BDA Happenings                                                      

Upcoming Events in Downtown Brunswick                    May 4, 2012

Fantastic Mr. Fox - May 4-6

The Theater Project, 14 School Street, presents this Young People's Theater production Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday 2 pm. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Want (suggested donation $6) FMI call 729-8584 or visit www.theaterproject.com.

Malachi Graham and The Bad Liars - May 5

The Frontier will host Malachi Graham and the Bad Liars, an indie Americana band with orchestral zest Saturday, at 8:30pm. $6 in advance, $8 day of show. Click here to buy tickets. 

Climb for Cancer Care Fundraising Dinner - May 6

Sunday at 2 pm, Trattoria Athena will host this five-course, $50 meal (wine and tip included) to benefit the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center. This summer friend, Ben Grasso, will be climbing Mt. Rainier with the non-profit organization, Climb for Cancer Care, in an effort to raise funds to help provide comfort to the patients at the Pavilion while they receive treatment for cancer. The guest list is limited to 35 people so RSVP soon to secure your seat for this great cause. FMI visit www.trattoriaathena.com  or call 721-0700.

Previewing New Work by Sculptor John Bisbee - May 7

Henry and Marty Restaurant, 61 Maine Street, Brunswick is hosting an open house, Monday, 5-7 pm, to feature an 8 ft. by 20 ft. art installation by artist John Bisbee. Meet the artist. Appetizers and cash bar available. FMI call 721-9141.

Last Drop Off Days for Grand and Glorious Yard Sale - May 9 and 12

Proceeds benefit Mid Coast Hospital and health career scholarships. Drop donations at the back door of the old Bookland, Cook's Corner Mall, Brunswick, 9-12 noon. For pickup of large items, call 725-4144. FMI call 373-6015.

My Ongoing Problems with Kindness: Confessions of a MOGO Girl - May 10

The Frontier presents Zoe Weil, a humane educator, author, and president of the Institute for Humane Education. This one-woman show tackles important global issues in an entertaining format using personal stories about Zoe's life and challenges living according to the MOGO principle to do the most good and the least harm to herself, other people, animals and the environment. Thursday, 7:30pm. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. Click here to buy tickets.

Second Friday ArtWalks - starting May 11 

Hosted by Five Rivers Art Alliance every second Friday of the month, May through October, from 5-8 pm, over 55 local Maine artists will be displaying their work at studios, galleries, and at pop up venues throughout Downtown Brunswick including Fort Andross, 98 Maine Street, the Captain Daniel Stone Inn and at the Inn at Brunswick Station. Spend a great evening Downtown, enjoying live music, beautiful artwork, as well as fabulous shopping, and restaurants. Volunteers Needed. FMI call 798-6964 or email 5raateam@gmail.com.

Points of View Artist Reception - May 11

Points of View Artists will open the 2012 ArtWalk season with an exhibit entitled "Brunswick 04011", celebrating artistic impressions and images of our community - some iconic and well-known, others more intimate and personal. Also showing at their 18 Pleasant St gallery is an exhibit of prints by Judith Long in the 3rd floor Garret Gallery. The Artist reception will take place Friday from 5-8 pm. FMI visit povartistsmaine.com or call 393-7300.

All Species Parade - May 11

Arts are Elementary and Spindleworks Art Center will host the Third Annual All Species Parade on Friday at 4 pm at the Brunswick Mall. All are invited to attend. Come dressed as your favorite species, help to carry one of our large-scale puppets or just enjoy the spectacle. Following the parade, an opening reception for A Natural Order, an exhibit of species, will be held at Frontier Cafe from 5-8 pm. Artwork by Spindleworks artists as well as artists from Maine and around the country will be on display for purchase. 20% of every sale will go to the Coastal Humane Society. The exhibit will hang through June. FMI contact Liz McGhee at 725-8820 or emcghee@iaofmaine.org. FMI visit www.allspeciesparade.org.

Apres ArtWalk Concert: Tim May and Dan Miller - May 11

Hosted by the Frontier, Tim May and Dan Miller will perform vocal and instrumental acoustic music that ranges from bluegrass, to folk, swing, old-time, Celtic, and traditional country. Saturday, 7:30pm. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. Click here to buy tickets.

National Train Day - May 12  

Celebrate Maine's passion for trains Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm at the Brunswick Station Visitor Center, 16 Station Avenue. Two operating model train layouts and various rail-related exhibits will be on display. In addition, Maine tourist trains and safety around railroad tracks will be featured. FMI visit www.nationaltrainday.com.

Dominic and the Lucid with special guest Jeff Beam - May 12

Voted or nominated either best live act, best male vocal, or best album in the Portland Phoenix Best Music Poll every year since their inception, Dominic and the Lucid will perform at the Frontier Saturday at 8 pm. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. Click here to buy tickets.

Victorian Mothers Day Tea - May 13

Cabot Mill Antiques will host a delightful, complimentary, seated afternoon tea with all the trimmings Sunday 11:30 am - 3 pm. Guests can enjoy a variety of decadent teas, coffee, teacakes and pastries. There will be prize drawings plus 20% store-wide savings. Participating merchants include: Wendy Herrick Floral Designs, the Frontier, Greg Rice Photography, Maine State Music Theater & Costume Shop and Massage on Maine. FMI visit www.cabotiques.com.

Brunswick Platform Ribbon Cutting Event - May 14

A Platform Ribbon Cutting Event will be held Monday, at 11:30 am at Brunswick Station. An Amtrak Downeaster train will be available for touring following the ceremony. 

Italian Wine Dinner & Trivia - May 14

Join Trattoria Athena Monday, at 6:30 pm, for a fun Italian wine dinner with Italian-inspired trivia. Sigrid Coffin, from Easterly Wines, will be selecting four unique wines to pair with a laid back, casual four-course dinner. There will be four rounds of trivia questions that will range from pop-culture to Ancient Rome. Teams of anywhere from 1 to 4 people and will compete to win some great prizes. $35/person (reservations are required). FMI visit www.trattoriaathena.com or call 721-0700.

Wine Tasting Seminar - May 15

Back Street Bistro, 11 Town Hall Place, will host this event upstairs Tuesday, at 6 pm. Join Ned Swain of Devinish Wines and taste 6 Oregon wines paired with light fare. Cost is $20 per person. Space is limited. FMI call 725-4060.

Mid Coast Hospital's Grand and Glorious Yard Sale - May 18 - 20

Twelve "stores" under one roof! Friday, 6-8:30 pm, Preview Party will be held at the old Bookland, Cook's Corner Mall. Advance reservations $15 pp, until 5 pm Thursday, May 17, available at the Mid Coast Hospital Gift Shop. Tickets at door $20 pp, starting at 6 pm. Saturday, May 19, sale runs 8 am - 3 pm and Sunday, May 20, runs 9 am - 12 pm. FMI call 373-6015.

Purr and Caw - May 22

This spoken word event sponsored by Spindleworks will take place Tuesday, at 7 pm at the Frontier. Members of the community are welcome to be part of the event by reading or singing work in the theme of species. There will be no walk-in entries. FMI contact Liz McGhee 725-8820 or emcghee@iaofmaine.org.

Learning Land Nursery School's 50th Birthday Celebration - May 28

All current and former Learning Land students, staff and families are invited to walk or ride their bikes or wagons with Learning Land in the Brunswick-Topsham Memorial Day Parade, and/or join them from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for the celebration at 9 Cleaveland Street. They also need your old photos! FMI, find them on Facebook at "Learning Land 50th Birthday" or visit www.learninglandnurseryschool.com.

Downtown Brunswick Window Box/Planter Competition - entries due June 1

This summer, Brunswick's Village Improvement Association will conduct this competition among Brunswick businesses on or near Maine and Pleasant Streets. Any live floral beautification that enhances the exterior appearance of a business will be eligible. Entries will be judged in mid-July. Prizes include $250 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, several non-monetary certificates awarded for Honorable Mentions, as well as a $100 prize for Best New Entry. For questions about rules, call Jeff Hutchinson, Codes Enforcement Officer, at 725-6651. FMI or to register your business click here.

2nd Annual Brunswick Fly-In - June 2 & 3

RE/MAX Riverside would like to invite you to join them between 8 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday at Brunswick Landing. Take a tethered ride on "Big MAX", RE/MAX's hot air balloon, Saturday, 8-10 am and 6-8 pm. Both days start with a pancake breakfast. Saturday will end with an outdoor movie. FMI call RE/MAX Riverside at 319-7816 or email info@remax-riverside-maine.com.

The Brunswick Farmers Market is now open Tuesdays and Fridays, on The Mall in Downtown Brunswick, 8 am - 2 pm rain or shine. FMI visit brunswickfarmersmarket.com. 

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 36 Old Portland Rd, just completed a major renovation! The Package is called "Green Tea Décor" and although it doesn't boast the same benefits as green tea, it does reinvigorate guests! Property tours are given from 12-3 pm daily or upon request. Visit, have a complimentary cup of coffee, and experience the invigorating new décor! FMI call 721-0300 or visit www.marriott.com/pwmbw.

Agren Appliance, at 90 Maine Street, is Supporting the Troops by collecting donations for our Troops serving overseas. Needed items include personal products like toothpaste/toothbrushes, different size batteries, toys and sportballs for the children in their areas of deployment and many other items. FMI click here, visit www.agrenappliance.com, or call 725-0644.

Mid Coast Hospital (MCH) is looking for donations for its "Grand and Glorious" Yard Sale that will be held May 18-20 at the former Bookland, Cook's Corner Mall. Donations of good, clean merchandise may be taken to the Bookland back door every Wednesday and Saturday, 9-10 am, until May 12. Tax receipts are available. Call 725-4144 for pick-up of large items. Proceeds benefit MCH Auxiliary's pledge for walk-in clinic and health career scholarships. FMI 373-6015.

Single tickets to individual shows for the Maine State Music Theater 2012 season are on sale now. The season opens June 6 and will include A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, Sunset Boulevard, 42nd Street, Skippy Jon Jones and Sleeping Beauty. They will also host special concert events featuringThe Dartmouth Aires, Schooner Fare, and Always Patsy Cline. FMI visit www.msmt.org, call 725-8769, or stop by the MSMT box office at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick.

Maine Fiberarts in Topsham will be hosting Fiber Fridays the first Friday of each month, 10 am-noon. Bring your spinning, knitting, quilting, or embroidery and join them as they share good ideas and happenings about town. "The Art of the Needle," needlework tapestries by Jill Vendituoli will be on view throughout the month of April. We'll host a Weave-In throughout May and June. FMI call 721-0678 or email fiberarts@gwi.net.

The Little Schoolhouse on Maine Early Childhood Center will be opening September 2012 and is now accepting enrollment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. They are a quality, early childhood center providing outstanding care in a safe and nurturing environment. They offer their own Little Gourmet Chef Cooking classes, dance lessons, field trips and so much more! FMI call 522-3151 or visit TheLittleSchoolhouseonMaine.com.

In 1996 the Village Improvement Association (VIA) planted Maine Street flowers in 4 median beds and 20 baskets, with a $2,300 budget. This summer the VIA will plant 11 beds - vibrant burgundy, orange, fuchsia and yellow - at a cost of $10,678. If you'd like to support the plantings, send a check to the Village Improvement Association, Russell Pierce, 59 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. FMI email crichp@myfairpoint.net.

What's New?                                                           

May Days at People Plus! Computer Tutor-Learn the Basics on May 8 and May 10 at 10 am, Men's Breakfast on May 9 at 8 am, Walking Club with Frank on May 9 at 9 am, 2nd Friday ArtWalk featuring our own People Plus artists from 5-8 pm on May 11, Author's Chat with Everest Climber Ed Webster on May 16 at 2 pm and Facebook Follow-up on May 17 at 10:30 am. People Plus, The Center that Builds Community! FMI call 729-0757 or look for us online at peopleplusmaine.org.

The Whatnot Gallery at Spindleworks, 7 Lincoln Street, will host a collaborative mail art exhibit "Return to Sender". This exhibit features 16 densely colorful works created in a 2-year collaboration between Spindleworks and two art programs in Rhode Island. Exhibit runs April 20-May 31, with a reception Friday May 11th, 5:30-7:30 pm. FMI visit www.spindleworks.org or call 725-8820.

Downeast Energy will be collecting teddy bears through May 11 at its Brunswick, Bath and Lisbon Falls offices. The teddy bears will be donated to the Mid Coast Hospital and given to young patients undergoing medical treatment. Stuffed animal donations must be new and still have tags attached and preferably be on the smaller size (approximately 12 inches). FMI call 800-339-9921.

Maine Street Yoga and the Brunswick Recreation Department are hosting Yoga for Kids! AND Yoga for Beginners! starting on Monday's beginning May 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm. Kids and Adult programs will be held at the same time for ALL to enjoy. FMI click here.

Frontier - For a full listing of current movies, music, and events, visit www.explorefrontier.com/schedule.

Cool As A Moose is pleased to offer all Bowdoin College students 15% off purchases in our Brunswick store at 128 Maine Street during the month of May. Open daily 10 am - 6 pm. Congratulations Class of 2012! FMI visit www.coolasamoose.com.

Pura Vida Day Spa May specials.Champagne & Rose Oil Massage. 1 hour $75. The 24 Karat Gold Facial utilizes gold powder and silk extract to moisturize your skin. 1 hour $80. The May Package includes 45 minute Rose Facial, 45 minute Rose Massage, and 45 minute Rose Footsoak served with sparkling beverage for $149. Mothers Day is May 13, treat Mom to a relaxing spa day she deserves. FMI call 725-1233.

Roberta Owen at MK Studio is offering Yonka facial gift certificates for only $40, May 5th! Come by their store at 17 Stanwood Street for Mother's Day gifts and more! Studio open 9 am -2 pm Saturday. Month of May, highlights $10 off with Barbara Gagne by mentioning this ad! FMI call 319-8715 or email mkstudiobrunswick@gmail.com.

Luxe Salon can help you get the perfect Mother's Day gift. Buy a gift card worth at least $50 and receive a free gift bag. Buy a gift card worth at least $100 and receive a free gift bag and bonus gift. Come together save together - Bring your mom, bring your friend, bring anyone and receive 20% off any side by side services (like mani/pedis, facial & massage, or highlights). FMI email info-brunswick@luxehairnailsbody.com or call 729-2700.

Slot Car Junction Mother's Day Special! Calling all moms, moms-to-be, and daughters! Come in Mother's Day and enjoy FREE track time with the family. Also check out the new toys at Fascination Station Toys and find out about our cool kayaking programs for moms, dads, kids and the family! FMI call 729-9545 or email slotcarjunction@gmail.com.

At Last...Salon & Day Spa, 185 Park Row, welcomes Amanda Pierce formally of Beau Bella. Her expertise is in: cuts, color, hi-lights and perms and also enjoys doing mani's and pedi's. Her current schedule is Saturdays 8:30 am - 3 pm and she will be offering the following specials. Complimentary lip or brow wax with a shampoo, haircut & blow dry for new guests to the spa, or those who haven't had their hair done here. Spa manicure or spa pedicure offered at regular manicure or pedicure prices. Mention "Brunswick Blast" when booking appointment. FMI call 373-0751, email info@atlastsalondayspa.com, or visit www.atlastsalondayspa.com.

Goodwin Chevrolet Mazda is offering a Facebook Special. Like them on Facebook and receive $10 off an oil change! FMI click here.

The Brunswick Inn has been named "Best College-Town Inn in New England" by Yankee Magazine's 2012 Travel Guide to New England, on newsstands now. This designation is awarded by Yankee's editors and contributors, who name select restaurants, lodgings, and attractions in New England to the exclusive list. FMI click here.