Connecting Business to Community
April 14, 2016 
*NOTE: Some of you may not be seeing the entire newsletter. If you scroll down to the very bottom and see a message that reads "view entire message", click it and you will be able to view all the fun things happening in our area!
In This Issue
Can't Pay Taxes On Time? Here Are Five Tips
tax_time.jpg
 
Tax day is fast-approaching. If you find yourself unable to pay your taxes on time, the IRS offers five tips to help you avoid paying penalties.

DOT trainings in May
 
The DOT is offering a series of workplace safety training sessions for employers in May. Most classes are in Augusta. To sign up for any class, call 623-7900.

Download the list here (.pdf).
Bay Fest sponsors wanted 
 
July 22-24, 2016

The Festival is the leading fundraiser for the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and without a successful event we would struggle to support our membership throughout the year.  The various aspects of the Festival - such as, the Kid's Center, Car Show, Karaoke Contest, 5K Run, Parade, Pie Bake Off and more - help raise money for the Chamber. The Festival attracts between 3,000-5,000 people each year, and it is imperative we continue to help it grow, inevitably helping small business in Bucksport and surrounding communities.

Questions? Get in touch with Christopher R. Grindle
Festival Coordinator | Bucksport Bay Festival
Playing at The Alamo...
 

Fri 15 Apr, 6:00 pm
Fri 15 Apr, 8:15 pm
Sat 16 Apr, 6:00 pm
Sat 16 Apr, 8:15 pm
Sun 17 Apr, 2:00 pm
Mon 18 Apr, 2:00 pm
Tue 19 Apr, 2:00 pm
Wed 20 Apr, 2:00 pm
Thu 21 Apr, 6:00 pm



 
A Century of Movies at the Alamo

Every third Sunday from March through November

April 17: Wings (1927)
May 15: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
June 19: Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
July 17: Hitchcock Double Feature: Vertigo (1958) and Rear Window (1954)
August 21: The Sound of Music (1965)
September 18: Young Frankenstein (1974)
October 16: Big (1988)
November 20: Fargo (1996)
Searsport Pines Golf Course


"opened on April 1st for the season. It is walking only for the time being; course is too wet for carts at this time. Greens fees are $15.00 for 9 holes and $25. for 18 holes. The greens are in very good shape coming out of the winter; with no issues. The driving range has been open since March 12. Memberships, 10-Play Passes (Bonus Pass of 11 plays available through April 30th), range ball passes (10 bags of range balls for the price of 8 bags) and merchandise are available at the pro shop. Early spring hours for the pro shop are 9-5 weekdays and 8-5 weekends. Please call 548-2854 for further information."
 
Garden Discussions in Stockton Springs
 
New Program at the Stockton Springs Community Library - Monthly Informal Gardening Discussions

There will be a new
monthly gardening discussion program at the Stockton Springs Community Library.

The format will be very informal. Participants may share whatever they are doing in their vegetable, flower, and perennial gardens. We will talk about what works well and what might not be working so well. The group will be encouraged to discuss and ask questions on any garden-related topic. 

The meeting will be held at the library the
first Monday of every month through October, at 6 pm. All gardeners and other interested people are welcome to attend. The first meeting will be on Monday, April 4th at 6 pm. All are welcome to join us.
Beauty
 
Beauty - ~3-4 y/o female cat - black longhair

Beauty is a lovely cat who needs a little more time to come out of her shell - then she will be a great family pet. She adores people and receiving attention, but the move to our shelter has made her a bit shy. Beauty's new family will be lucky to have her.

**most likely spayed**

Someone is usually at the Bucksport Animal Shelter from 9-10am each day, or contact ACO Dan Joy to set up another time. 469-7951
Bucksport Senior Center Meal Program

Click here to down load April's Menu 

Meals are prepared by RSU 25 staff at 11:30am Monday, Wednesday & Friday at the Bucksport Senior Center at 125 Broadway. 

All ages are welcome 
$5 per meal
All meals are served with reduced fat milk, coffee, and cold drinks. 

Please call to make a reservation no later than 9am the morning of the scheduled meal: 469.3632
Gentle Yoga Classes

Beginner-friendly healing hatha yoga for adults and teens. 

Tuesdays, 4-5pm Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center*, Ellsworth
Free

Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm Bucksport Regional Health Center
(No class April 27th)

Thursdays, 1-2pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center*, Ellsworth 
Free

Thursdays, 6-7 pm
Orland Fire Department

$50 for a 5-week series of classes 
or drop-ins are always welcome:
$12 per class
$10 per class for
first-responders
 Free to Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center clients

Students who have paid for a series may attend any five classes (any day or time) during the 5-week series.

Where: 

Tuesday & Thursday:
Beth C Wright
Cancer Resource Center, 
23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth
*classes will be held at the Moore Community Center in the Art Room while the Beth Wright Center undergoes renovations

Wednesday: 
Education Room, Bucksport 
Bucksport Regional Health Center, Broadway in Bucksport

Thursday night:
Orland Fire Department
School House Road
Please park in back.

All classes are for adults and teens. Anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver from their parent or guardian. Children under 13 are only permitted by the instructor. Mats and props are provided and no yoga experience is necessary. 

Questions? Contact Naomi Graychase (Yoga with Naomi) 370.9589

More details online
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Chamber Hours
 
The Chamber is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 3pm.

And is CLOSED Mondays and Tuesdays. 
Join Our Mailing List
April showers...
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April showers bring May flowers and...candles! Drop by Daffodils on Saturday for a free candle carving workshop. If you love flowers, you can also meet with like-minded folks at the Stockton Springs Community Library the first Monday of every month.

Tax day is closing in. If you haven't filed yet, there are some great last-minute tips from the IRS in this issue...especially if you aren't going to be able to file or pay in full on time.

GPMCT has some wonderful spring events coming up, including a woodcock watch and a Stream Smart workshop. 

Below you'll also find some local opportunities for family-friendly April vacation activities, including Fort Knox, the Alamo, and Searsport Pines and some ways to do good by supporting the fundraising activities at the OCC or attending the benefit wine tasting at the GK, or running in the Miles for Smiles 5K.

And that's just for starters! See below for details and lots of other bits of news from your Chamber community.
Candle Making Party! 
 
Carve your own candle at Daffodils this Saturday from 3-5pm! 

FREE for all ages! 

Sample fresh local cheeses from Appleton Creamery!

Also, we are still featuring the bright and uplifting paintings of local artist Aeriana Blue of The Community Crafting Studio!
Fort Knox to Open for School Vacation
fort

Looking for something to do with the kids during spring vacation? Come on over to Fort Knox, in Prospect, starting Monday, April 18, at 9 AM until 4 PM. Both attractions will remain open through Sunday, April 24th and then reopen for the entire season May 1.

New! Come and meet the "Old Soldier of Fort Knox" on sunny days this week, from 11 to 3, on the Fort parade ground. He will be dressed in a Civil War uniform and demonstrate rifle firing.

Explore the massive cannons and dark passageways of one of America's best-preserved granite fortifications. Bring the kids! They love to explore the dark spooky tunnels! 

Planning a reunion, birthday party or wedding? Consider hosting your event at Fort Knox or the observatory. The observatory has a new pavilion for rent that overlooks the mighty Penobscot River and comes complete with a gas grill. Don't forget to check out the many Fort special events during the season at the Friend's of Fort Knox web site: fortknox.maineguide.com
Woodcock Watch, Friday, April 29
GPMCT
 
Visit the Wildlands on a spring evening to hear and see American woodcock do their spring mating display. 

Night creatures will be venturing out, peepers and wood frogs will be singing, and we might even hear an early whippoorwill or nighthawk calling. 

There will be a group for those less-abled who would like to sit and watch (byo lawn chair, and we'll have some, too), and a group for those who would like a moderate hike. Dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. No dogs, please. Meet at South Gate on Rte. 1 at 7:30 pm. 

For more info, call Cheri at 469-6929 or [email protected]. Rain date April 30. Check Facebook or web for weather cancellations.
Notice of 
FORMAL 
PUBLIC MEETING,
 VERONA ISLAND

 
Notice of
FORMAL
PUBLIC MEETING
IN VERONA ISLAND
______________________________________________________________

TO DISCUSS 
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING: 

PROSPECT ROCK IN PROSPECT
PENOBSCOT NARROWS BRIDGE IN PROSPECT-VERONA
DR. ED TEGAN MEMORIAL BRIDGE IN BUCKSPORT-VERONA

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016
AT 6:00 P.M.
AT THE VERONA ISLAND TOWN OFFICE
LOCATED AT 16 SCHOOL STREET
IN VERONA ISLAND

Please join MaineDOT for a formal public meeting to discuss the future improvements to the following: Prospect Rock in Prospect, beginning 2000 feet northerly of Switzer Spring Road and extending northerly 700 feet; Penobscot Narrows Bridge #6421 which carries Rts. 1 & 3 over the Penobscot River on the Prospect-Verona town line; and, the Dr. Ed Tegan Memorial Bridge #3010 which carries Rt. 1 over the East Channel of the Penobscot River on the Bucksport-Verona town line.

The wearing surface on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is being replaced. This work requires that one side of the bridge be closed to traffic. A temporary traffic signal will be installed at both ends of the bridge with a single lane of alternating traffic being maintained on only one side of the bridge. 

Representatives of the Maine Department of Transportation will be present on Thursday,  April 28, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. to listen to concerns, receive comments, and answer questions from anyone with an interest in the projects. The Department is particularly interested in learning local views relative to project consistency with local comprehensive plans, discovering local resources, and identifying local concerns and issues. Anyone with an interest is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.

Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids will be provided upon 
advance request.

Any inquiries regarding this project may be directed to the attention of Michael Wight, Project Manager, Maine Department of Transportation, Bridge Program, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. Telephone: (207) 592-2543. Email: [email protected]

Work Identification Numbers 018792.00, 022623.00, 021671.00
Federal Aid Project Numbers NHPP-1879(200), NHPP-2262(300)
TTY Telephone (888) 516-9364
Tax tips from the IRS

Make an electronic payment and get an automatic extension of time to file 

An automatic extension of time to file will be processed when you pay all or part of your taxes electronically by April 18. There's no need to file a paper or electronic Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. An extension of time to file is not an extension to pay. You can file up to six months later when you have an extension, but your taxes are still due by your original due date. You can get an automatic extension when you make a payment with Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by debit or credit card and select Form 4868 as the payment type. When using electronic payment methods to get your filing extension, select Form 4868, enter the date to submit your payment, and you'll receive instant confirmation. Keep your confirmation for your records. 

The IRS offers several electronic payment options. You can pay online, by phone or from your mobile device. Go to IRS.gov/Payments for the payment options, telephone numbers, and easy secure ways to pay your tax. When paying with your mobile device, use IRS2Go. The app provides easy access to mobile-friendly payment options like IRS Direct Pay, offering you a free, secure way to pay directly from your bank account. You can also make a debit or credit card payment through an approved payment processor for a fee. Download IRS2Go from Google Play, the Apple App Store or Amazon, and make your payments anytime, anywhere. All of the electronic payment options are quick, easy, and secure and can be used by individual taxpayers to apply for an automatic extension of time to file. 
"The Good Dinosaur" at Stockton Springs Library

The Stockton Springs Community Library invites children and their parents to attend a free screening of the feature length animated film The Good Dinosaur on Friday, April 22 at 6:30 pm.

The Good Dinosaur is a 2015 3D computer-animated comedy-drama adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. Set on a fictional Earth in which dinosaurs never went extinct, the film follow a young Apatosaurus named Arlo, who meets an unlikely human friend while traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape.

The film features the voices of Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliot, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, Jeffrey Wright, and Steve Zahn.

Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring a pillow, and a favorite stuffed animal and come to the Stockton Springs Community Library for an evening of fun. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Yoga with Naomi class updates
 
Due to ongoing renovations at the Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth, Yoga with Naomi's Beth Wright classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays) will be held at the Moore Community Center this week and next.

The Thursday night class returns tonight in the hope of recruiting two more to sign up for a 3-week series ($30, 4/14, 4/21, 5/5).

Questions? [email protected] or 370-9589.
Wine Tasting Event to Benefit Penobscot Marine Museum

Taste delicious locally crafted wine Thursday, April 21st from 5-7 pm at The Good Kettle in Stockton Springs.  The wine tasting event will introduce you to Maine vineyards from across the state, with 10 % of the proceeds benefiting the Penobscot Marine Museum.

The Good Kettle offers a wide selection of wine for a range of budgets and tastes, and a variety of choices from local wines to some of the best wines from all over the world. The Good Kettle hosts a wine tasting benefit for area non-profits once a month from April to December featuring local wineries.

Located on 247 US Route 1 in Stockton Springs, The Good Kettle is a Home Style Eat-In or Carry Out restaurant offering a wines and beer, Maine-made local products, and breakfast and lunch.

For more information contact The Good Kettle at 207.567.2035 or [email protected] or visit thegoodkettle.wordpress.com. 

 *Please register and make payment in advance - send check to Downeast Maine SCORE, P.O. Box 1507, Ellsworth, ME 04605. For any questions regarding this seminar, please contact SCORE at 667-2926.
 
Introductory Stream Smart Workshop

GPMCT
Tuesday, April 26, 6-7:30 pm

Interested in protecting stream habitat for native fish while storm-proofing Hancock County roads and crossings? 

Interested citizens, private landowners, foresters, anglers, contractors and members of road and lake associations are invited to a FREE introductory workshop onStream Smart, a set of techniques to create new and replace outdated road-stream crossings. Find out how you can promote Stream Smart projects in your community. This workshop at the Alamoosook Lakeside Inn, Orland is a presentation of Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, GPMCT, and Maine Audubon. Pre-register, 667-8663 or [email protected]. Certified contractors can receive 1.5 continuing ed credits from Maine DEP.
Dairy Port Flavors of the day, April

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Playground fundraisers
 
The Town of Orland is in the process of updating the playground at the Orland Community Center. This public playground is available for use by Orland residents, as well as residents of surrounding communities. Some of the equipment has been in use for over 30 years. The fundraising goal is $35,000. Volunteers and donations are needed for this project. Due to a generous contribution, the playground project is being engineered by Nickerson and O'Day.

Pictures of the proposed improvements are on display at the Orland Town Office and can be seen on the Town's website, www.orlandme.org. There will be several upcoming fundraisers, including a benefit dance in April, a plant/bake sale on May 14th, a dance featuring the band Badge on July 16th, an on-going bottle collection at the Community Center and more! Anyone interested in being a part of this exciting endeavor or interested in making a donation is asked to contact the Orland Town Office at PO Box 67, Orland ME 04472, 469-3186 or [email protected].
USDA Summer Food Service Program Provides Free Lunches for Kids
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This summer, children can enjoy free lunches through USDA's Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded nutrition program open to all kids aged 0-18 years. The program also provides meals to those with a disability over age 18 who participate in a school program for people who have mental or physical disabilities. All children and teens are welcome, and no applications are necessary to drop in at a participating meal site. In addition to lunch, some sites offer breakfast and snacks to accompany a day of fun activities. The Summer Food Service Program helps to ensure that all children can eat healthy food during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

The Summer Meals program currently has 14 sites in Hancock County at different times throughout the summer.  Healthy Acadia is working with local schools, organizations and municipalities to increase the number of Summer Meal sites available for 2016.  If you are interested in becoming a Summer Meals sponsor or site, visit the USDA Summer Food Service Program website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program-sfsp or email Emily Herwerden, AmeriCorps Anti-Hunger VISTA with Healthy Acadia: [email protected]. For more information about Summer Meals program sites for 2016, contact Emily at (207) 667-7171. A list of sites is also available at: www.healthyacadia.org.

The Jewett School in Bucksport is one of the Summer Meals locations.


 


Miles for Smiles Set for May 14

"Miles for Smiles" 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016, starting from Healthy Acadia, 140 State Street. "Miles for Smiles" is an annual awareness and fundraising event to support Healthy Acadia's Downeast Oral Health Team's outreach in Hancock and Washington counties. The theme for this year's event is: "Show YOUR dental spirit!" Dress in costume to impress the Miles for Smiles Tooth Fairy - you might be a tooth, a toothbrush or tube of toothpaste, a dentist, or the tooth fairy herself! Prizes for best costume(s) will be awarded.

Healthy Acadia is excited to host the third annual "Miles for Smiles" road race to raise awareness about the importance of dental health to quality of life, and to support increased dental access and education throughout the region.  One of the projects currently underway is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for pregnant women and infants. "Pregnancy and infancy are a critical time to ensure good oral health for the mother and the baby," said Sandie Dubay, Special Projects Director with Healthy Acadia. "If a mother has a healthy mouth, her infant is more likely to have a healthy mouth. The decay-producing bacteria can spread from a parent to the baby. This can lead to early childhood cavities - a costly health problem which is often painful and embarrassing for the young child. It is important for parents to take good care of their own teeth as well as the teeth of their babies, and to see providers regularly. Finding dental health problems early makes treatment easier and less costly, and best of all is preventing problems before they start!"

Entry fee is $25 for those entering the 5K event and $15 for the 1-mile walk/run. Students under age 18 pay just $10 for either event. Register online at: 
 or contact Sandie Dubay at 667-7171 or[email protected].

Prizes will be awarded for best costume(s), with additional prizes for top runners and teams in each event.  Be one of the first 100 participants to register by April 22, 2016 to reserve your sports pack.  Teams must pre-register by no later than 4 pm on May 9, 2016.

Registration/check-in begins at 8 a.m. the morning of the event. No registrations will be accepted after 8:30 am. The 5K run/walk begins at 9 am; the 1-mile fun run/walk begins at 9:15 am. The run/walk will start and finish at Healthy Acadia's office located at 140 State Street in Ellsworth and include a scenic loop along the Shore Road.

For more information about the "Miles for Smiles" Run/Walk and dental health programs supported by Healthy Acadia, contact Sandie at Healthy Acadia: 207-667-7171 or [email protected].
Breakfast at Tiffany's, a black dress event at the Alamo

Ladies Night Out
 
8th Ladies Night Out event, benefiting Bucksport Community Concerns! 
Click HERE for the Facebook Event

Below are the vendors who will be with us:
1. Jewelry in Candles - Ashley Seymour
2. Sew Craft Crazy - Kasie Wilson
3. Abbi's Handmade Hairbows - Lisa Coffin
4. Tocara Jewelry - Ann Hawley
5. Mother's Moon - Dawnella Sutton
6. Scentsy - Katie Gaudette
7. Lupine Ridge Botanicals - Jess Wellman
8. doTERRA - Katye Lacasse
9. Art for Autism - Colby Lacasse
10. Jamberry - Amanda Manning
11. Amanda Thuy Designs - Amanda Manning
12. Juice Plus - Ashlee Grindle
13. Maude's Milk Soap - Kristin Wilbur
14. Athena's Home Novelties - Jess Carter
15. Origami Owl - Donisa Hughes
16 Chalky & Company - Joseph Hughes
17. Tastefully Simple - Hilda Christie Moss
18. Thirty-One - Kandi Stewart
19. Burning Desire - Christina Petros
20. Avon - Heather Jones
21. Treasure Links - Teri Foster
22. Beachbody - Katie Stratton
23. Cloud 9 Massage - Wendy Leach
24. Flying Moose Farm Creations - Mel Masterson
25. KEEP Collective - Jess DeWitt
26. Usborne Books & More - Kate Haskell
27. LuLaRoe - Katy Hardy
28. It Works! - Cassie Carpenter
29. MelBri Designs - Melissa Clark
30. Beads by Aimee - Aimee Young
31. Shop.com/Motives Cosmetics - Bobbi Jeffery-Gant
32. Handmade Hats - Sandra Hanscom