Self-employment programs

Women, Work and Community is offering programs for those interested in self-employment. Both programs will be held at University College in Bangor in Acadia Hall.

. Introduction to Self-employment, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15. This introductory workshop will walk participants through the pros and cons of owning a business, step-by-step getting started, the major elements of a business plan and the resources available. It is designed to help participants decide whether self-employment is the right choice for them.

. Basics of Starting a Business, 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 5. For those who are thinking of starting a business, this workshop, developed in partnership with the Women’s Business Center at CEI, will answer questions, discuss pros and cons of being an entrepreneur and help you take the first steps. The class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing and cash planning, and is suitable for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business.

Both programs are open to men and women. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended by calling 262-7843, or e-mail searles@maine.edu.

Comair regional jets

BANGOR – Comair, a Delta connection partner, announced that it would return regional jet service to Bangor International Airport when Big Sky Airlines, also a Delta Connection partner, leaves Bangor on Jan. 7. The announcement from Delta came just hours after Big Sky announced that it will cease operation on the East Coast at midnight on Jan. 7.

Rebecca Hupp, airport director, said, “Comair’s return with regional jets is most welcome. The 50-seat jets offer a higher quality of service for our passengers and returns us to an all-jet airport. Delta’s new Bangor-to-Boston schedule starting on Jan. 8 provides good connectivity for the region’s passengers. We are pleased that Delta reacted so quickly to the situation.”

Starting Jan. 8, Delta will offer two flights from Bangor to Boston. The morning flight will depart Bangor at 6:10 a.m. and arrive in Boston at 7:12 a.m. The afternoon flight will depart Bangor at 12:35 p.m. and arrive in Boston at 1:38 p.m. Returning flights will depart Boston at 11 a.m. and arrive in Bangor at 12:04 p.m. and also depart Boston at 7 p.m. an arrive in Bangor at 8:04 p.m.

“Available seat capacity from Bangor to Boston is not really affected by the change,” said Hupp. The regional jets flying twice a day versus the Big Sky 19 seat turboprop service offer an equal number of seats.

Delta Airlines will refund tickets or reroute passengers to other flights for those holding Big Sky tickets for travel after Jan. 7.

Delta officials said that Delta reservation agents would contact passengers with scheduled flights after Jan. 7. Passengers also may contact Delta at 800-221-1212.

Electrical code update

BANGOR – The Penobscot Valley Electrical Association will offer a 15-hour update course on the National Electrical Code on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16, at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Road.

Electricians are required to take a code update course to renew their licenses.

“Join Senior Electrical Inspector Bob Bean as he takes us on a thrill-a-minute adventure through the 2008 NEC jungle,” said organizers.

Included in registration is a continental breakfast and one hot meal or one cold meal each day.

The cost is $80 for PVEA members, $100 for non-members. PVEA membership is $10.

For information, contact Lewis Allen at 745-2094 or lewallen42@yahoo.com

Project manager

BANGOR – WBRC Architects-Engineers announced that David Shanks, who was employed in the Bangor office, has joined the Portland branch office as a project manager.

Shank’s projects since 2002 have ranged from education, to health care to large-scale retail. His responsibilities have focused on programming, design and construction document production including coordination of engineers, clients and contractors.

Personal chef services

HERMON – Thyme Saved personal chef services is coming to the Bangor area. The business will provide delicious, healthy and affordable meals to busy individuals and families. The business is created, owned and operated by chefs Gayle Alaimo and Dani Eichenlaub.

The business offers personal chef services including in-home service or meals prepared in a commercial kitchen; chef’s monthly menu service that plans meals, shops and does the cooking; and customer’s creations that allows customers to select individual meals, side dishes and portion size.

All meals are freshly prepared and cooked to order. Meals are packaged so they can go into the freezer or refrigerator and include simple directions for heating. Delivery is free to home or office within a 20-mile radius of Bangor.

For information, call 944-8006 or visit www.ThymeSaved.com.

New Maine cookbook

Tina Doyle-Hatcher has published “Can You Keep a Secret? The Cookbook!” The cookbook features favorite recipes from Doyle’s Bakery in Orrington and the well-known Doyle’s bakery, pizza shop, restaurant and bar and grill, which had locations in Millinocket, Bangor, Brewer, Pittsfield, Corinna and Medway.

When her father retired, Doyle-Hatcher bought her father’s baking equipment, remodeled her basement and ran a successful bakery out of her Winterport home with wholesale accounts in 600 Maine stores. The cookbook offers recipes for everything from lobster bisque to Doyle’s pizza and vanilla cupcakes.

“Can You Keep a Secret?” is available at Borders, Mr. Paperback and Rebecca’s in Bangor.

Bank branch manager

BANGOR – Bangor Savings Bank announced that Jonathan Plummer of Bangor has been hired as vice president and branch manager of the bank’s new office at 652 Broadway. He has many years of experience as a banker and licensed broker.

Plummer is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, New England School of Banking and Williams College.

Bank officer

BANGOR – Bangor Savings Bank has hired Matt Watkins as a vice president and business banking officer.

Watkins joins the bank with 12 years of banking experience in the Bangor Area. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and Northern New England School of Banking.

His office is located in the bank’s new branch at 652 Broadway. He lives in Bangor with his wife and two children.