PORTLAND, Maine (February 1, 2012) — Mercy’s 7^th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House Food and Wine Extravaganza will be held on Wednesday, March 21^st  at the Holiday Inn by the Bay and will feature 16 restaurants and chefs from greater Portland’s restaurants and caterers.

Hosted by comedian Joe Ricchio with guest judge Sam Hayward, James Beard Award winner and Chef at Fore Street, this food and wine extravaganza includes both a silent and a live auction, as well as live music by Paper Street Jazz Band. And all new this year— beer tasting!

This event is open to the general public, details follow:

What:              Mercy’s 7^th Annual Gourmet Gala for Gary’s House

When:             Wednesday, March 21

Time:              Doors open at 6 PM, Judging is 6-7:30 PM

Where:            Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland

Cost:               $40 per person

Highlights:     Comedian Joe Ricchio as the guest MC and auctioneer, Sam Hayward, Chef at Fore Street as guest judge, Music by Paper Street Jazz Band, Silent and Live Auction – items include airline tickets, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, art and much more.

Restaurants and vendors attending the event include A Moveable Feast, Calendar Island’s Maine Lobster, Cranberry Island Kitchen, CVC Catering, DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant, Figa, Flour Designs, Frog & Turtle Gastro Pub, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Mercy Food Service, Nosh, Otto’s Pizza, The Meat House, Pineland Farms, The Farmer’s Table, and Zapoteca.

For tickets, more information about the event or to sponsor, please contact Kim Toppi at
207-879-3605. For a complete list of participating restaurants visit our website or Facebook Page.

About Gary’s House
Gary’s House opened in 1998 as a safe and affordable place for families to stay when a loved one is in the hospital. Gary’s House is more than just a place for guests to rest, it’s a place where families can gain strength from one another while they cope with emotional and physical stresses that can accompany illness and hospitalization.

About Mercy Health System of Maine
Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of health care professionals who provide clinically excellent, compassionate care. A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care. The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486 or visit www.mercyhospital.org.

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]]> http://www.prmaine.com/2012/02/comedian-joe-ricchio-and-chef-sam-hayward-host-7th-annual-gourmet-gala-for-gary%e2%80%99s-house/feed/ 0 http://www.prmaine.com/2012/01/governor-attends-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-to-congratulate-westbrook-company/ http://www.prmaine.com/2012/01/governor-attends-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-to-congratulate-westbrook-company/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:18:35 +0000 Legacy Publishing Company http://www.prmaine.com/?p=9967 Legacy Publishing Company expands and creates 125 new jobs

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage congratulated Legacy Publishing Company today at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Westbrook as the business announced the expansion of a new customer engagement center. The new center will be located a few minutes from their Westbrook Headquarters and employs 125 Mainers.

The Governor joined Legacy’s Executive Team including Legacy Publishing founder and CEO Steve Anderson and Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe to highlight the expansion of the 10,000 square foot facility and the services Legacy has to offer. Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton also joined the ceremony.

Legacy Publishing Company is the world’s premier producer and publisher of personal development products and services for families. Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe says Legacy puts the knowledge of America’s most respected psychologists and therapists in the hands of parents and couples, to give them practical tools they can learn and apply quickly in their families and relationships.

Delivering remarks, Governor LePage commended the company for their good work within the community. “Even in a tough economy we have bright spots and it’s important we recognize there are companies that are doing well and making a difference in the lives of Maine families. Legacy Publishing is a shining example of the positive contributions a company can have on its employees and its community. Our Administration will work with them to see that they continue to succeed,” said Governor LePage.

“This is a great day in the lives of 214 Legacy employees, the City of Westbrook and the State of Maine,” said DeWolfe. “Legacy’s programs have helped coach and inspire hundreds of thousands of parents. They have instilled hope back into families everywhere and a healthy dynamic back into their homes. As a company, we’re improving the lives of an entire generation of families, one family at a time.”

Legacy’s flagship product, The Total Transformation Program-created by renowned Maine child behavioral therapist James Lehman, MSW-has sold more than a quarter of a million units to date. To schedule an interview, please contact Mary Crowley at 856-5600 x 3005 or mcc@legacypublishingcompany.com . For more information about joining Legacy Publishing Company’s team, visit www.goodnewsgoodjobs.com .

What:  U.S. National Toboggan Championships (Open to the Public) Children’s Activities

When:  February 11- 12, 10 am to 2 pm

Where: Next to the Camden Snow Bowl Lodge. Camden, ME

Costs: Free / Open to the Public

Highlights:  snow sculpture contest, snow maze/obstacle course, junior sledding hill and more!

A Snow-People and Snow Sculpture building contest will kick off the children activities on Saturday, February 11th at 10am, where kids ages two and up can participate. A Snow Maze will also be up and ready for the kids to wind their way through, stopping at game stations throughout the maze for added challenges and prizes. At noon, kids and parents can warm up at the Snow Bowl’s Lodge before heading out for more fun in the children’s area!

Families will also be able to watch the Toboggan National Championships, seeing people from around the nation suit up in wacky costumes, board wooden toboggans, race down a 400ft ice chute, and be shot out onto a frozen lake.

Families can take the short ride down to Aldermere Farms to visit the “Oreo Cookie Cows” in Rockport. The weekend will also feature tubing, skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, musical shows, food contests, fireworks and more. For a full schedule of activities for the weekend, check out: http://winter.camdensnowbowl.com/22nd-annual-toboggan-championships

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The Franco Center will present another unique, festive and must-experience event with its offering of “Mardi Gras in L/A” in the Franco Center’s Heritage Hall. In the tradition of New Orleans, Mardi Gras audiences will be treated to Cajun cuisine, spirits, and music.

As many know, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” en Francais. However, this holiday has a much wider historical and international appeal beyond the Francophone diaspora. Traditionally, Mardi Gras is the last decadent or “fat” feast before the fasting that often accompanies the season of Lent. Here at the Franco Center, we take this as a serious endeavor and, for several years, have presented the most notable Mardi Gras celebrations in the Lewiston/Auburn area. This year will be no exception!

Chef Edmond, “Directeur des Andouilles et des Cornichons” at the Franco Center, has an amazing meal planned of traditional New Orleans cuisine, including Crab Gumbo, Jumbalaya, New Orleans Ratatouille, Andouilles with Onions and Peppers, Truffled Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and the crowning dish, a King & Queen Cake. There will be ample amounts of classic New Orleans libations, like the legendary Hurricane, to help you forget the impending fast.

Of course, no Mardi Gras party is complete without some foot stomping, street shaking, soul stirring music. To help us get in the proper mood for celebrating, we’ve got local favorites the Blues Buzzards. This group, led by veteran guitar man Earl Bigelow, is dipped in the blues, has heaps of horns, and knows how to fatten up a Tuesday, or Saturday, as the case may be.

About the Blues Buzzards
The Blues Buzzards are an 8-piece blues/rock band with a 3-man horn section, playing a rompin’, stompin’  mix of tunes by Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, T Bone Walker, Van Morrison, Elvis, The Beatles, and countless others.  Lead by veteran guitar man Earl Bigelow, The Buzzards have been thrilling Maine audiences for over thirty years.  The horn section gives the band a fat,  brassy sound along the lines of Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, and other horn bands.  Comprised of seasoned musicians, the Buzzards turn any event they’re playing into a rockin’ good time.

About the Franco Center
We are Le Centre D’Heritage Franco-Americain. The Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, ME, USA.

We believe history and heritage are action verbs, just like community and neighbor. We practice these by engaging members of our community young and old to share their experiences and traditions, so we might all benefit from them.

We’re a performing arts organization that celebrates our Franco-American Heritage; a legacy handed to us by generations of our brave ancestors who relocated here from France, from Quebec, and from all across the globe. We also strive to welcome new visitors and residents to our region, engaging members of our community young and old to share their experiences and traditions, so we might all benefit from them.

We present the best in symphonic music, solo instrumentalists, chorales and choirs, and contemporary music. We have a wildly successful theme night series, as well as more informal nightclub performances.

To Buy Tickets for this event: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/223484
For General Box Office and Ticket Information, please visit: http://www.francocenter.org/box-office-info/
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/francocenter
Find us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/francocenterME

The tournament is a best-ball scramble with a maximum of 27 teams, each with one Maine golf professional. Registration is open now through May 15^th (spots typically sell out by mid-May). Teams may reserve a spot online at www.garyshouse.org.

From left to right: Garin Veris, President George H.W. Bush, event volunteer George McCrillis

Proceeds from the tournament benefit Gary’s House—a safe and affordable short-term home for those with a loved one receiving medical treatment in a Portland hospital. Each year, the Point of Light Award is given to the individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the success of Gary’s House. Previous recipients include President George H.W. Bush, American Airlines, and the Maine PGA Professionals. This year’s award will be presented by Eileen Skinner, President and CEO of Mercy Hospital.

The George H.W. Bush Celebrity Golf Classic is one of the top fundraisers for Gary’s House, and essential to supporting ongoing operations. It has historically raised more than $150,000 for the charity.

What: George H.W. Bush Celebrity Golf Classic          

When: Tuesday, June 13, 2012

Time: Golf begins at 10:00 a.m., Dinner, Auction, and Point of Light Awards Gala at 5:00 p.m.

Where: Cape Arundel Golf Club and The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport

Highlights:

• Scheduled celebrity appearances include: Dave Cowens, Luis Tiant, Ray Bourque.
• All golfers receive gift bags, breakfast and lunch on the course, and dinner at the Colony Hotel.
• The Point of Light Award will be presented at the Colony Hotel, following the tournament.

Sponsors:  Contact Lana Wescott at wescottl@mercyme.com or 207-229-3866 for more information or to secure your spot.

About Gary’s House
Gary’s House opened in 1998 as a safe and affordable place for families to stay when a loved one is in the hospital. Gary’s House is more than just a place for guests to rest, it’s a place where families can gain strength from one another while they cope with emotional and physical stresses that can accompany illness and hospitalization.

About Mercy Health System of Maine
Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of health care professionals who provide clinically excellent, compassionate care. A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care. The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486 or visit www.mercyhospital.org.

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Portland, ME (January, 2012), With the goal of further enhancing athlete experiences at their races, Tri-Maine Productions is again partnering with Gorham Bike and Ski (GBS) to be the “Official Race Support and Retail Partner” and “Official Wetsuit Rental Provider” at their triathlons in Maine. Will Thomas, Founder of Tri-Maine, says “We are thrilled to be working with Gorham Bike and Ski in 2012 and look forward to all the ways this partnership can benefit our valued athletes.”

Tri-Maine and Gorham Bike and Ski are jointly committed to offering the highest quality race experience possible to participants. Jamie Wright, Owner of Gorham Bike and Ski, says “The crew here at GBS is extremely excited to making a strong commitment to athletes enjoying the sport of triathlon. Our ever increasing line of products and wetsuit rentals enable us to serve all levels of triathlete, from the beginner to the serious competitor. When choosing an event partner for our efforts, the professionalism and expertise of the team at Tri-Maine Productions made our decision easy and straightforward!”

Gorham Bike and Ski’s General Manager, Dave Palese, says that this partnership should clearly demonstrate their goal of serving the triathlon community. “By aligning with Tri-Maine we have a great opportunity to show the triathlon community what we are known for,” says Palese. “This partnership will directly benefit the athletes that race in the Tri-Maine events we are involved with.” Gorham Bike & Ski has long been referred to as a top tier bike retailer in the U.S. garnering two “Top 100” designations by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

Gorham Bike and Ski is now the exclusive race support partner for the Polarbear Tri/Duathlon in Brunswick, ME (May 5th), and wetsuit rental provider for the Pirate Tri at Point Sebago Resort in Casco, ME (June 10th), and the Lobsterman Triathlon & Aquabike in Freeport, ME (September 15th). GBS will be the host site for each of the race packet pickups and involved with any pre-race activities such as in-person registrations and expos.

About Gorham Bike and Ski Owned and operated by Jamie Wright since 1995, Gorham Bike and Ski has earned its reputation as Maine’s premiere cycling, alpine, and nordic ski retailer. Wright and his highly trained and friendly staff are ready to serve everyone from the most seasoned performance athletes to the children getting their first bike.  http://www.gorhambike.com

About Tri-Maine Tri-Maine Productions is an experientially based race production company in Portland, ME. In 2006 it was formed in response to the growing demand for high-quality multisport events in Maine. Tri-Maine Productions either owns and/or manages a number of race properties, ranging in scope from local road races to highly complex triathlons with hundreds of competitors.

Tri-Maine maintains a strong commitment to three core principles: Community, Sustainability, and Quality. These principles are reflected in every Tri-Maine race, as well as in the caliber of the staff, partners and sponsors. http://ww.tri-maine.com

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Contacts

Tri-Maine:  Will Thomas, will@tri-maine.com

Gorham Bike and Ski:  Jamie Wright, jamie@gorhambike.com

“These days, it’s more important than ever to maximize utilization, optimize storage space, and reduce duplicate data,” said Harry McMann, President of Systems Engineering. “NetApp is changing the game with their new Storage Area Network (SAN) solutions for virtual computing environments of all sizes.”

To register, call 207-553-1600 or visit http://www.syseng.com/Events/.

About Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering, the largest independent and employee-owned IT provider in Maine, is a Northern New England-based information and communications technology consulting company with over 90 business technology professionals on staff serving businesses throughout Northern New England for over 20 years. As a leading IT strategy and services leader, our IT professionals have provided comprehensive business technology products and solutions to more than 400 companies and organizations throughout Northern New England since 1988. Our team of technical experts, network engineers, field service professionals, and account managers are available 24/7, 365 days per year. From computer network design, installation, training and administration to a full complement of data management, business consultation, and outsource CIO services, Systems Engineering will help you get ahead of IT. Systems Engineering is 100% owned by the employees of the company. For more information, please visit www.syseng.com or call 207-772-3199.

Portland, Maine – Hall Internet Marketing, a Maine internet marketing firm, is excited to announce the next Social Media Breakfast Maine – SMBME 30: Social Media and Events. The event will be held January 27^th, 7:30 – 10am at Portland’s Masonic Temple on Congress Street. Breakfast will be served at the event.

Social Media and events pair very well with each other. For this month’s SMBME there will be three experienced event marketers that will share how they use social media to plan good events and get their events to be well attended.

The three speakers for the morning will be Stefa Normantas from Green Tree Events, Tanja Hollander, an artist with an upcoming show at Portland’s Museum of Art and Amanda O’Brien, organizer of Social Media Breakfast Maine.

You can get more information and register for this month’s Social Media Breakfast Maine by visiting socialmediabreakfastmaine.com/upcoming/. The event is sponsored by Hall Internet Marketing, Mainely SEO, GWI, The Cohen Tracy Team, the Internet Educator, August Wealth Management and Mainebiz.

About Social Media Breakfast Maine

Social Media Breakfast Maine is a monthly event held in Portland where area businesses and marketing leaders get together to share ideas and stories in and around the social media space. This even started two years ago in a conference room in Portland, the event has grown to 100 – 150 monthly attendees. SMBME has had local and national speakers share the stage to educate each other on how to use social media to promote local companies and find new customers.

For more information, visit: www.socialmediabreakfastmaine.com

About Hall Internet Marketing

Hall Internet Marketing is a 12 year old agency that uses technology to help clients meet their internet marketing goals.  From paid search management and SEO, to video and mobile advertising, to user conversion strategy and cost per acquisition optimization – Hall’s staff helps some of the largest employers in Maine, well known Fortune 100 companies and innovative technology businesses to drive more sales online. For more information, visit: http://www.hallme.com/press/

Quick on the heels of a blockbuster New Year’s Eve Celebration with the Girls of L/A, the Franco Center in Lewiston, ME is pleased to present a slate of shows to start the New Year with a jubilant mix of music.

Funky Divas of Gospel on Saturday, January 21st, 2012
in the Franco Center Heritage Hall
Doors at 7:00pm / Concert at 7:30pm
General Admission Tickets: $16.00 Adult / $14.00 Students and Seniors / $18.00 Day of Show

The group began 20 years ago on the seacoast of New Hampshire and currently is the collaboration of 4 vocalists and 4 piece band. Our purpose is to share the joys – and sorrows of gospel music, and to rock the house. The spirit that flows through our songs goes back to the roots of music itself. It is universal and tells stories as old as time. We are performers who love entertaining audiences. Our music is primarily defined as gospel in the southern African-American tradition with a heavy R&B flavor. However, while it is that, it is not all we sing. We also include traditional gospel songs, rock, folk and a cappella. Our music is roots music. It is harmony. It is hard rockin’ and reflective. It is toe tapping, it is hand clapping, It can (and does) move audiences to their feet and into the aisles to dance. It roars. It purrs. It is above all – GOSPEL – and the Divas remind everybody, all the time – “Gospel is not now, and never was a spectator sport”.

To Buy Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217023
For more information: http://www.funkydivasofgospel.com/

Piano Series: Tamara Poddubnaya on Friday, February 4th, 2012
in the Franco Center Performance Hall
Doors at 7:00pm / Concert at 7:30pm
General Admission Tickets: $16.00 Adult / $14.00 Students and Seniors / $18.00 Day of Show
* PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT REPLACES THE PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED CONCERT WITH IGOR LOVCHINSKY ON THIS DATE.

Piano Series: Concert No. 4
One of Russian’s foremost pianists and a master teacher, Tamara Poddubnaya returns to perform at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston. A distinguished graduate of St. Petersburg’s Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, Dr. Poddubnaya soon established herself as one of Russia’s foremost keyboard artists and piano teachers. Renowned for her masterful command of a vast repertoire, she has performed to great acclaim in Europe and the United States. Patrons of last season’s Piano Series will remember her interpretations of Schumann and Chopin. She frequently serves on juries at international piano competitions and keeps a busy schedule of teaching and performing in Russia, the Netherlands, and the United States, where she is Professor of Piano at the Long Island Conservatory and visiting professor at the Portland Conservatory of Music.

To Buy Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217015
For more information: http://www.tamarapoddubnaya.com/

Irish Descendants on Monday, February 6th, 2012
in the Franco Center Heritage Hall
Doors at 6:00pm / Concert at 7:00pm
General Admission Tickets: $20.00 Adults / $5 Students / $22 Day of Show

Formed in the spring of 1990, The Irish Descendants, have been a mainstay in the Newfoundland and Canadian music industry for over two decades. In that time the band has performed over 4000 shows across North America and beyond! With the founding members all hailing from various outport fishing communities, the original goal for the group was to take the music that they all learned and performed home in their kitchens, to the festival stages, pubs, and concert halls of their beloved Newfoundland. In a very short time, after the release of their first CD Misty Morning Shore (1991), the first CD ever released by a Newfoundland band, it was clear that they were on track to take their music on a worldwide journey! Over the years the line-up of the band has been led under the guidance of front man and founding member, Con O’Brien. One of Newfoundland’s most recognized entertainers, his rich baritone voice, once described as, “ a voice that could wake the dead”, has been performing Irish Newfoundland music for a quarter century. The current line-up, for the winter and spring 2011 touring season, will see regulars, Robert Kelly from Fogo Island Newfoundland (bass & vocals), and veteran St John’s musician Dave Panting (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin & vocals), joined by another icon and veteran traditional player Kelly Russell (fiddle, bouzouki, concertina, whistles, vocals). The brand of music that The Irish Descendants are known and loved for is steeped in a rich tradition. Con O’Brien is the oldest member of the 12th generation of his family living on the Island! The O’Brien’s of Bay Bulls as they are locally known, came from Waterford City Ireland in 1721. These forefathers settled in the little town of, Bay Bulls, (Today’s population 1200) located on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula, 20 miles to the south of the capital city St John’s, North America’s oldest city. Here in this place they were able to carve out a life for themselves using the almighty cod fishery as a means to survive, all the while, like all of the Newfoundland Irish, passing on the traditions and culture of their Irish home, generation to generation.

To Buy Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/219586
For more information: http://www.irishdescendants.com/

About the Franco Center:
We are Le Centre D’Heritage Franco-Americain; The Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston, ME, USA. We believe history and heritage are action verbs, just like community and neighbor. We practice these by engaging members of our community young and old to share their experiences and traditions, so we might all benefit from them. We’re a performing arts organization that celebrates our Franco-American Heritage; a legacy handed to us by generations of our brave ancestors who relocated here from France, from Quebec, and from all across the globe. We also strive to welcome new visitors and residents to our region. We present the best in symphonic music, solo instrumentalists, chorales and choirs, and contemporary music. We have a wildly successful theme night series, as well as more informal nightclub performances.

To Buy Tickets Online, visit: http://www.francocenter.org/box-office-info/
To Buy Tickets By Phone, call: 207.689.2000
To Buy Tickets In Person: 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston, ME from 8:30am – 4:00pm
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/francocenter
Find us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/francocenterME

Marketplace 2012 will showcase quality products and services available in the Gorham area. Every year thousands of shoppers visit Marketplace to eat, enjoy local talent, sign up for vendor prizes, receive cost savings on show specials, and have a chance to win cash prizes!

Don’t miss this opportunity to market your product or service to the Gorham community. For more information and a registration form, call Dede Perkins at 892-5515 or visit www.gorhambusiness.org.