house this summer and I have a cozy room on the back of the house that I work in. I encourage my customers to stop in to see what I might have made up or to make an order. I do try to be very accommodating.

Where can they be purchased? Products can be purchased right out of my home, but I do also have a Facebook page and Etsy page. I try to keep them updated as much as possible. Customers have the option to purchase readymade items or to special order what they desire, than I ship them as they are completed. I will send a picture of the finished item if they prefer before shipping, in case they want to add anything.

My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wreath-Nook-Etc/197885520256659 , where you can Like my page and see items that I post, comment, send a message and order. My Etsy page is http://www.etsy.com/shop/wreathnooketc where you can order particular items that I post for sale.

Do you make things upon request? Yes, I do make things upon request. I have made several dried floral designs by color schemes for customers. My Christmas wreaths and décor also have the option of choosing bow colors, extra decorations, and pretty much

whatever the customer wants.Most of my slates are done by

request. If you have a specific name, address and/or picture, I will paint it on a slate.

The best way to special order is through my contact information on my Facebook page or to send your request to my business email: [email protected] .

The Wreath Nook, Etc.sceneHandcraft

Q & A with Cynthia Schmand-Philbrook


sceneMusic

By Marc Ratner

The gift of music - for free - all year long

After a year of writing assorted columns about music in 2012 I thought this last “holiday” column of the year, which will

run in the combined November and December issue of “The Scene”, should be about where and how to discover new music and artists - but with a twist.

As this is another tough year financially for many of us in Maine - instead of just recommending this artist and that musician and suggesting where to buy their music - let me introduce you to two places where you can discover new artists and get new music from them for free.

Completely legally and with the artist’s blessing.

First let’s talk about Noisetrade. www.noisetrade.com

It’s started with Derek Webb.Derek Webb started his music

career over 20 years ago as a founding member of the Texas-based folk/rock band Caedmon’s Call and moved on from the band after 10 years to pursue a solo career. In 2006 he decided to give away one of his albums for free online in trade for some information from his fans - their name, an email address and a zipcode. Those three items used with permission allow an artist to communicate about new music releases and shows in the fan’s area.

After Derek made the offer over 80,000 fans made the trade for the free album.

From this start came Noisetrade. Derek and five other companions started the company and website which helps musicians of every kind make that same trade with fans.

The number of artists that have signed up and traded single tracks, EPs and full albums now numbers in the thousands.

The music is always free for the fans but there is a way to “tip” the artist for sharing their music if you want to help them financially. Noisetrade is always completely free as well for the artists and only makes money by taking a percentage of the “tips”.

There are 18 different musical genres featured on the Noisetrade site including “Singer - Songwriter”,

“Country”, “Jazz”, “Children”, “World”, “Classical” & “Rock”.

A lot of artists use the site to give away special releases in-between their regular studio recordings. For instance The Civil Wars - 2012 double Grammy Award winners - have listed a live album on the site:

It’s great way for music fans and musicians to find each other in a world where commercial media is limited in their ability to expose new music.

If Noisetrade is too much of an adventure to start looking for free new music then there’s a website that is even easier to use to download free songs and albums....Amazon.com

Amazon not only has thousands of free songs that they offer in many

different genres they also promote new artists with their “Artists On The Rise” feature that monthly promotes musicians they love with free songs.

Amazon on their “Best Sellers” mp3 music page lists both the top 100 best selling albums and the top 100 ranking free albums....and do the same for songs.

Here’s how you get to the free songs on Amazon.

After you link to Amazon.com click on the arrow next to “Search” and choose mp3 music and hit “Go”. Once you’re on the mp3 page - click on “Best Sellers”. That will bring up the Top 100 sold and free charts. Then on the left hand side of the page click on either mp3 songs or albums and that will again bring up the Top 100 charts but also will bring up music genres down the left hand side. Clicking on any of them will bring up the top free songs or albums (whichever type you’ve clicked on) for that genre.

It’s easy and it’s free. Download away.

Best of all the artists encourage you to do it.

Why?Here’s the strange part.In almost every case - the songs

and albums that are given away for free end up being the best sellers for the artists as well.

How do I know?My Camden based indie music

label Mishara Music has given away


over 600,000 songs on Amazon.We regularly feature samplers on

Amazon and have four in release now:To find them on Amazon - go to the

“Search” mp3 box and type in Mishara Music. That will bring up the samplers which have 39 different free songs for downloading.

3 of the artists on the samplers Barnaby Bright www.barnabybright.com, Connor Garvey www.connorgarveysongs.com and Chris Ross www.chrisross.net (both Connor and Chris are from Maine - Barnaby Bright is a married couple from Kansas who now live in Brooklyn, NY) will be at the Camden Opera House for a Mishara Music evening of music on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

Tickets will go on sale in December and if you’re looking for a special way to spend Valentine’s Day on a dark night in the middle of winter in Maine come join us for a warm, special evening of music.

But don’t trust my judgement about the music and the evening - download their free songs for yourself and make up your own mind.

My holiday present to you along with thousands of other free songs.

Happy Holidays!Marc

Winter Music PicksSara Willis’ album picks from “In

Tune By Ten” - heard Monday through Friday at 10pm & Sunday at 10am on MPBN - the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (for station frequencies & streaming go to www.mpbn.net)

2012 was a great year for music and I could list 25-50 records you should buy, but instead I will tell you about the two that just have never gotten out of the cd players here in the studio. In this time of downloading single songs, these records have ALL great songs. Kathleen Edwards’ record, Voyageur and Sara Watkins’s record Sun MIdnight Sun are the two that I just keep coming back to. Both records have great songwriting and the best musicians, and the songs range from gorgeous ballads to edgy rock songs. It’s all there from these two fabulous artists! Happy listening!

Denis Howard’s album pick from WERU 89.9 Blue Hill, 99.9 Bangor & streaming at www.weru.org

In 2012 there was no album more anticipated and more rewarding at WERU than The Avett Brothers’ “The Carpenter”. People were requesting songs from the album before we ever received our copy. After it did arrive it was easily one of the most requested and most played records of the year at the station. Only Bonnie Raitt’s new album “Slipsteam” came close to that kind of reception in 2012. Happy holidays from everyone at WERU.

Holiday Happenings

Festival of Lights (Rockland)The 2012 Rockland Festival of

Lights Celebration will kick off on Friday, Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. when Santa arrives by U.S. Coast Guard boat. The lighting of the world famous lobster trap tree will happen later that evening at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., the annual Festival of Lights Parade will start at Harbor Park and proceed down Main Street. The street will remain closed until 8 p.m. to allow people to enjoy shopping, hot cocoa and other festivities. The festival

wraps on Sunday, Nov. 25, starting with a pancake breakfast with Santa. The breakfast is at the Tradewinds restaurant, Red Jacket, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. For more information, visit the Rockland Main Street website at rocklandmainstreet.com

Harbor Lights Festival (Boothbay Harbor)

From Saturday, Dec. 1 through Dec. 2, enjoy Boothbay Harbor’s 26th annual Harbor Lights Festival. The event kicks off with the Festival of Trees on Friday, Nov. 30. The weekend is full of fun, family friendly events like the annual craft show and Christmas fair. Christmas carols will be sung with Santa on the lawn of the Boothbay Memorial Library. Santa will be available for lap time at Gimbel’s Country Store. A lighted boat parade will proceed around the harbor. For more information visit boothbayharbor.com

Christmas by the Sea (Camden, Rockport,

Lincolnville)The 26th annual Christmas by the

Sea event kicks off on Friday, Nov. 30 with the arrival of Santa by boat to the midcoast. The event, that runs from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, includes photos and story hour with Santa, musical entertainment, a community tree lighting ceremony, a parade and fireworks. Stores and restaurants will also have Holiday sales and specials. For more information visit visitcamden.com.

New Years By The Bay (Belfast)

Ring in the New Year at Belfast’s 15th New Years By The Bay. The event, a chem-free celebration, provides a fun, family friendly way to end 2012 and start 2013. Admission buttons for the event can be bought in advance at Parent Gallery, The Belfast Co-Op, Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge, Hannaford’s service desk, Mr. Paperback or online at nybb.org. On New Year’s Eve, buttons can be purchased at most venue locations until they are sold out. For more information on participating event restaurants and venues, as well as music performances, visit nybb.org.


all useful materials in the classroom.I use fabric scraps from my son’s

outgrown or ripped clothing, to make patchwork quilts, stuffed toys, and baby blankets for friends. Most of my paintings are made on scrap wood or recycled canvases. I shop at Goodwill for unique frames that I can repaint, and use to display my kid’s artwork. The possibilities are endless when it comes to reusing objects, and when you create your own art you are guaranteed to come up with something one of a kind.

To keep your house from looking like it belongs on an episode of Hoarders, try to keep your recycling clean and organized, and only hold onto what you’re sure you can use in the next month. While it’s just not

possible to find a use for everything, there are some items that I find I never have to throw out because I can always come up with a use for them:

laundry detergent bottlessoup cansstained, ripped, or outgrown clothesbaby food jarspasta sauce jarsgift wrap or tissue papercoffee cansWith the holiday season quickly

approaching consider the DIY (Do-it-yourself ) approach to gift giving and decorating. Try making your own gift wrap, tree ornaments, or greeting cards. It’s easy, and free- most of your supplies can be found in your recycling!

For more FREE recycled art projects and gift ideas visit my website www.theyellowhousegallery.com

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mavenSocial Media

This is a series of articles relating to social media trends, tips and tricks for your personal and business lives by Shannon

Kinney of Dream Local Digital. She has more than 16 years of experience in the development of successful Internet products, sales and marketing strategy. She has worked on the teams developing successful Internet brands such as cars.com, careerbuilder.com, over 60 online media properties for newspapers all over the U.S. and Canada, and has worked with high profile companies such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo! and many others on their online strategy development.

Why many businesses are missing the boat with social media (and how to make sure you’re not one of them!)

Social media and blogs reach 80% of all active internet users in the U.S., and businesses are flocking to social media to market themselves. However, many of them are not leveraging the platforms to their potential. Here are seven tips to help you find success for your business with these tools.

Not using social media: Many small businesses are concerned that they aren’t sure how to use social media tools, or do not have the time to effectively manage social media campaigns. As more and more consumers turn to social media and search engines to make decisions on what to buy, where to eat, shop, vacation and more, businesses that avoid social media are missing out on tremendous opportunities to connect with customers and prospects alike. If your team is lacking the knowhow or the time to manage social media, find help. Dream Local Digital has a wealth of resources to assist you.

Not being part of the conversation: Some businesses believe that starting to utilize social media will “invite” controversy or bad reviews, and that ignoring it is a proper strategy. However, in today’s environment, businesses will be talked about on

social media whether they like it or not. Coca Cola, in fact, did not start their Facebook page, two fans did. When the page quickly reached 2million fans, the Company realized they needed to take control of the page and it is now one of the largest in the world with over 55million fans at this writing. Social media is word of mouth on steroids and in public, and each business should take the management of their brand and reputation online seriously by being part of the conversation, and understanding what is said about them where online and responding appropriately. Before social media, when the average person had a bad experience they told ten other people. With social media, that number increases exponentially. The average person has more than 225 friends on Facebook alone. There are several tools available to allow you to monitor what is being said about your brand and where online, and it’s important for businesses to take control of their reputation management.

Use the right networks: While Facebook is the largest (more than 1billion active users at this writing), and for most businesses the most important network, each social network has different strengths and abilities to reach your potential customers. Pinterest or Instagram may be the best choices for jewelry or fashion, Foursquare is powerful for deals and loyalty programs, LinkedIn is strongest for business to business, and Twitter is strong for customer service, discovery, and promoting content. It’s important to understand each network and its strengths, and how you can best deliver your brand messages to your audience.

Develop clear goals and have a plan: When first starting out with social media, building brand awareness and audience are primary goals, but they could also include reaching new target markets, developing loyalty programs and engaging with

customers, customer service, and more. Have realistic expectations and goals, and match them to your overall marketing plan for your business. Also, have a strategic plan on how to use social media – what messages will be posted where, when? What target audiences are you trying to reach? Successful businesses have well-thought out strategies and do not post on a whim on social media. You wouldn’t whip out a TV commercial at the last minute, and you shouldn’t do that for social media posts either.

Know your customer, and how to find them online: One of the beauties of online marketing, particularly with social media, is the ability to specifically target niche audiences. On LinkedIn, for example, you can target your message only to specific industries, companies, or job titles. On Facebook, you can target users by geography, interests, and other key demographics. Unlike traditional advertising that more than likely needs to have broad appeal, you can be specific with your audience and connect with the on a deeper level. This requires business owners to be specific. Who are you trying to reach? Out of your entire product or service line, what is the most profitable to you and who buys that? Where do they hang out online?

Become an expert and resource: The most successful businesses online utilize social media to become a resource and establish their expertise. What questions are you best able to answer for potential customers? What are frequently asked questions in your industry or about your business? What objections do you need to overcome in the sales process? Create social media (and potentially blog) posts on these topics and promote them. It will build credibility, brand awareness, increase your rankings in search engine results, and drive sales.

Measure results: The adage is true “what you measure, moves”, and social

media marketing provides detailed reports and statistics on results. Utilize the reporting available on the networks (Facebook Insights are the strongest across networks), and also review the Google analytics of your site to gauge traffic being driven to your site from social platforms.

Not sure how to do this for your business? Need help growing your business with social media? Write [email protected] and we will get you a free social media review with recommendations and tips just for you and your business!

Have a question for Shannon or suggestion of what you’d like to see in the next issue? Send it to [email protected]. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram and many more.

www.facebook.com/dreamlocal www.twitter.com/shannonkin

By Shannon Kinney


doHoliday Season list

list

toto

30 November n Winter farmers’ market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aubuchon Hard-ware greenhouse, 231 Northport Ave., Belfast. There will be 16 ven-dors selling local produce, cheese, baked goods, chicken, lamb, beef, water buffalo, preserves, chutney, apples, cider, honey, yarn, soap, crafts and more. There will be no market Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiv-ing.

1 December n Holly Berry Fair, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rockport Garden Club’s Annual Holly Berry Fair at the Rockport Opera House. Ginger-bread houses, jewelry, handmade articles, decorative hand-painted items, Granny’s Attic treasures, beautiful centerpieces with greenery and decorative baskets, home-baked delights, and many more artistic goods. All proceeds are to benefi t the beauty of Rockport, and for scholarships to local graduates.

n Harbor Lights Festival, 9 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus with Elves arrive by boat, festival of trees display in historic Opera House with silent auction, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday craft fairs, lighting of the town tree, holiday carols, live nativity and spectacular lighted boat parade. Call for full schedule of events. FMI: 633-2353

n Rockport Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rockport Farmer’s Market, 461 Commercial St., Rockport Marketplace, Rockport. Organic eggs and produce; pastured pork, beef and poultry; lies; breads, pastries, sandwiches; fresh and aged cheeses. Year round. Indoors in winter. Every Saturday.

n The Met: Live in HD, 1 to 4 p.m. Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland,

17 November n Rockport Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rockport Farmer’s Market, 461 Commercial St., Rockport Marketplace, Rockport. Organic eggs and produce; pastured pork, beef and poultry; lies; breads, pastries, sandwiches; fresh and aged cheeses. Year round. Indoors in winter. Every Saturday.

n “Artfull Gifts”, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Invitational fi ne art and craft event featur-ing the work of 50 New England-based artists, artisans and artisanal food creators at Point Lookout, Route 1, Northport. Cost: $3. A percentage of all admissions benefi t Coastal Mountains Land Trust.

n Frozen Turkey Hunt, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the Frozen Turkey Hunt, a great, free Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens tradition, different age groups search for apples, many of which win prizes to enhance the Thanksgiving feast, dozens of turkeys, as well as other foods and pop-ping-corn cobs. A Golden Apple hidden along with the other apples will be good for 150 gallons of fuel oil, donated by the presenting sponsor, the Dead River Company. Other activities include apple tasting, decorating sugar cookies, cre-ative coloring, and a fall obstacle course presented on the Great Lawn by Air & Water Quality, Inc. Complimentary apple cider and hotdogs fresh off the grill, courtesy of Cap’n Fish Whale Watch. 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay.

n “Barrymore”, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Filmed 2011 performance by Christopher Plummer at Elgin Theater in Toronto plus “Backstage with Barrymore” short docu-mentary screened one-time-only at Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland. Cost: $8.50/ $7.50. FMI: 594-0070.

n Harvest of Talents Variety Show, 6 to 9 p.m. Chili and cornbread supper fol-lowed by 7 p.m. show of music, singing, monologues, skits, readings and knitting, with dessert at intermis-sion, at United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, Belfast. Cost: $10; $6 younger than 12. FMI: 338-5575. Evening ends with a free giveaway.

n “All Shook Up”, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Rockin’ musical fi lled with Elvis Presley hits pre-sented in gymnasium of Belfast Area High School, 98 Waldo Ave. Cost: $8; $5 students, senior citizens. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; and 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 18.

n “Cinderella”, 7 to 9 p.m. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical presented at Oceanside East, 400 Broadway, Rockland. Cost: $8; $6 students, senior citizens.

n “The Spiral Staircase”, 7 to 9 p.m. Mount View High School drama students present stage adaptation of classic thriller at the Clifford Performing Arts Center of

the school, Route 220, Thorndike. Cost: $5, $4 with a non-perishable food dona-

tion. Nightly through Nov. 17. Proceeds support the MVHS drama program,

funded solely by donations and ticket sales.

n “West Side Story”, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Camden Hills Regional High School pres-ents Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” in the Strom Auditorium of the school, Route 90, Rockport. Cost: $12 reserved; gen-eral admission $10, $6 students/senior citizens in advance at strom-tickets.com. Tickets will be $15/$12/$8 at door. FMI: 236-7800, ext. 282. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 17.

n “Once on This Island”, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Medomak Valley Players present Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s tropical dance theater musical at Medomak Valley High School, Manktown Road, Waldoboro.

Cost: $10. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 17.

18 November n “Artfull Gifts”, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Invitational fine art and craft event

featuring the work of 50 New England-based artists, artisans and artisanal food creators at Point Lookout, Route 1, Northport. Cost: $3. A percentage of all admissions benefit Coastal Mountains Land Trust.

n “Cinderella”, 2 to 4 p.m. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical presented at Oceanside East, 400 Broadway, Rockland. Cost: $8; $6 students, senior citizens.

n “All Shook Up”, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Rockin’ musical fi lled with Elvis Presley hits presented in gymna-sium of Belfast Area High School, 98 Waldo Ave. Cost: $8; $5 students, senior citizens. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; and 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 18.

23 November

n Winter farmers’ market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aubuchon Hardware greenhouse, 231 Northport Ave., Belfast. There will be 16 vendors selling local produce, cheese, baked goods, chicken, lamb, beef, water buffalo, preserves, chutney, apples, cider, honey, yarn, soap, crafts and more. There will be no market Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

24 November n Rockport Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rockport Farmer’s Market, 461 Commercial St., Rockport Marketplace, Rockport. Organic eggs and produce; pas-tured pork, beef and poultry; lies; breads, pastries, sandwiches; fresh and aged cheeses. Year round. Indoors in winter. Every Saturday.


dobaked goods, chicken, lamb, beef, water buffalo, preserves, chutney, apples, cider, honey, yarn, soap, crafts and more. There will be no market Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

22 December n Rockport Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rockport Farmer’s Market, 461 Commercial St., Rockport Marketplace, Rockport. Organic eggs and produce; pastured pork, beef and poultry; lies; breads, pastries, sandwiches; fresh and aged cheeses. Year round. Indoors in winter. Every Saturday.


31 December n New Year’s By The Bay, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ring in the New Year in Belfast with food, music and fun! The 15th annual, chem-free celebration offers a fun, family friendly way to start off 2013. FMI: 323-1748 or nybb.org.

n New Year’s Eve Blues Party, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ring in 2013 with the Bobby Mes-sano Band at the Trade Winds Motor Inn, Park Drive, Rockland. Cost: $199 plus tax per couple, includes room, four-course dinner, dance, party favors, champagne toast, use of the pool and hot tub and full breakfast buffet. Call Paul Benjamin, 596-6055.

16 vendors selling local produce, cheese, baked goods, chicken, lamb, beef, water buffalo, preserves, chutney, apples, cider, honey, yarn, soap, crafts and more. There will be no market Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving.


18 December n S’Mores & More Holiday Party, 4 to 7 p.m. Delight in holiday fun and sea-sonal decorations indoors and out at Coastal Maine Bo-tanical Gardens. At this free event, enjoy lantern-lit tours of the Central Gardens, toasting marshmallows over campfi res to make scrumptuous s’mores, quaffi ng hot chocolate and cider, making evergreen swags in workshops ($5 materials fee), and music. Sponsored by Good ‘N You of Boothbay Harbor. FMI: mainegardens.org

20 December n Bay Chamber: Irish Christmas in America, 7 to 9 p.m. Festive seasonal cheer with Irish and Scottish music and dance at the Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St., Camden. Cost: $40 age 21-35; $10 younger. FMI: 236-2823 or (888) 707-2770

21 December n Winter farmers’ market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aubuchon Hardware greenhouse, 231 Northport Ave., Belfast. There will be 16 vendors selling local produce, cheese,

256 High Street, Belfast. FMI: 338-2222 or waterfallarts.org


n Makem & Spain Brothers, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Considered the defi nitive Irish sing-ers of their generation, the powerhouse voices of the fi ve Makem & Spain Brothers bring a hint of an Irish Christmas to the Opera House tonight. 50 years ago the Makem brothers’ father, Tommy, burst on to the US folk scene with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan with his band The Clancy Brothers. Irish music has grown in popular-ity in the US ever since and his sons carry on the tradition. Join us as we welcome the traditional sound and expansive talents of the Makem & Spain Brothers this holiday season. Advance tickets $20, day of show tickets $25. Special advance priced $10 tickets for under 18. Opera House at Booth-bay Harbor. Doors open at 7 p.m. FMI: 633-5159 or online at boothbayoperahouse.com.

11 December n The Met: Live in HD Encore, 1 to 4 p.m. Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland, screens Dec. 1 performance of Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito”. Cost: $23; $15 student. FMI: 594-0070 or rocklandstrand.com.

14 December n Winter farmers’ market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aubuchon Hardware greenhouse, 231 Northport Ave., Belfast. There will be

presents Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” live via satellite broadcast. Cost: $27; season tickets available. FMI: 594-0070 or rock-landstrand.com. Encore 1 p.m. Dec. 11; $23, $15 student.

2 December n Harbor Lights Festival, 9 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus with Elves arrive by boat, festival of trees display in historic Opera House with silent auction, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday craft fairs, lighting of the town tree, holiday carols, live nativity and spectacular lighted boat parade. Call for full schedule of events. FMI: 633-2353

3 December n 100 Years of Movies Screenings, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Colonial Theatre, 163 High St., Belfast, screens “The Descendants” (2011, USA) at 6:45 p.m.; “The Artist” (2011, France/Belgium/USA) at 7 p.m. and “Hugo” (USA, 2011) at 7:15 p.m. Free. Finale of theater’s 100th anniversary year celebration.

7 December n Winter farmers’ market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aubuchon Hardware greenhouse, 231 Northport Ave., Belfast. There will be 16 vendors selling local produce, cheese, baked goods, chicken, lamb, beef, water buffalo, preserves, chutney, apples, cider, honey, yarn, soap, crafts and more. There will be no market Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

n Handmade at Clifford Gallery, 5 to 8 p.m. There will be an opening reception for Handmade on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m. in the Clifford Gallery. Handmade is an annual exhibit showcasing featuring a curated collection of unique, high-quality handmade goods and artwork from over 40 indie and alternative artists and crafters. Handmade will be open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Dec. 6-23.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!


Last Night! New Years in Blue Hill

If you’re looking to ring in 2013 in a way that’s somewhat reminiscent of days gone by while, at the same time, filling your heart with hopes and

dreams for a better future; plan to attend Last Night! On December 31, this year. You’ll find a warm glow of community spirit and hope alive and well, even on a cold winter’s night, in the small coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine.

Maine is renowned for its unique line-up of homegrown events that bring communities together to foster traditions that are often lost in the glitter of blinding bright lights in our fast-paced, modern culture. A prime example is an event that started in 2003 with a steel band performance by Flash! In the Pan on New Year’s Eve at the Blue Hill Town Hall. Their performance that particular “last night” sparked inspiration that’s since evolved

into an annual fun-for-the-entire-family event that attracts visitors from miles around. One has to personally experience a New Year’s Eve in Blue Hill to honestly feel its significance. Having done so, myself, I can attest that the entertainers, businesses, and volunteers turn the entire town, from end to end, into an unforgettable celebration. Plus, everything offered at the festivities is donated, from its food and drink at the firehouse right down to its performances by musical entertainers, poets, storytellers, actors, puppeteers, etc. hosted around town.

As Nigel Chase expresses, “It is such an amazing sight to see so many people walking the streets in the bitter cold…” as they migrate from venue to venue throughout the night. Nigel is a member of the Last Night Committee, which is a subcommittee of Peninsula

Pan, Inc, the official organizer for the event and a non-profit organization supporting steel drum music and education in Down East Maine. He’s pleased with how Last Night! has evolved and very proud of the many personalities and performers who step up and share their talent for free—on an evening which they would be paid for elsewhere. Over the years, even Noel Paul Stookey, the Blue Hill resident, so well known as the singer and songwriter who’s the “Paul” in the legendary folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, has stepped up to volunteer his time and talent.

Its venue may change from year to year but Last Night! Is becoming a solid New Year’s Eve tradition in the Blue Hill community. The 2012 schedule includes poet Arnold Greenberg,

and live music by Timbered Lake, Jay & Bjorn Peterson, O.C. and Sara, Bluegene, Loose Cannon Jug Band, Flash! In the Pan, Brooklin Community Band and more. Additionally, there will be dancing, kids crafts, a puppet show, and Radio Playsperformance by New Surry Theatre. For complete information and schedule, as the date draws closer, please visit http://www.flashinthepans.org/penpan/index.html.

By Gail J. Vanwart

Season’s Greetings from Harbor HoundsSeason’s Greetings from Harbor Hounds

311 Park St., Rockland, ME “Rockland’s Hotel for Hounds” 207.593.7913 – Visit us on Facebook

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Turkey for Thanksgiving! Silly boys, it’s

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thescene nov/dec 2012

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