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Bangor

Green Expo at Hope Festival

This year the 14th annual HOPE Festival, organized by the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, will feature a Green Expo, with area businesses displaying renewable, sustainable and efficient energy products and services.

According to Christina Diebold, a member of the Cool Bangor Coalition, which is co-sponsoring the event, this will be an opportunity for sharing information and raising awareness about the need for smart solutions to environmental problems.

“As the threat of climate change becomes ever more apparent, the market for such green solutions will only grow,” she said.

Area businesses are invited to participate in the Green Expo part of the festival, which will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Field House at the University of Maine in Orono.

Its name is an acronym for Help Organize Peace Earthwide.

In years past, hundreds of people have attended the children’s programs, live music and dance performances, and the 5K Fun Run. In addition to the Green Expo displays, some 60 nonprofit groups will have tables at the festival.

The Cool Bangor Coalition, comprising such organizations as the Penobscot Valley chapter of Maine Audubon, the Maine Sierra Club and the Maine chapter of Citizens for Global Solutions, is working to alleviate climate change, and sees the HOPE Festival’s Green Expo as part of the solution.

To get more information, sponsor the event or receive a registration form, call Christina Diebold at 941-1670 or the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine at 942-9343.

Basics of buying a home

MaineStream Finance is offering a free 12-hour certified training course that helps potential home buyers make prudent home purchasing decisions. Classes will be held 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 2 and 9, at Penquis, 262 Harlow St. Participants must attend both classes.

The course uses a qualified trainer and discusses the roles of various professionals involved in the home buying process, such as attorneys, real estate agents, lenders, insurance agents and home inspectors. Components of the course are budget and debt management counseling and credit counseling.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Contact MaineStream Finance at 974-2424 or 800-215-4942, Ext. 424, or visit fperry@penquis.org.

Adopting from Russia

MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid will highlight its newly reopened Russia program at an adoption informational meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the MAPS office, 229 State St. Families who have recently adopted a child from Russia will share their stories. RSVP to ensure adequate space and materials, 941-9500.

In 2006, adoption through accredited U.S. agencies came to a standstill when Russia announced a restructuring of its agency accreditation procedures.

Recently, after 18 months of navigating Russia’s complex new requirements, MAPS’ re-accreditation was announced at a ceremony in Moscow hosted by the Russian Ministry of Education. With this new accreditation in place, MAPS has reopened its Russia adoption program so new applicants and can begin placing babies, toddlers, and older children into American homes again.

With an estimated 700,000 children living in institutions in Russia, the need for loving, permanent families is high. For more information visit www.mapsadopt.org.

Winter outing

The Bangor Land Trust will sponsor a Winter Walk at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at Northeast Penjajawoc Preserve.

The public is invited to join the walk for a free winter outing at the trust’s newest property. The snow may be deep, so wear tall boots or bring snowshoes.

To get to Northeast Penjajawoc Preserve, take Stillwater Avenue to Kittredge Road. There is a kiosk off Kittredge Road at the trailhead.

For more information, call 942-1010 or visit www.bangorlandtrust.org.

Bangor Land Trust’s mission is to protect in perpetuity for public benefit significant lands and waters and their natural, agricultural, scenic, and traditional values and characteristics; promote general and scientific understanding of the region’s natural resources and the need for their preservation; collaborate with organizations having related missions.

A birding excursion

“Big Fields between the Kennebec River & I-95: A Birding Excursion” with Ron Joseph, wildlife biologist; and Judy Markowsky, director of Fields Pond Audubon Center, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9. Storm date is Sunday, Feb. 10.

Meet in Bangor at 8:15 a.m. Call the nature center at 989-2591 for directions. The cost is $10 members, $15 others. Advance registration is required by calling 989-2591 or e-mail jmarkowsky@maineaudubon.org.

Drive along the Kennebec River and its big fields with osprey nests visible from I-95. Potential bird sightings include Barrow’s goldeneyes, snowy owls, horned larks, snow buntings, Lapland longspurs, bald eagles, possibly a goshawk or a rough-legged hawk and “white-winged” gulls – namely Iceland and glaucous.

Bring binoculars and a bird book. Dress warmly – winter birding is a cold sport. Bring something hot to drink and a snack if you wish.

Family Art Nights

Community Health and Counseling Services has received a $3,000 grant from the Holt Family Fund of the Maine Community Foundation for its Family Art Nights program.

Family Art Nights is a free program held at the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor for parents, grandparents and children attending several Penobscot County schools. Through the program, parents, grandparents and their children ages 7 to 11 share time through art exploration as they work collaboratively on a project such as watercolor painting or other visual media.

Community Health and Counseling Services has been involved in bringing arts programs to youths and their families in areas of Penobscot County for the last decade.

The goal of the arts program is to introduce children and their families to the impact the arts have in learning and development. The agency seeks to provide access for children of all abilities to achieve skills in the arts through exposure and mentoring from professional artists. Children’s involvement in the arts often results in the development and enhancement of self-confidence as well as social, physical and academic skills.

For more information on the Family Art Nights program, call CHCS at 947-0366, ext. 451, or the Maine Discovery Museum at 262-7200.

Northern Writes

Penobscot Theatre is accepting submissions for its second annual new-play festival, Northern Writes.

“Last year’s 22 plays in 15 days won the attention of American Theatre Magazine as the largest theater festival in America during the month of May,” said Producing Artistic Director Scott R.C. Levy, “and this year’s festival is going to be even bigger.”

This year’s Northern Writes will showcase readings and workshop productions of new theatrical work in development between May 27 and June 8 at the Penobscot Theatre’s historic Bangor Opera House in downtown Bangor.

Playwrights interested in submitting works for Northern Writes should send a script along with a cover letter by Thursday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, to Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St., Bangor 04401.

Only scripts of plays that have not had a fully produced production or have not been published are eligible for inclusion in Northern Writes. There is no fee to submit a script.

“I’m thrilled that Penobscot Theatre and Bangor serve as an incubator for new American theatre around the world through our Northern Writes festival,” Levy said. “We cannot wait to read the submissions and for audiences to hear them from our stage.”

Dinner dance and auction

The Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club invites the public to its sixth annual Dinner Dance and Auction fundraising event Saturday, March 22, at the Spectacular Event Center. Attendees will enjoy live and silent auctions featuring items from Native American artists, local sponsors and much more.

Last year’s auction raised $50,000, which enabled the club to continue expanding its programs. The club serves more than 200 youth from Indian Island and surrounding communities, and services are provided free to club members.

Corporate tables seating nine are available. For information, call Carla Fearon, the club’s executive director, at 817-7355.

Brewer

Orchid society workshop

Eastern Maine Orchid Society will host an Ikebana workshop at its February meeting. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging and can be done using many types of flowers, including orchids.

The workshop will be led by society member Myleese See of Orono. Myleese is a Master Gardner, a hobbyist orchid grower and is experienced in the art of Ikebana.

The workshop will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the church hall of Christ Community Church, Pierce Road, Brewer.

Participants should bring a suitable container that will hold water. Also, bring a pair of plant shears or sharp scissors.

Flowers and a kenzan (pin frog) will be provided for society members and will be available for purchase by nonmembers. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be a door prize.

For more information, call Janelle at 567-3822 or Sue, 848-5656.

Store opening

Lowe’s will open its store to the public at 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at 15 Arista Drive.

The home improvement store has 117,000 square feet of retail sales space, with an adjacent garden center, stocking 40,000 items. A store of this size represents an average investment in the community of some $18.5 million and creates up to 175 new jobs.

For more information, visit www.Lowes.com.

Hampden

Sewing class

The Bangor chapter of the American Sewing Guild will offer its second Get Creative With Your Serger class 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Hampden Municipal Building.

Instructor Chris Thornton will help participants embellish a pillow using a serger sewing machine. The cost is $10 for guild members, $15 others. To obtain a list of supplies, visit www.bangormeasg.com or call 278-7270.

Old Town

Management staff changes

James W. Sewall Co. announced that the firm is reorganizing to streamline the delivery of client solutions and to drive company growth. To launch the process, the company has promoted and hired key management staff under the leadership of CEO James H. Page.

David T. Edson has been promoted to president to drive high-level strategic client development. During 34 years’ tenure at Sewall, Edson has played major roles as vice president of forestry, chief operations officer and executive vice president.

Dave Stevens has accepted the position of senior vice president and chief operations officer. An organizational effectiveness professional with 25 years’ industry experience, Stevens will implement systems to facilitate the sharing of expertise and technology across operational areas to meet specific customer needs.

The firm has hired as vice president of sales and marketing Randy P. Meyer. Meyer will bring a 17-year record of accomplishment in global geospatial sales and marketing to reshape the Sewall sales organization.

For more information, call Randy Meyer, vice president of sales and marketing, at 827-4456, e-mail rpmeyer@jws.com or visit www.jws.com.

Orono

Planetarium shows

The Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium will offer two family star shows in February. “Moon Shadows” reveals some of the moon’s intriguing secrets, and “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” introduces audiences to the movements and patterns of the night sky.

The lunar “Moon Shadows,” at 7 p.m. Saturdays, recaptures the thrill of the NASA Apollo moon landing. It explores the ways humans have experienced Earth’s nearest neighbor, including eclipses, phases, myths and legends. The impact the moon has on Earth and its inhabitants can be explored just in time for the full lunar eclipse coming Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The last total eclipse of the moon until 2010 is perfectly timed for sky watchers of all ages. Starting at 8:42 p.m. the edge of Earth’s shadow will gradually move across the moon’s face until it is totally darkened at 10:01 p.m. It will be dark and appear in shades of orange and brown until it again catches the bright light of the sun at 10:51 p.m. and moves out of Earth’s shadow. Maine will not be positioned to see another such eclipse until December 2010.

In celebration of Black History Month, the star show “Follow the Drinking Gourd” will run at 2 p.m. Sundays. This tale reveals one method slaves used to escape and follow the stars to freedom in the 1800s. The puzzle of the sun’s movement through the seasons is solved and visitors learn the song that abolitionists taught slaves. This fun, storybooklike show is perfect for younger audiences.

All showings are about one hour long. Admission is $3 and seating is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. For more information and reservations, call 581-1341 or visit www.galaxymaine.com.

Book discussion group

Fields Pond Book Discussion Group, “An Unspoken Hunger: Stories from the Field” by Terry Tempest Williams, will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Dirigo Pines. Discussion leader is Joyce Rumery. The event is free. Call 866-3400 for directions to Dirigo Pines.

Williams makes it clear that we lose an essential part of ourselves when we neglect the earth, but this collection of essays does not offer a delivery of tired manifestoes. Rather, it uses inspiration to urge the reader to become aware, assess the damage, and begin to heal broken bonds. Through these readings you’ll discover that Williams’ “unspoken hunger” is for us to live lives with greater intent and in greater intimacy with the natural world.

Little Master Chef

Children 3 to 5 years old can become Little Master Chefs at the Orono Parks and Recreation Department.

Learn to how to work safely in the kitchen and, with the help of an adult, make fun and tasty treats. Sessions 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, with different recipes each session.

Session one runs Feb. 5, 7, 12 and 14. Session two runs March 4, 6, 11 and 13. The fee is $15 per session for Orono residents and $19 per session to others. Space is limited and early registration is recommended. For more information, call the recreation office at 866-5065.

Winter musical

The Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St., Orono, will present its winter musical, “The Missing Piece,” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

Twelve talented singers and actors, skillfully directed by Andrew McCormick, will present a review loosely based on Shel Silverstein’s “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O.” The show will include songs from “A New Brain,” “The Last Five Years,” “Company,” “Infinite Joy,” “Thirteen,” “Hairspray,” “Avenue Q” and “Songs for a New World.”

The show reflects the journeys of those searching for the familiar ways we all try to complete ourselves – looking for those “missing pieces” – only to realize we all need to be whole within ourselves in order to really connect with others. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and ponder. There is no admission charge, but donations at the door are appreciated. Call the Church of Universal Fellowship for information at 866-3655.

Chocolate buffet

Warm your heart at the Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buffet 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St.

Loads of luscious chocolate desserts, candlelight, and love songs – what a wonderful way to spend a February evening. Tickets are $5 to those age 12 and over and are available by calling 866-3655. The event will benefit Crossroads Ministries.

‘The Biggest Loser’

Matthew McNutt of Belfast was Maine’s candidate for the third season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” He travels as a speaker to motivate others on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

After not being chosen as a final candidate for the show, he returned home and lost 176 pounds, all on his own. He did not use nutritionists, personal trainers, other professionals or additional resources.

He now is a keynote speaker who travels around the country empowering people with his message that they, too, can and need to take control of their weight.

He will deliver an address noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in the McIntire Room, Buchanan Alumni House, College Avenue, University of Maine. The event is open to the public.

The lecture is the kickoff for the 2008 Healthy U programming that will include a presentation from Dr. Robert Lehnhard, associate professor of education, on his recently published book, “The Back Side of 50,” set for 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Coe Room, Memorial Union.

Lehnard will speak about taking a realistic approach to maintaining a state of good health through diet and exercise.

For more information, call Erin Whitehouse at 581-4058.

Areawide

Fire department grants

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Assistance program has awarded $649,169 in vehicle acquisition and operations and safety grants to four Maine fire departments:

. $450,000 to the Bangor Fire Department for vehicle acquisition.

. $70,395 to the Bucksport Fire Department for operations and safety.

. $23,552 to the Vienna Fire Department for operations and safety.

. $105,222 to the Nobleboro Fire Department for operations and safety.