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Christmas reﬂections See Bob Higgins’ column on page 4

Again it comes: The dreaded ‘s-ﬂu’ See Curtis Robinson’s column on page 5

Boles named new manager of Sea Dogs See Sports, page 15

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Deering Oaks pond prepped for $1.2M upgrade BY DAVID CARKHUFF THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

Enough composted refuse came out of Deering Oaks Park pond to fill two twostory houses, and the job still isn’t done, city officials reported of a major clean-up effort this month. Ultimately, the city is in line for a $1.2 million federal grant to line the bottom of

the popular pond, a permanent answer to the siltation issue. Earlier this month, Portland Department of Public Services crews brought in the heavy equipment for a major clean-up effort at the landmark pond to improve water quality and prevent structural damage. “Our focus was really to get rid of the soil and leaf matter and the debris,” said

Public Services Department Director Michael Bobinsky. “We were pleased we were able to schedule that work in a late fall, early winter before we get into major storm events. It’s an example of the talent of our employees that can actually do those kinds of things. It’s also a partnership with Friends of Deering Oaks.” see POND page 9

Christmas in the Mansion Victoria Mansion transformed for ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ “This is the biggest annual event we put on, and it’s grown exponentially over the years. It started out as a two-day event, and now it goes for six weeks.” — Thomas Johnson, Victoria Mansion’s director

BY MATT DODGE THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

ortland’s Victoria Mansion, the Italian villa style residence on Danforth Street, is an opulent example of mid-nineteenth century American architecture any time of year, but during Christmas, the 150-year-old building is transformed by teams of local designers into a holiday spectacle that would make a pre-Civil War-era Clark Griswold proud. Through Saturday, Jan. 8, Victoria Mansion will present its annual Christmas at Victoria Mansion, with this year’s decorations reflecting the stanzas of the classic holiday carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “This is the biggest annual event we put on, and it’s grown exponentially over the years. It started out as a two-day event, and now it goes for six weeks,” said Thomas Johnson, Victoria Mansion director. The rooms of the Victoria Mansion, normally decorated in exacting historical style and featuring 90 percent original furnishings, are nearly unrecognizable for the holiday season, with feathers, snow and pine boughs creeping across the traditional Victorian decor. “The rooms are transformed this time of year,” said Johnson. “Without decorations, the drawing room on the first floor’s major colors are gold gilt and red. To walk into it right now, it presents a very very cool silver and blue feeling,” he said. The drawing room was decorated by local florist Harmon’s and Barton’s, who have helped to decorate a room since the seasonal tradition’s inception in 1984.

LEFT: The main staircase of Victoria Mansion is decked out for the historical residence’s annual Christmas at Victoria Mansion, a six-week event which concludes Saturday, Jan. 8. (MATT DODGE PHOTO)

see MANSION page 8

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Page 2 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

Critics slam wedding coin LONDON (AP) — That’s Kate Middleton? Britain’s Royal Mint on Thursday released a commemorative coin featuring portraits of Prince William and his bride-to-be, but critics said the results were far from lifelike. Images of the couple on the memento bear little resemblance to either the prince or his 28-year-old betrothed. Middleton appears plump in the face and lips and has bags under her eyes, while some critics suggested William looks more like former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Available in silver or gold, the 5-pound ($7.70) coin — which costs 9.99 pounds ($15.40) to buy — marks the April 29 wedding of the second-in-line to the British throne. “This coin is of historical importance, to get it so wrong seems ridiculous,” Ingrid Seward of Majesty magazine told Britain’s Sky News. The Royal Mint said the coin was designed by its in-house engraving team and insisted the portraits had gone though “a rigorous approval process.” Both the Queen and Prince William had given their consent to the design and staff had used photos of the couple to produce the images, the mint said in a statement. “The inspiration for the design came from photographs of the couple at a sporting event,” the mint said. Dickie Arbiter, a former royal spokesman, said it is often difficult to produce accurate images on a coin. Engravers managed a better likeness of William’s father and mother, Prince Charles and Diana, the Princess of Wales, in an official coin released to mark their 1981 wedding. In 2008, the mint released another coin to commemorate Charles’ 60th birthday. “The Royal Mint has been recording historical events for over 1,100 years,” said Dave Knight, of the Royal Mint. The coin is the latest official merchandise to celebrate the royal wedding. William’s office has also already approved a souvenir tankard, plate and pill box that feature the couple’s entwined initials, the prince’s coronet emblem and the date of the wedding.

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Wilderness rules restored for public lands DENVER (AP) — The Obama administration plans to reverse a Bush-era policy and make millions of undeveloped acres of land once again eligible for federal wilderness protection, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Thursday. The agency will replace the 2003 policy adopted under former Interior Secretary Gale Norton. That policy — derided by some as the “No More Wilderness” policy — stated that new areas could not be recommended for wilderness protection by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and it opened millions of acres to potential commercial development. That policy “frankly never should have happened and was wrong in the first place,” Salazar said Thursday. Environmental activists have been pushing for the Obama administration to restore protections for potential wilderness areas. Salazar said the agency will review some 220 million acres of BLM land that’s not currently under wilderness protection to see which should be given a new “Wild Lands” designation — a new first step for land awaiting a wilderness decision. Congress would decide whether those lands should be permanently protected, Salazar said. Congressional Republicans pounced on

the “Wild Lands” announcement as an attempt by the Obama administration to close land to development without congressional approval. “This backdoor approach is intended to circumvent both the people who will be directly affected and Congress,” said Washington Rep. Doc Hastings, a Republican tapped to lead the House Natural Resources Committee when the GOP takes control of the House in January. The Congressional Western Caucus, an all-Republican group, also blasted the decision. “This is little more than an early Christmas present to the far left extremists who oppose the multiple use of our nation’s public lands,” Utah Rep. Rob Bishop said in a statement. BLM Director Bob Abbey said it hasn’t been decided how many acres are expected to be designated as “Wild Lands” and whether those acres will be off-limits to motorized recreation or commercial development while under congressional review. It’s also unclear whether there will be a time limit on how long acres can be managed as “Wild Lands” before a decision is made on their future. The BLM has six months to submit a plan for those new wilderness evaluations. These “Wild Lands” would be separate from Wilderness Study Areas that must be

authorized by Congress. Wild Lands can be designated by the BLM after a public planning process and would be managed with protective measures detailed in a land use plan. Ranchers, oil men and others have been suspicious of federal plans to lock up land in the West, worrying that taking the BLM land out of production would kill rural economies that rely on ranchers and the oil and gas business. Their suspicions have been heightened since memos leaked in February revealed the Obama administration was considering 14 sites in nine states for possible presidential monument declarations. That included 2.5 million acres of northeastern Montana prairie land proposed as a possible bison range, along with sites in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington. The 2003 policy was an out-of-court deal struck between Norton and then-Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt to remove protections for some 2.6 million acres of public land in that state. The policy allowed drilling, mining and other commercial uses on land under consideration as wilderness areas. Salazar’s reversal doesn’t affect about 8.7 million acres already designated as wilderness areas.

Election board: Emanuel can run for Chicago mayor CHICAGO (AP) — Rahm Emanuel forged ahead with his campaign for Chicago mayor Thursday after an elections panel ruled his name can appear on the Feb. 22 ballot, rejecting arguments the former White House chief of staff forfeited his city residency when he went to work for President Barack Obama in Washington. The decision of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners removed a major obstacle to Emanuel’s ambitions to replace retiring Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Emanuel said it allowed him to “turn the page” and focus on issues more important to voters. “It reminds . . . everybody what the priorities are facing the city, which is about safer streets, strong schools and stable city finances so we can create the economy and business environment so we can produce the type of jobs we need in this city,” Emanuel said after greeting diners at the landmark Berghoff restaurant downtown. More than two dozen people had challenged Emanuel’s candidacy, contending he didn’t

Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel shakes hands at the Berghoff Restaurant before a press conference, Thursday, in Chicago. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ruled Thursday that the former White House chief of staff can run for Chicago mayor although he spent much of the last two years living in Washington while working for President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

meet a requirement that he be a resident of Chicago for a year before the election. An attorney for some vowed to immediately appeal the ruling and fight all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court if necessary. Board hearing officer Joseph

Morris ruled early Thursday morning that evidence showing Emanuel had no intention of terminating his residency in Chicago, left the city only to work for Obama and often told friends he intended to live in Washington for no more than

two years. Morris said Emanuel’s name should be placed on the ballot, and the elections board agreed later in the day. Emanuel is among a crowded field of candidates, including former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, former school board president Gery Chico and City Clerk Miguel del Valle. Late Thursday afternoon, State Sen. James Meeks, the pastor of a South Side mega church, said he was dropping out of the race and urged the other African-American candidates — which include Braun and Davis — to do the same. Meeks, a Democrat, said the city was too divided and the remaining candidates should appeal to a caucus of black leaders so they can choose a candidate and not divide votes. “As long as our community remains divided and splintered —to the specific advantage of the front-running, status quo candidates — we will never see things improve,” Meeks said in a statement. “We need to speak with one voice.”

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 3

ICE drops deportation request for Maine man PORTLAND (AP) — The Pakistani man detained in Maine during an investigation of a botched car bombing in New York City’s Times Square no longer faces deportation and is pursuing permanent residence status so he can remain with his wife in South Portland, his attorney said Thursday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement dropped its deportation request last month for Mohammad Shafiq Rahman of South Portland, said Cynthia Arn, his immigration attorney. Rahman was one of three Pakistani men detained May 13 in New England during the Times Square investigation. He was held for 15 weeks on a visa violation before being released in August. The man who has admitted to leaving an SUV rigged with a homemade bomb in Times Square on May 1, Faisal

Shahzad, has been sentenced to life in prison. “Clearly, a determination has been made there’s nothing controversial about this case any more as far as immigration is concerned,” Arn said. Rahman’s former employer, Larry Adlerstein, expressed frustration with the federal bureaucracy over the slow pace of the immigration proceedings. “This did not have to take so long. It was very obvious that a Pakistani person is low on the totem pole as far as justice in his country. And I’m embarrassed for our country,” said Adlerstein, owner of Portland-based Artist & Craftsman Supply, a company with more than a dozen stores from Portland to Los Angeles. Adlerstein said he’s loaning money to Rahman to help pay administrative costs for obtaining his green card and to help Rahman with back rent to

avoid being evicted. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement official didn’t immediately return a call from The Associated Press. Because of Rahman’s lengthy detention, Adlerstein had to hire a replacement computer programmer. But he said he plans to make room for Rahman on his staff. “I have an obligation to Shafiq to make up for the injustices he has suffered at the hands of our bureaucracies,” he said. Rahman’s wife, Sara, didn’t immediately return messages. Adlerstein said she proved her devotion by sticking with Rahman during some tough times. “I think Sara has proved their love. Their relationship is stronger for the experience. That’s the feeling I get,” he said.

Vets groups to qualify for fed. surplus donations

Reaching toward the goal

Eric Lusk (left) and Bob Tancredi man the Salvation Army Red Kettles at Tommy’s Park earlier this month for Harborview Investment. Last year the Salvation Army helped 29 million people and served 64 million meals, according to the group’s website (http:// give.salvationarmyusa.org). The Red Kettle campaign had raised $1.05 million toward a $3 million national goal as of Thursday, according to the group’s website. (DAVID CARKHUFF PHOTO)

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Veterans groups are now on the list of those in line for millions of dollars’ worth of federal government surplus items — from computers to snowmobiles — given away every year. A bill signed by President Barack Obama on Wednesday adds the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans to the list of potential recipients. Last year, $410 million worth of surplus was given to states to distribute under the U.S. General Services Administration’s federal surplus personal property donation program. The program funnels used-but-still-usable government equipment — including trucks, televisions, office equipment — to states and sometimes directly to the recipients. It’s not free. Typically, the receiving organizations have to pay between 6 percent and 30 percent of the value of the item to handle transportation or administrative expenses. “Allowing veterans’ groups to participate in the federal property donation program is a valuable use of property that the taxpayers have already bought, and another way to help thank them,” said David Robbins, director of the GSA’s General office of personal property management, which oversees the program. “It’s part of our overall theme of finding beneficial uses for property the government no longer needs. Veterans are well-deserving of being able to participate,” Robbins said.

Maine DEA awards funds for drugs prevention DAILY SUN STAFF REPORT Hoping to reduce prescription drug abuse in the state, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency awarded $158,683 to four drug prevention programs, according to MDEA Director Roy McKinney. The funding comes from a federal $1.1 million forfeiture as a result of an international marijuana smuggling ring that MDEA helped to break up in 2004. The money awarded to the four agencies was the maximum allowed under the forfeiture guidelines. “Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in Maine and the four agencies receiving the funding will help to reduce and prevent the misuse of these drugs,” McKinney said. Agencies receiving the funds include the Peoples Regional Opportunity Program of Portland, the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, York Hospital and the Maine Judicial Branch.

PROP will use the $54,724 in funds to support it’s Communities Promoting Health Coalition (CPHC) program, using a social marketing campaign to increase awareness of the risks associated with the misuse of prescription drugs, particularly to young adults in Cumberland County. The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office will use its $63,414 allotment for its Bi-County Safe Collection & Disposal of Prescription Drugs project, which will work to reduce abuse in Kennebec and Somerset counties through a three-part program augmenting existing prevention efforts. The program will involves placing drug drop-off boxes in 12 local police departments, replicating an existing drug offender registry which shares information about individuals convicted locally for drug violations and giving it to providers and pharmacies in southern Kennebec and Somerset counties and training 20 people as prescription drug educators who will

train 200 others in drug misuse prevention efforts. York Hospital will use $25,000 for its project to reduce prescription drug abuse in York County by working with three Healthy Maine Partnerships in the county. That effort will involve increasing community awareness, improving the ability of schools, police,

parents and health care providers to increase youth safety and increasing and improving regional drug prevention efforts by law enforcement, substance abuse coalitions, health care providers and schools. The Maine Judicial Branch will use $7,545 for its Forensic Case Management Services to the Maine CoOccurring Disorder Court.

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Page 4 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

––––––––––––– LETTERS TO THE EDITOR –––––––––––––

With rail, don’t think in isolation Editor, What follows is the same message that I sent to Rep. Chipman. I applaud him for his support of rail transportation (“Train fans embrace trends,” Dec. 23). I am a frequent rider on the Downeaster and once worked on it, so understand the benefits. I have met the TrainRiders and NNEPRA folks and know they do not plan or think in a vacuum. They know, in order to make rail service successful, they have to tie into bike paths, pedestrian and bike trails, in addition to addressing the needs of the passengers with autos. Unfortunately, the folks hosting the briefing on the Mountain Division line DO plan in a vacuum. I am an avid recreational walker and member of the Maine chapter of a national volkswalking club. Some of my favorite volkswalks are the ones I get to by riding the Downeaster and then connecting to the MBTA. You mentioned the exciting future possibility of taking the train to Sebago to camp. Yes, let’s also take the train to walk, hike, or bike. I applaud you for making the connection between public transportation and accessing recreational areas, trails and pathways. We need more conversations like this. But, there could be nothing to take the train to if we continue to think in isolation as narrowly as the folks did at the briefing. I was very disappointed, for example, that you did not mention the existing rail-with-trail along the Mountain Division line. Take a walk or bike ride on the Mountain Division Trail and you will meet other walkers, bikers, or even a horse rider or two. Yet, there was no mention of this in your article. If we are applauding efforts to reduce traffic and highway costs, the solution is to first recognize the need for a transportation policy that is broader than just auto, rail, and bus. It has to include bike and pedestrian access like a complete streets approach. Unfortunately, the bond issue that provides track improvements to the MD line de-railed the completion of the Sebago-to-the-Sea Trail (which links to the Mountain Division Trail) because the designers of the bond and the folks hosting the briefing fail to see the connection between the return of rail service and non-motorized forms of recreation and commuting. They think too narrowly. Had they approached it from a more inclusive vision, funds would have been set aside in the bond to complete rather than de-rail the STTS trail. I mentioned this to one of the representatives from the Lake Region. His response was, we couldn’t afford to add the trail. So, this a train to where? Every policy conversation re rail or any other form of motorized transportation should be an inclusive one — heavy rail, light rail, bus, auto, bike and pedestrian. Otherwise, you will be planning in a vacuum as the highway people did years ago when they put rail service out of business. Let’s not help the Mountain Division line folks make the same mistake. Get “onboard” with a comprehensive vision like complete streets. Marilyn Russell Portland

Portland’s FREE DAILY Newspaper Curtis Robinson Editor David Carkhuff, Matt Dodge Reporters THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN is published Tuesday through Saturday by Portland News Club, LLC. Mark Guerringue, Adam Hirshan, Curtis Robinson Founders Offices: 181 State Street, Portland ME 04101 (207) 699-5801 Website: www.portlanddailysun.me E-mail: news@portlanddailysun.me For advertising contact: (207) 699-5801 or ads@portlanddailysun.me Classifieds: (207) 699-5807 or classifieds@portlanddailysun.me CIRCULATION: 15,100 daily distributed Tuesday through Saturday FREE throughout Portland by Spofford News Company jspofford@maine.rr.com

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COLUMN ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Christmas reflections Looking back, I suppose I should give a Christmas gift to the city of Portland. Becaues, overall, this hasn’t been too bad of a year. The economy has been a bit frightening of late, and my day job slows down considerably in the first few months of the new year. That means a diminished income, but thankfully, this year, I’m ready for it. Looking back at over 20 years of debauchery, heavy drinking, partying like a rock star, and generally doing almost anything that seemed like fun, I’m actually lucky to still be sitting up and drinking water from a cup. I have friends who are fighting addictions of all sorts, and I’m thankful that the only monkeys on my back are the ones that crave nicotine, donuts and other deep-fried foods. Occasionally, the beer monkey chirps in these days, but I’ve been able to club that simian into a stalemate submission. Call it a best two out of three on the pinfall. I’ve had good luck with this column. Friends are now cluing me into news when they hear or see it, before calling anybody else. I’ve gotten a few surprising stories, just by being in the right

Bob Higgins ––––– Daily Sun Columnist place at the right time with my laptop, and relatively sober. Further proving that life ain’t fair, I’m even in reasonably good health. Sure, like everyone else, when climbing the big hills I tend to wheeze a bit, but I still have just enough teeth in my head to enjoy the tastiest cashews that seem to appear only this time of year. Those, and the particularly tasty walnuts, are the taste of winter for me. I’m thankful that my own personal mid-December housing crisis was averted. I was stubborn and stupid enough to convince myself that I would “rather sleep in my truck” in the long winter months than resort to asking for help. At the last minute, I was able to borrow enough to get into a place, and didn’t have to resort to sleeping in the bone-chilling cold Maine winter. Over the course of the last year, I’ve even become more optimistic. I’ve always been a

glass-half-empty kind of guy, more importantly an observer of the fact that the glass was a half-empty beer. That all sort of changed over the course of the year, for reasons I have yet to understand. I can still get snarky with the best of them when pointing out some bizarre policy or city oversight, but I can still see that a lot of good is getting done. This year, towards the end of the summer, I stopped “helping” karma. Maybe that was the thing that did it. When someone had done me wrong, I always took delight in the turning of the tide, sometimes coming up with devious and dastardly plans that sought to give karma a push in the right direction. I realized this year that the universe doesn’t need my help. If someone wronged me, I’ve tried to shrug it off with a Lebowskiish “Well, whatever man. That’s, like, your opinion.” Not always successful, I’ve tied to stay on the dude-ism path. I’m thankful that I still notice things. More columns came from wandering down the street and noticing something odd or out of place. Portland is a good city for that. You see HIGGINS page 5

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 5

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STAFF OPINION –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

This time of year can bring the dreaded ‘s-flu’ EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ll get to the column after a few programming notes. First, in celebration of Christmas, The Daily Sun will not publish a Saturday (Christmas Day) paper this week. So read this one slowly. We will resume our regular Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule next week.

Curtis Robinson ––––– Usually Reserved Secondly, for fans of Heidi Wendel’s serialized column/novel “The Port City Chronicle” there’s good news. Year one of the adventures of Gretchen Reingren, the 45-year-old (still?) lawyer living atop Munjoy Hill, and her family is available as a book, “Getting Off The Earth” (image at left). You can find it at Longfellow Books and online at blurb.com (tip: type “Getting Off The Earth” into the search box. Or you see ROBINSON page 6

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Appreciating the million tiny things that go right in a year HIGGINS from page 4

can be wandering about, and see something from a slightly askew view than you ever seen it before. Luckily, the part of the brain that makes you want to keep up with current trends is on the side that got damaged in a motorcycle accident a few years back. I’ve never seen anything “smart” about buying a “smartphone,” as they are perhaps the dumbest items I’ve ever seen. When the power dies out, your entire connective network is inside the brick. Also, I’ve managed to avoid the twin plagues of toe-socks and the latest fad, toe-sneakers. In both cases, the individual tootsies have their own area all to themselves. Portland has far too many brick sidewalks for me to be walking around in the sneakers, and

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a friend of mine suggested to me that ten individualized compartments of stench for my feet was simply going too far. Everyone wants to win a million dollars on the lottery for Christmas, or even the new year. Though that might be a life-changer, I’ve come to appreciate the million tiny little things that go right over the course of the year. For every “bad” day someone had this year, I bet, with just a little looking, you could find at least one good thing that happened that day, like the free coffee you got at the store that morning. My gift to Portland is this: Everything is about perception. Find that one small thing every day, and that is the real winning lottery ticket.

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(Bob Higgins is a regular contributor to The Portland Daily Sun.)

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Page 6 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OPINION –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Quest for signiﬁcance an annual afﬂiction ROBINSON from page 5

can email the author at hwendel@portlanddailysun. me. And look for an announcement about the resumption of the column soon. ... Now, it’s time for my annual health warning: It’s different for everyone, but sometime this weekend most of us will shift from Christmas season mode to New Year’s Day mode. It’s seldom pretty. First, we can expect to be bombarded next week with all those year-in-review lists, reminding us that time marches on. By next weekend, we’ll have been totally infected with that series of ideas I’ve decided to call “Significance Flu.” The dreaded s-flu can begin almost casually, perhaps with wearing more black and pausing at IFC while chan-surfing for old episodes of “Friends.” Next thing you know, you’re playing Leonard Cohen CDs in the car and wondering if those dusty poetry anthologies are still in the basement (what was that thing in “Song of Myself ” about looking backward at our days ...). Or maybe you find yourself finally understanding the subtle bowling analogy in “The Big Lebowski.” And why not? Because of some quirk of the calendar, we have just been called upon to conjure up perfect gifts, reflect with wisdom upon the year just passed and somehow resolve to improve this random sequence of space-time called “our life.” Toss in some “time marches on” quest for significance, and you got yourself some real trouble. Just as swine flu is much like other flu-like illnesses, Sig-Flu is much like your standard “got the blues.” The key is how bad the fever becomes. In an oft-cited case, a 23-year-old female with a

The dreaded s-flu can begin almost casually, perhaps with wearing more black and pausing at IFC while chan-surfing for old episodes of “Friends.” Next thing you know, you’re playing Leonard Cohen CDs in the car and wondering if those dusty poetry anthologies are still in the basement (what was that thing in “Song of Myself” about looking backward at our days ...). Or maybe you find yourself finally understanding the subtle bowling analogy in “The Big Lebowski.” healthy meditation practice went from “get new yoga mat” to a fever spike: A three-week spiritual tour of India, complete with leaving her job and apartment. Curry rehab alone will take years. The last time we spoke, she noted that the little houses in the middle of certain ponds contain ducks that both exist and don’t and live in both the past and future, similar to some sort of cat. So here again are some of the warning signs of too much significance: • Your weekend goals advance from “laundry,” “pick up milk” to include “run Boston Marathon.” • Your bedside copy of People Magazine has been replaced with “War and Peace” ... again. • Jon Stewart suddenly seems like a made-up comedy news show. • Fox News seems like a real news show. • You actually mail that PBS pledge check. • That tat of an Irish eternity knot turns out not to be temporary. • Instead of online tech school, you figure Har-

vard makes more sense. • Dialog from the novel in your head starts to seem as good as a Seinfield episode ... again. • You wear black for fashion reasons and not because it hides red wine stains. • You actually dig the old poetry journal out from under the tax-receipt boxes. WARNING: This is a Stage II S-flu symptom and requires immediate action. The real tragedy is that treatment is both effective and cheap. Proven holistic techniques include: • Share your goals and dreams — especially those involving a new commitment to “getting into shape” and literary aspirations — with spouses and/or siblings. The resulting dose of laughter and soul-crushing reality can usually remove all symptoms of looming significance. • Excessive New Year’s Eve alcohol consumption. While this treatment initially increases symptoms, the resulting social humiliation and energy-draining hangover are cures for significance on any level. • If you have kids, realize that your significance is really dependent on them — they’ll need more after-school training. And you will never be cool. • If you don’t have kids, borrow some from your friends. Nothing cures unhealthy quests for significance like dealing with potty training setbacks at the mall — it’s the whole literal underscoring the figurative thing. If all else fails, you can always just ride out the fever, write the poems, listen to the conversations in your head, go to India. Just realize that you ain’t coming back to normal. (Curtis Robinson is editor of The Portland Daily Sun. Contact him at curtis@portlanddailysun.me.)

Support your H.O.M.E. Team! Ever wonder when somebody is going to do something about the clearly troubled or horribly intoxicated people who sometimes make our streets difficult? Well, if you know about the “HOME teams,” you know somebody already is. And with great success. It’s a simple idea: Trained teams who know what social services are available literally walk the beat, engaging merchants and street people and defusing problems. For shop keepers, it means a way to deal with a problem short of calling the cops – and it means a better, faster, cheaper access to help for those who needs it. The HOME – or Homeless Outreach and Mobile Emergency – teams, are putting up impressive numbers (as reported in The Daily Sun): In the HOME team area – mostly downtown and in the Bayside neighborhood – the Portland Police Department reports a 23 percent drop in calls involving people who are intoxicated; • Police report a 55 percent drop, in that same area, in what are called “layouts,” meaning people too drunk to stand; • About 3,000 contacts with homeless or other street people, with 68 percent of those contacts involving people who were thought to be intoxicated.

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THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 7

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Page 8 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Victoria Mansion attracted a record number of visitors, 420 people, last Saturday. ABOVE: The “eleven pipers piping” in The Green Room of Victoria Mansion all take the form of tiny Santa Claus ﬁgurines hidden throughout the room. TOP RIGHT: The kitchen of Victoria Mansion features 12 drummers drumming as part of this year’s theme for Christmas at Victoria Mansion, based on the popular holiday carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” MIDDLE RIGHT: A stained glass window at the top of the mansion’s main staircase features Maine’s state seal (top) and Louisiana’s state seal (bottom). Built as a summer residence by wealthy New Orleans hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, the residence became a National Historical Landmark in 1971. BELOW, INSET: The lamp in the Victoria Mansion’s Turkish smoking room was hung by a pulley which could lower the ﬁxture so cigars could be lit on its gas torches.

Historic site gets decked out MANSION from page one

Based on the “seven swans a swimming” verse of the holiday carol, the drawing room has been a crowd favorite this year, with fake fluffy snow, blue lights and ceramic swans creating a wintry tableau on the floor. “With the feathers and the blue and the silver, it’s gorgeous and not something you’d see anyplace else,” said Ruth Caron of Windham, who was returning for the second year with Virginia Sands of Wells. “I think it’s absolutely beautiful, it’s just gorgeous to see the details and colors and it puts you in the holiday spirit to see all the different decorations that we could never even imagine doing,” said Caron. Sands said the annual visit gives her inspiration for her own holiday decorations. “I may take a piece of it here and there,” she said. The sitting room’s “nine ladies dancing” by Blue Elephant Cafe & Catering of Saco is another crowd favorite this year. Inspired by the ballet “Swan Lake,” the room features a fluffy mat of pearly snow, and female mannequins in various states of transformation between lady and waterfowl.

Other decorators include O’Donal’s Nursery, Portland boutique Emerald City and Dodge the Florist. This year’s Christmas at Victoria Mansion has been the biggest on record, according to Johnson, with 420 people traipsing through the Mansion last Saturday alone, smashing the previous singleday record of 225. “We’re finding a lot of people who were brought here as children are now bringing their own children back. It’s become a tradition for many Portland area families,” he said. Being the single largest event in support of the Mansion, designers and staff start planning the holiday tradition during summer. “This is a year round thing for us — in July we’re thinking Christmas around here,” said Johnson. “The attendance income from this goes a long ways towards helping us preserve and restore the mansion,” he said.

Photos by Matt Dodge

Built in 1860 as a summer residence for New Orleans luxury hotel owner Ruggles Sylvester Morse, the residence was purchased by dry goods merchant Joseph Ralph Libby in 1893 and became known as the Morse-Libby Mansion. William H. Holmes and sister Clara turned the Mansion into a museum to honor Queen Victoria in 1941, transferring control to The Victoria Society of Maine Women in 1943, earning the building the name “The Victoria Mansion.” The Victoria Mansion was named a U.S. Department of the Interior National Historic Landmark in 1971. “This is absolutely the premier pre-Civil War era house in America, it has no equals. The furnishings are 90 percent original, the interiors really meticulously preserved, it’s really a landmark in American architecture and we’re so fortunate to have it right here in Portland,” said Johnson.

LEFT: “Five Gold Rings” decorate the main hall of Victoria Mansion. The stained glass ceiling once caved in during a hurricane, exposing the mansion to the elements for a full year before the ceiling was replaced.

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THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 9

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“ City crews trim the grass at Deering Oaks near the park’s popular pond in spring of 2009. (DAVID CARKHUFF FILE PHOTO)

Deering Oaks Park pond yields a bicycle, toys and bottles as crews dredge the bottom POND from page one

About those lights ... “They knew they weren’t going to finish the whole job by winter, so I think they’re going to finish the northern corner in the springtime,” said city spokesperson Nicole Clegg. Toys, a bicycle and a lot of bottles came out of the pond — “We have families that play around there, and things can roll into the pond,” Clegg noted. “It’s consistent with what happens sometimes in ponds and lakes with people who may discard things,” agreed Bobinsky. Some areas of the pond yielded 2-foot-deep composted material, leaves and debris from stormwater run-off. Over the years, this organic materials releases nutrients into the water during decay, triggering large algae blooms during the summer months that deteriorated the quality of the water, city officials explained. A grant is reserved in the city’s name for $1.2 million from

“Six years ago, in 2002, the Friends of Deering Oaks ﬁrst introduced its seasonal lighting display, designed by local artist, Pandora LaCasse, to bring light and beauty to the park during the bleak winter months,” write Friends of Deering Oaks on their website (http://deeringoaks. org/index.shtml). “Focused on the pond, the display includes forms in two shapes. The lighting color combination has changed every year. In 2005, a special additional display was created in the massive Candelabra Tree, the largest Pin Oak in the State of Maine.” Again this year, visitors to Deering Oaks can enjoy the ﬂoating lights.

the Environmental Protection Agency to allow a solid lining on the bottom of the pond. The local match is 45 percent, or $540,000. The city’s match has been placed in next year’s Capital Improve-

ment Plan. Next year’s CIP will likely be considered by the Portland City Council next fall, Clegg said. Bobinsky said the city just needs clarification on the earmark to make sure the money can be spent on the solid bottom; cleaning out the refuse this winter laid the ground work for that improvement. “It’s a precursor to a future design of a solid bottom that will allow the city to improve the maintenance of that pond in the future,” Bobinsky said. “The city has an earmark that’s reserved for the city through Sen. (Susan) Collins’ office, it’s actually through a grant through EPA that will allow the engineering and design and the material to construct some solid bottom whether it’s concrete or some material that will not be as difficult to get all the material out that comes with runoff.” Meanwhile, the pond will be refilled to allow for ice skating during the holidays.

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By Holiday Mathis SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are highly responsible and wouldn’t dream of shirking your duties. However, when someone offers to handle a responsibility, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t share the burden. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s a time to say “let’s go” and a time to say “no, thanks.” You’re no stranger to trouble, but you know better than to seek it out. A friend who is less experienced will need your guidance. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Though you usually find it appropriate and necessary to put business first and emotions second, your heart is softer now -- so soft, in fact, that you may be able to feel the feelings of others. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don’t like to talk a lot and draw attention to yourself. However, there are times when it’s important for you to speak up -- like today, when you have the information that everyone else needs to know. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You tend to be quiet around people you don’t know, especially when those people are boisterous and rowdy. As much as you’d like to join the party, you have to first be sure that it’s a party worth joining. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 24). The friendships that mean so much to you make for laughs, fun times and travel. But you’re also more business oriented than ever. You find goals that excite you and pursue them with passion. Your vision becomes more real because of the work you do in January. Greater freedom is yours in March. Leo and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 2, 14, 32 and 49.

Pooch Café For Better or Worse LIO

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You respect words and have a rich vocabulary. You’ll pick up a few more choice terms as you spend time with a book or in conversation with a particularly expressive someone. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you never reflect on your past, you won’t have an understanding of how far you’ve come. But if you spend too much time reflecting, you won’t go anywhere new. Strike a balance. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have an excellent imagination, though today you won’t have the luxury of letting it run wild. You’ll need to tame it in order to concentrate on the important business of the day. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You like order, but you’re not a slave to it. When things get out of place, don’t rush to clean up the mess. Savor it first. It’s evidence that change and growth, essentially life, have happened. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have been known to leave your belongings in other people’s territory. This reminds them of you after you have left. But will the remembrance be positive? That depends on what you leave behind. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The work that’s before you is rather exacting. Luckily for everyone involved, you find this kind of thing relaxing. In one afternoon, you’ll get through what would take others a week to accomplish. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your public image gets a boost now. You don’t mind being the center of attention, especially when you are the one most qualified to explain or exemplify the main reason for the gathering.

by Aaron Johnson

HOROSCOPE

by Chad Carpenter

Solution and tips at www.sudoku.com

TUNDRA WT Duck

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 thru 9.

by Mark Tatulli

Page 10 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

ACROSS 1 Male child 4 Furry swimmer 9 Turn over 13 Small bills 15 Ill-mannered 16 Venetian beach 17 Twofold 18 Shaped like a tepee 19 Frothy drinks 20 Wonder; theorize 22 “The Beehive State” 23 Invalid; void 24 Actor Aykroyd 26 Surrounded by 29 Entwining 34 Whittles 35 Goatee locations 36 Sticky stuff 37 Slightly open 38 Sprained arm support 39 Insulting remark 40 Go bad

41 Glances over brieﬂy 42 Flip-ﬂop 43 Giving medical care to 45 Gloomy 46 Acrobats’ building 47 “Sport of Kings” 48 Flooring piece 51 Gap in time 56 Nation in the Middle East 57 Goodyear products 58 Prescription 60 Word of warning 61 Still breathing 62 Certain 63 Stops 64 Fend off 65 May honoree

1 2 3

DOWN Turf Burden __ tide

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 38

Sorcerer’s ﬁeld __ dolls; fads of past decades Albacore, e.g. Correct a manuscript Like a balding man’s hairline Show off Rhythmical swing Concept Luxurious Thin Use bad words Beast of burden Separated Main ﬁeld of study Hot under the collar Object Is victorious Home of snow Parts of speech Overeat Extended family Sword with a

39 41 42 44 45 47 48

curved blade Burial garments Pig’s home Peal Secret __; spies Crumb Annoy Laundry deter-

49 50 52 53 54 55 59

gent brand Press clothes Terra ﬁrma African river Stumble Bongo, for one Foreign dollar Ruby or topaz

Yesterday’s Answer

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 11

––––––– ALMANAC ––––––– Today is Friday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2010. There are 7 days left in the year. This is Christmas Eve. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve telecast. On this date: In 1809, legendary American frontiersman Christopher “Kit” Carson was born in Madison County, Ky. In 1814, the War of 1812 officially ended as the United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent in Belgium. In 1851, fire devastated the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 volumes. In 1865, several veterans of the Confederate Army formed a private social club in Pulaski, Tenn. called the Ku Klux Klan. In 1871, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Aida” had its world premiere in Cairo, Egypt. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces as part of Operation Overlord. In 1980, Americans remembered the U.S. hostages in Iran by burning candles or shining lights for 417 seconds — one second for each day of captivity. Karl Doenitz, the last leader of the Third Reich following the suicides of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, died in West Germany at age 89. In 1990, Canadian teenager Tammy Homolka died after being drugged and sexually abused by her older sister, Karla, and Karla’s fiance, Paul Bernardo. One year ago: The Senate passed health care legislation, 60-39, in the chamber’s first Christmas Eve vote since 1895. Sean Goldman, a 9-year-old boy at the center of a fiveyear custody battle on two continents, was finally turned over to his American father, David Goldman, in Brazil. A woman jumped barriers in St. Peter’s Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he was walking down the main aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass; the pope was unhurt. Today’s Birthdays: Songwriter-bandleader Dave Bartholomew is 90. Author Mary Higgins Clark is 83. Recording company executive Mike Curb is 66. Rock singer-musician Lemmy (Motorhead) is 65. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is 64. Actor Grand L. Bush is 55. Actor Clarence Gilyard is 55. Actress Stephanie Hodge is 54. The president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai is 53. Rock musician Ian Burden is 53. Actor Anil Kapoor is 51. Actor Wade Williams is 49. Designer Kate Spade is 48. Rock singer Mary Ramsey (10,000 Maniacs) is 47. Actor Mark Valley is 46. Actor Diedrich Bader is 44. Actor Amaury Nolasco is 40. Singer Ricky Martin is 39. Author Stephenie Meyer (“Twilight”) is 37. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest is 36.

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Movie: ›››› “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946, Comedy-Drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. An angel saves a distraught businessman from suicide. (In Stereo) Å Movie: ›‡ “Are We Done Yet?” (2007) Ice Cube. News 13 on FOX (N) Premiere. A bizarre contractor complicates a family’s move to the suburbs. (In Stereo) Disney Phineas Movie: ›› “The Santa Clause 2” (2002) Tim Allen, Prep & and Ferb Elizabeth Mitchell. Santa must get married in order Landing Christmas to keep his job. (In Stereo) Å Great Performances “Dance in America: San Fran- Christmas With the cisco Ballet’s Nutcracker” San Francisco Ballet’s Mormon Tabernacleinterpretation of “The Nutcracker.” Å Natalie Cole Antiques NH OutHappy Holidays: The Christmas With the Roadshow look Å Best of the Andy Wil- Mormon Tabernacleliams Christmas Shows Natalie Cole Smallville “Lazarus” (In Supernatural Dean is Entourage TMZ (N) (In Stereo) Å suspicious of Samuel’s “Neighbors” Stereo) Å motives. Å CSI: NY “Redemptio” CSI: Crime Scene Blue Bloods “Smack Investigation “Unshock- Hawkes confronts a Attack” Three teens die tragic secret. Å able” Å (DVS) from a drug overdose. Monk (In Stereo) Å Monk (In Stereo) Å Curb Earl

News Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s FraAccording sier “Frasier to Jim Å Grinch” News 8 Nightline WMTW at (N) Å 11 (N) Charlie Rose (N) (In Stereo) Å Christmas at Concordia: Journey to Bethlehem Å Extra (N) Punk’d (In (In Stereo) Stereo) Å Å WGME A ChristNews 13 at mas for 11:00 Everyone Star Trek: Next

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DISC Dirty Jobs Å

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The O’Reilly Factor

Movie: ››‡ “This Christmas” Movie: “Under the Mistletoe” (2006) Å Crazy Christmas Lights Cmas Lights

AMC Movie: ›››› “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

Movie: ›››› “White Christmas” (1954) Å

HGTV White House

Hunters

TRAV Ghost Adventures

Ghost Adventures

A&E Criminal Minds Å

Criminal Minds Å

Hunters

BRAVO Movie: ››› “Casino Royale” (2006, Action) Daniel Craig. Premiere.

Hunters

››› “Casino Royale”

HALL Movie: “Battle of the Bulbs” (2010) Å

Movie: ›› “Eloise at Christmastime” (2003)

SYFY WWE Friday Night SmackDown! (N) Å

Star Trek: Next

ANIM Planet Earth “Caves”

Planet Earth Oceans.

Planet Earth Å

Planet Earth Oceans.

HIST Pickers

Pickers

American Pickers Å

American Eats Å

BET

COM Movie: “Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay”

62 67 68 76

Pickers

Movie: ›‡ “The Perfect Holiday” (2007) Å Movie: ››› “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”

TVLND ›› “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” TBS

Movie: ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983) Å

SPIKE “Star Wars-The Phantom Menace”

OXY Law Order: CI

TCM Movie: ››› “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947) Å

BY WAYNE ROBERT WILLIAMS

Law Order: CI

1 5 11 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 26 28 29 33 34 35 37 40 42

“Harold & Kumar Escape”

Movie: ››› “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” Roseanne Roseanne Å

Roseanne

Movie: ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983) Å

Movie: “Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones”

146

DAILY CROSSWORD

BET 30: Movements and Moments Å

Law Order: CI

Movie: ›››‡ “Make Way for Tomorrow”

ACROSS Old name of Thailand Earnest request __ Aviv-Jaffa, Israeli Top-drawer Musical tour employee Lennon’s beloved Fish out of water Put to some purpose Of Chilean mountains Set of points, in math Sheriff’s followers Rustling sounds “Rosemary’s Baby” writer Levin Incessantly Depend (on) Doofus Scale notes __-bitsy Colorado tribe Country occupied

by China 43 Short letter 44 Green of Austin Powers movies 45 Hired killers 47 Chum 48 Tall tale 50 Traditional tales 51 Down with a bug 52 Similar things 55 Rubes 57 Valletta’s nation 58 Madagascar primates 62 State north of Nev. 63 Dog in the manger 68 Title for a knight 69 Part of a BLT 70 Sea east of the Caspian 71 Bad actor 72 Fashion modes 73 Tilly and Ryan

1 2 3

DOWN America’s uncle Debt letters Word in

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22 23 24 25 27 30 31 32 36 38 39

partnerships Flat-top hills Hot and dry Roman Catholic leader Head Smurf Idyllic gardens Melodic tune Nielsen of “Airplane!” Elephant in the room Follow in order Fertile loam Struck with a bent leg Singer K.T. __ Holier-than-thou Speak pompously Canary in a coal mine Wordsmith Casting a ballot Clapton or Idle Mutineer Ofﬁce missive Celery unit Hollers

41 Commandment verb 46 Former Indian leader 49 Cooks with dry heat 52 Pennsylvania Mennonites 53 Gymnast Comaneci

54 Viscous 56 Submission to the will of Allah 59 Lat. list-ender 60 Deal (out) 61 ETs’ rides 64 Kitty 65 Mine extraction 66 Old Gray Mare 67 Aerial RRs

Yesterday’s Answer

Page 12 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STATE BRIEFS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Gifts stolen from Salvation Army center in northern Maine community

Pearl said she is scrambling to see what she can do to replace the items, and that it’s not too late for people to donate gifts.

HOULTON (AP) — Police in a northern Maine town are investigating the theft of Christmas presents and toys from a Salvation Army community center. Salvation Army officials in Houlton said Thursday that the pilfered items were donated by residents and destined for children who might otherwise wake up Christmas morning with little or nothing under the tree. Maj. Hermas Pearl told the Bangor Daily News somebody went through some of the gift bags and stole the most expensive items, including jewelry, cosmetic bags and cosmetics, dolls and video games. She was still working to determine all that was stolen.

Maine Democrats upset over hiring AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Democrats are reacting harshly to news that the 22-year-old daughter of Gov.elect Paul LePage is getting a job in her Republican father’s administration. Lauren LePage will work as an assistant to LePage’s chief of staff, John McGough, and will be paid about $41,000 a year. Executive Director Mary Erin Casale of the Maine Democratic Party calls the hiring a “brazen display of political nepotism” and wants to know who else was considered for this position and how was it advertised. LePage officials say Lauren LePage’s position is entry-level and commensurate with her

experience, work history and education. Spokesman Dan Demeritt says she worked on policy issues during the campaign and is managing policy and constituent concerns during the transition.

Rightful owner of lost $2,200 found AUGUSTA (AP) — A 41-year-old central Maine man is earning praise after finding the rightful owner of $2,200 in cash he found in a parking lot. Joseph Gaboury of Readfield found the money last week outside a Lowe’s store in Augusta. Before leaving, he gave Lowe’s employees his name and number in case anybody called looking for the money. Gaboury told the Kennebec Journal he got a call the next day from Peter Brown of Hampden, who had stopped at Lowe’s on his way to Boothbay to buy a snowmobile. Brown told Gaboury the cash must have fallen from his jacket pocket.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN CLASSIFIEDS Animals

Animals

Autos

For Rent

Looking To Rent

CHIHUAHUA pups and 18 month old tiny female. FMI call (603)723-9973.

HAVE you noticed meat prices rising? Buy bulk and save! We’re selling half or whole pigs raised on quality grain and pasture until 1/2/11. (207)445-2141 or see Emma’s Family FarmQuality Meats and talk about an order Friday from 11am-4pm at 28 Monument Square.

BUYING all unwanted metals. $800 for large loads. Cars, trucks, heavy equipment. Free removal. (207)776-3051.

PORTLAND- Danforth Street, 2 bedrooms, heated, newly painted, hardwood floors. $850/mo. Call Kay (207)773-1814.

PORTLAND- Maine MedicalStudio, 1/ 2 bedroom. Heated, off street parking, newly renovated. $475-$850. (207)773-1814.

MONTH to month- Conservative retired Teacher seeks first floor rental. Freeport to Scarborough. Call (207)523-0495.

SHIH-TZU and Shih-Tzu cross puppies, health and temperament guaranteed. Non-alergic, $350 & $450. (603)539-7572.

MARK’S Towing- Free junk car removal. No keys, no tires, no problems. Late models. (207)892-1707.

PORTLAND- Munjoy Hill- 3 bedrooms, newly renovated. Heated, $1275/mo. Call Kay (207)773-1814.

ANNIE’S MAILBOX Dear Readers: Merry Christmas to one and all. In honor of the holiday, here is a short poem, author unknown: May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. Dear Annie: There are some wonderful people in this world, but it seems we only hear about the bad things that happen. On October 10, I went to New York with a bus group to see a Broadway musical. The bus arrived early to give us some free time to explore the city. My friend Carl and I went to look at the shops inside a hotel and have a sandwich before show time. The hotel had a huge automatic revolving door, each section capable of holding several people. Carl went into one section, and I followed in the next one. As I entered, my shoe caught on something and I fell ﬂat on the ﬂoor. I am nearing 80 and have two bad knees. There was no way I could get up, and the door was still moving. As I crawled along, I looked up to see two darling little hands reaching down to help me. The little boy could not have been more than 9 or 10. He wasn’t quite strong enough to pull me up, but fortunately, another Good Samaritan behind me got his arms under mine, and the two of them got me to my feet. I never saw the person behind me. I was rather dazed. I hope you will allow me to use your column to thank him and also to express my gratitude to that wonderful boy who was so courageous and thoughtful to help a stranger in need. His little hands will live in my heart forever. My thanks also to the boy’s mother and father, because children learn kindness from their parents. I will always remember them -- and all

New Yorkers, who sometimes get an undeserving bum rap. I hope they read this and know that I thank them from the bottom of my heart. -- Nancy in Fort Myers, Fla. Dear Nancy: What a charming thank-you note. We hope they see it, too. Dear Annie: This is for “Loving and Missing All at the Same Time” and all parents of freeloading children. I am a 28-year-old male who was spoiled growing up. My every wish was entertained. No surprise that when it came time to spread my wings, I failed to launch. I was terrified of growing up and its attendant responsibilities. I tried moving out a few times, but never took it seriously because I knew my safety net (my parents) was always there to bail me out. When I lived with them, I was a disrespectful and lazy slob who never contributed to the household. My loving parents, especially my mother, put up with it for many years, but they finally put their collective foot down. Because they stood up to me, I can proudly say that I am a man. I now live in a luxury apartment with my wife. We take pride in our place and keep it spotless. Money is tight, but I manage my finances and work hard. I can now say no to myself because my parents finally did. And I have a better relationship with them and the rest of my family now than I did before. Please, parents, don’t be afraid to say no to your children. They will thank you for it later. -Riverside, Calif. Dear Riverside: You are a rare bird to recognize how indulged you were and how that swift kick enabled you to grow up and get your act together. Not all children are mature enough to appreciate that kind of parental guidance. Bravo.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to: anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Prickly City

by Scott Stantis

PORTLAND- Woodford’s area. 1 bedroom heated. Newly installed oak floor, just painted. $675/mo. (207)773-1814.

Real Estate PEAKS Island- 71 Luther St. 1880’s Greek Revival, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, $389,000. Owner broker. (207)766-2293.

For Rent-Commercial PORTLAND Art District- 2 adjacent artist studios with utilities. First floor. $325-$350 (207)773-1814.

For Sale CHICKEN, grass fed beef, and pork! Available Fridays from 11-4pm at Emma’s Family Farm Stand, 28 Monument Square.

This advertising space available. Printed in 15,000 newspapers daily. $5 a day/obo* Call 699-5807 to place an ad.

Furniture

Roommate Wanted SCARBOROUGH- Room for rent in luxury home. Private bath, cable, shared kitchen, parking. $450/mo. (207)883-1087.

Services ASTROLOGICAL readings/counseling, deeply personal, for you only, 40yrs exp. John McLaughlin (207)522-4465 Leapin Lizards (207)221-2363.

HELPING Hands House Cleaning, 10 plus years experience. Dependability with a smile. Call Becky (207)252-9679.

$110 twin or full mattress set never used 396-5661. 3PC king Mattress set must sell all new $200 call 899-8853 A new queen mattress set $125 factory sealed 899-8853 BLACK leather sofa brand new worth $1100 take $475 call 3965661

MASTER Electrician since 1972. Repairs- whole house, rewiring, trouble shooting, fire damage, code violations, electric, water heater repairs commercial refrigeration. Fuses to breakers, generators. Mark @ (207)774-3116.

Help Wanted SALEBAAN Motors, 235 St John St, Portland, (207)541-9088. Mechanic wanted, 10 years experience needed, well paying job $14-20/hr.

Wanted To Buy I buy broken or unwanted laptops. Cash today. Up to $100 for newer units. (207)233-5381.

CLASSIFIEDS • CALL 699-5807 DOLLAR-A-DAY CLASSIFIEDS: Ads must be 15 words or less and run a minimum of 5 consecutive days. Ads that run less than 5 days or nonconsecutive days are $2 per day. Ads over 15 words add 10¢ per word per day. PREMIUMS: First word caps no charge. Additional caps 10¢ per word per day. Centered bold heading: 9 pt. caps 40¢ per line, per day (2 lines maximum) TYPOS: Check your ad the first day of publication. Sorry, we will not issue credit after an ad has run once. DEADLINES: noon, one business day prior to the day of publication. PAYMENT: All private party ads must be pre-paid. We accept checks, Visa and Mastercard credit cards and, of course, cash. There is a $10 minimum order for credit cards. CORRESPONDENCE: To place your ad call our offices 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 699-5807; or send a check or money order with ad copy to The Conway Daily Sun, P.O. Box 1940, North Conway, NH 03860. OTHER RATES: For information about classified display ads please call 699-5807.

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 13

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Friday, Dec. 24 Longfellow House Holiday Tours 10 a.m. “Bring your family and friends and step back in time to the 1800s! See the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s childhood home — decorated for the holidays!” Through Dec. 31, tours run every hour. Last tour leaves at 4 p.m. when the Longfellow House closes at 5 p.m., and at 1 p.m. when it closes at 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Last tour leaves at 4 p.m. today (Dec. 24); Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., last tour leaves at 1 p.m. Visit www.mainehistory.org.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s childhood home is open for tours (FILE IMAGE)

a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids ages 8-14 will do a variety of activities each day including arts & crafts, jewelry making, fairie 4 p.m. United Methodist houses, games, movies, cooking and communities of Hope.Gate. other special activities that put the Way (on the ground floor of “F-U-N” back into vacation! The cost the Gateway parking garage, The Portland Pirates (www.portlandpirates.com) welcome the public to a New Year Eve’s celebration at the Cumberland County is $225 per kid with discounts for just beyond the Eastland Civic Center. (COURTESY IMAGE) more than one kid per family. Camp Park Hotel at 185 High St.) is held in a safe, secure and healthy announced the church is environment with a professional staff. Sunday, Dec. 26 offering three distinct Christmas Eve worship celebrations: For more information, call 773-0333. Space is limited so 4 p.m. — Family Flashlight Celebration: designed for famsign up today. Old Port Playhouse is located at 19 Temple Phyzkidz! at SPACE Gallery ilies with young children. Bring a flashlight (or we’ll have St. in Portland. oldportplayhouse.com 2 p.m. Phyzkidz! Norman Ng, Drew Richardson, Yo-Yo glowsticks) to use instead of candles. 6 p.m. — Candlelight Acorn Productions’ annual Phyzgig festival People come to SPACE Gallery. “In the grand tradition of Celebration: candles, carols, and Communion, designed for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Acorn Productions announces its vaudeville, Acorn Productions has assembled a line-up of all ages. 11 p.m. — Silent Night, Holy Night: a quiet, mediannual Phyzgig festival, a celebration of physical comedy world-class performers from all over the country to entertative celebration, with candles, carols, and Communion, and variety entertainment for the family, will take place in tain kids of all ages with a unique blend of expert juggling, ending just in time to usher in Christmas Day. http://www. downtown Portland between Christmas and New Year’s Eve incredible illusions, mystifying magic, unbelievable feats of newlightportland.org/#/worship 2010. The week includes six Main Stage Vaudeville Shows dexterity, and side-splitting physical comedy.” $12 adults; Christmas Eve Candle Lighting at the Portland Stage Company (including two shows on $10 students/seniors; $8 kids 12 and under, all ages. www. 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candle Lighting by Unity Church of New Year’s Eve), eight Phyzkidz shows at SPACE Gallery acorn-productions.org/pages/Phyzgig2009.html Greater Portland, 54 River Road, Windham. “This ceremony and a rare appearance by Phyzgig’s Artistic Director and ‘My Dog Tulip’ screening at Movies at the Museum focuses on the wonder of our lives and the promise of our Peaks Island resident Avner the Eccentric, who will be per2 p.m. “My Dog Tulip” at Portland Museum of Art as part future. The candle lighting event is a spiritual acknowledgeforming his full-length show for the first time in four years in of the Movies at the Museum series. Saturday, Dec. 18, at ment of the light within each of us and within ourselves. It Portland. Tuesday the Phyzkidz shows are at SPACE Gal2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m.; also Sunday, Dec. faces the future with hope and optimism for the spirit that lery. www.phyzgig.org 26, 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m. “Beautifully animated flows though us all. This journey of our light unfolding will be Avner the Eccentric and featuring the voices of Christopher Plummer, the late told through many of the traditions of Christmas; the Christ7 p.m. Avner the Eccentric fundraiser, Portland Stage ComLynn Redgrave, and Isabella Rossellini, My Dog Tulip is a mas Story and our Christmas Carols.” For more information pany. Phyzgig’s own Master of Mirth presents his full-length bittersweet retrospective account of author J. R. Ackerley’s about Unity or its events, please contact the church office show as a special Phyzgig fundraiser. www.phyzgig.org/ 16-year relationship with his adopted Alsatian, Tulip. A proat 893-1233 or visit www.unitygreaterportland.org.

Christmas Eve Services at Hope.Gate.Way

Nutcracker Burlesque at the St. Lawrence Arts Center 7:30 p.m. It’s time again for Nutcracker Burlesque at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St. “Come see the show that started it all! This year’s show brings new choreography, a new story, and sexy new dances to the stage at St. Lawrence. Don’t miss your chance to see the show that was selected by The Portland Phoenix as ‘Portland’s Best Annual (hopefully) Event.’” Tickets are $12, on sale at Longfellow Books or online at www.vividmotion.org. They go fast, so get yours early! Shows are Friday through Sunday, Dec. 17-19 and Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 21-23. This year’s show is sponsored by Warren Memorial Foundation, Shipyard Brewing Company, Gorham SelfStorage, Longfellow Books, and The Portland Phoenix. “Director Rachel Stults Veinot, weaves together a story of love and lust to create a world where true love ﬁnds a way to bring two people together. This year, our main character Clara, played by none other than local favorite Amy Gieseke (rhymes with whisky), ﬁnds herself throwing yet another festive holiday party for friends; including her new boyfriend, Big Guns Antonowicz as the Rat King, and his wandering eyes.” www.stlawrencearts.org

The Polar Express 7:45 p.m. The Polar Express will come to life again in a whole new way when the Maine Narrow Gauge train departs its Portland depot for a journey to the “North Pole.” Holiday decorations along the train’s route will light up the night as guests on board meet the conductor, have hot chocolate and cookies (may not be suitable for patrons with food allergies), listen to a reading of the magical story over our sound system, and sing carols. Santa will ride back with everyone to the train station from a special outpost of the North Pole and every child will receive the special bell on board the train. This event is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad’s biggest annual fund raiser. https://tickets.porttix.com/public/ default.asp

found and subtle meditation on the strangeness that lies at the heart of all relationships, My Dog Tulip was written, directed, and animated by award-winning ﬁlmmakers Paul and Sandra Fierlinger and is the ﬁrst animated feature ever to be entirely hand drawn and painted utilizing paperless computer technology.

Monday, Dec. 27 ‘Celebrate Kids’ vacation camp 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Celebrate Kids” vacation camp, Dec. 27-31 for kids ages 8-14. Register today. Arts and crafts, movies, activities and more. Space is limited. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St. Portland. (207) 773-0333. For more info go to oldportplayhouse.com

Acorn Productions’ annual Phyzgig festival 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Acorn Productions announces its annual Phyzgig festival, a celebration of physical comedy and variety entertainment for the family, will take place in downtown Portland between Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2010. The week includes six Main Stage Vaudeville Shows at the Portland Stage Company (including two shows on New Year’s Eve), eight Phyzkidz shows at SPACE Gallery and a rare appearance by Phyzgig’s Artistic Director and Peaks Island resident Avner the Eccentric, who will be performing his full-length show for the ﬁrst time in four years in Portland. Tuesday the Phyzkidz shows are at SPACE Gallery. www.phyzgig.org or www.acorn-productions.org/pages/ Phyzgig2009.html

Tuesday, Dec. 28 Holiday Vacation Day Camp 10 a.m. A Holiday Vacation Day Camp for kids from Dec. 27-31 at the Old Port Playhouse. The day camp will run Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 10

Wednesday, Dec. 29 Phykidz at SPACE; vaudeville at Portland Stage 11 a.m. Phykidz (SPACE Gallery); 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Vaudeville shows at Portland Stage Company.

Comedian Bob Marley at Merrill 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 through Friday, Dec. 31, Comedian Bob Marley returns to Merrill for his annual holiday show with this year’s special guest, Kelly MacFarland. Presented by Cogee Entertainment. Tickets $45; $48 on New Year’s eve (includes service fee). Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.; Merrill Auditorium; Friday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. https://tickets.porttix.com/public

Thursday, Dec. 30 Phykidz at SPACE; vaudeville at Portland Stage 11 a.m. Phykidz (SPACE Gallery); 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Vaudeville shows at Portland Stage Company. http://www. phyzgig.org or www.acorn-productions.org/pages/Phyzgig2009.html

Holiday blood drive 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. FairPoint recently teamed up with WCSHTV and WLBZ-TV, the American Red Cross and other community partners for a ﬁrst-ever holiday blood drive, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The drive will be held in two different locations around the state in hopes of attracting a large number of donors during this challenging time of year. Eligible donors may visit the Holiday Inn by the Bay, located at 88 Spring Street in Portland, or the Bangor Elks Lodge at 108 Odlin Road in Bangor to give blood. To make an appointment, or for more information about giving blood, call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit online at redcrossblood.org or fairpointbundleupblooddrive.org. see next page

Page 14 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

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Tuesday, Jan. 4

Friday, Dec. 31

Portland School Board meeting 7 p.m. Business meeting of Portland School Board, Room 250, Casco Bay High School. Beginning in January, the Portland School Board will hold its regular business meetings and workshops on Tuesdays rather than Wednesdays. Most School Board committees also will meet on Tuesdays. The board decided to change the meeting day earlier in the fall to accommodate members who have to travel for work. School Board meetings and committee meetings are announced on the Portland Public Schools Web site: www.portlandschools.org.

Plunge at East End Beach noon. “Be bold in the cold with a plunge into the Atlantic to support the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to reduce global warming pollution. The bone-chilling fun will take place at East End Beach in Portland, Maine on Friday, Dec. 31st at noon (the “warmest” part of the day!) Your friends and family can pledge your plunge, to raise money and awareness about global warming and what NRCM is doing right here in Maine to curb it. And, it will be fun, with folks in polar bear costumes and hot coffee from Coffee by Design and pastries from Whole Foods. The two top fundraisers will receive $50 gift certiﬁcates to LL Bean, while additional top fundraisers will receive commemorative NRCM tote bags or caps. To participate, email or call stacie@nrcm.org, 430-0127, with your name and contact information and we will send you an information packet. We request that you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. Your pledgers may use the online pledge forms at http://supporters.nrcm.org/polar_plunge.”

Wednesday, Jan. 5 ‘Checkered Floors’ 7 p.m. “Checkered Floors,” a controversial and inspiring true story of the 1,500 Somali migrants in Maine and how playwright/actress, Cheryl Hamilton’s own life parallels their plight with humor and horror. January 5-9. Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. with talkbacks. $15. Old Port Playhouse, 19 Temple St. Portland Box Ofﬁce: 773-0333. oldportplayhouse.com

Vaudeville at Portland Stage 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Vaudeville shows at Portland Stage Company. http://www.phyzgig.org or www. acorn-productions.org/pages/Phyzgig2009.html

Thursday, Jan. 6 Film: ‘Budrus’

Portland Pirates vs. Connecticut Whale, Kid’s New Year’s Celebration 5:30 p.m. Portland Pirates vs. Connecticut Whale, Kid’s New Year’s Celebration at the Cumberland County Civic Center. WGME 13 and WJBQ present the annual Kid’s New Year’s Game. The game, an expected sellout, will mark the 16th season the Pirates have celebrated New Year’s featuring New England’s largest indoor ﬁreworks display at the conclusion of the game. www.portlandpirates.com

A Lucid New Year’s Eve 6 p.m. Ring in the New Year with Portland’s newest performing arts venue, Lucid Stage, at 29 Baxter Boulevard, Portland. “A Lucid New Year’s Eve” runs from 6 p.m. to midnight; $5. Live music by The Modest Proposal, and afterwards, a community jam. Bring your instruments and play solo or jam with others! There will be door prizes, and a rafﬂe with a variety of items to choose from — gift certiﬁcates, memberships, artwork, and a surprise big-ticket item! 899-3993. www.lucidstage. com

Avner the Eccentric will make a rare appearance in Portland in late December as a fundraiser for Phyzgig. Avner is probably best known for his endearing portrayal of The Jewel, the scene-stealing holy man, in “The Jewel of the Nile,” co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. He was also featured in the ﬁlm Brenda Starr and the television series Webster and Mathnet. Avner’s one-man show, Avner the Eccentric, was a hit of the 1984– 1985 Broadway season. Avner is the artistic director of Phyzgig, and annual festival of physical comedy, (COURTESY PHOTO)

New Year’s Burning Bowl Service 7 p.m. New Year’s Burning Bowl Service at Unity Church of Greater Portland, 54 River Road, Windham. “The burning bowl service is a favorite within Unity. It encourages each of us to identify the doubts and fears which stand between us an true spiritual enlightenment. It is an opportunity to release those limitations into a ritual ﬁre, letting go of them and opening ourselves to new possibilities to come.” For more information about Unity or its events, please contact the church ofﬁce at 893-1233 or visit www. unitygreaterportland.org.

New Year’s Eve Gorham 7 p.m. Volunteers, with the cooperation of the Town of Gorham’s public safety, ﬁre, public works and recreation department, coordinate a community-wide New Year’s Eve event. Churches and other public buildings serve as various venues where performances are scheduled throughout the evening. They offer a variety of entertainment, which is presented for families and people of all ages to enjoy. The New Year rings in with an exciting celebration at midnight culminating with a ﬁreworks display accompanied by music, dancing and lots of Auld Lang Syne. http://newyeargorham.org

New Year’s Eve Celebration 2011 at 51 Wharf 7:30 p.m. Two DJs on two dance ﬂoors spinning two genres of music at 51 Wharf St. in Portland. A $2 coat check; ﬁvehour countdown. Red Bull VIP Party: RedBull@NewYearsPortlandMaine.com. Watch the Ladies of Go-Go Maine live all evening; Evan Smith will be taking photos; 20 percent off pre-ordered bottles). For tickets, visit www.newyearsportlandmaine.com/tickets.htm.

Sid Tripp’s Black Cat Ball at the Mariner’s Church 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve Bash, Mariner’s Church,368 Fore St. $50 tickets per person; festive holiday attire. Sid Tripp & Proactive Resources Design are pleased to announce the revival of the Black Cat Ball.

The Black Cat Ball originally began at the Eastland Ball Room in the mid-’80s. On hiatus for 17 years, Tripp has a big night planned as he weaves his magic into a night of singing, dancing, laughing and celebrating as revelers enjoy a cocktail or two. Join us to relive the magic of the Black Cat Ball, and ring in 2011 in Red Carpet style in glamorous festive holiday attire with 350 of your best friends. The rockin’ sounds of local band Wavelength will be jamming all night long. The celebrations will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, Italian wine tasting, three cash bars, party favors, photo booth, roving photographer, countdown, champagne toast and balloon drop, psychics and surprise guest performances. Tickets are $50 per person; advanced tickets may be purchased by calling 772-3599. Cash, check and credit cards accepted in advance, at the door during the event, or anytime online at brownpapertickets.com. Visit Sid Tripp’s Black Cat Ball on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/SidTripps-Black-Cat-Ball/154751921233348?ref=mf for upto-the-minute details.

Saturday, Jan. 1 Harlem Globetrotters at the Civic Center 7 p.m. The Harlem Globetrotters, who have contributed more innovations to the game of basketball than any other team in history, have implemented the ﬁrst-ever 4-point shot as part of all of its games on the team’s 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American tour, the team’s record 85th season of touring. This game-changing innovation will be on display when the Globetrotters take on the Washington Generals at Cumberland County Civic Center. Tickets, starting at $13.50, are on sale at www.harlemglobetrotters. com, the Cumberland County Civic Center box ofﬁce, or by phone at 207-775-3331 or 603-868-7300. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

7:30 p.m. Film: “Budrus,” film screening at SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland. 828-5600. Doors open at 7 p.m.; film begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission $7, $5 for SPACE members. “Ayed Morrar, an unlikely community organizer, unites Palestinians from all political factions and Israelis to save his village from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier. Victory seems improbable until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. Struggling side by side, father and daughter unleash an inspiring, yet little-known movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories that is still gaining ground today. In an action-filled documentary chronicling this movement from its infancy, Budrus shines a light on people who choose nonviolence to confront a threat yet remain virtually unknown to the world. The movie is directed by award-winning filmmaker Julia Bacha (co-writer and editor Control Room, co-director Encounter Point), and produced by Bacha, Palestinian journalist Rula Salameh, and filmmaker and human rights advocate Ronit Avni (formerly of Witness, director of Encounter Point).” www.justvision.org/budrus

Friday, Jan. 7 Rwandan Cooking Class 5:30 p.m. Join Catholic Charities Maine at St. Pius X Church in Portland for a Rwandan Cooking Class followed by a traditional Rwandan meal. Cost to participate in this one of a kind event: $15 per person. This dinner is limited to only 40 people; buy tickets at the St. Pius X Church Business Ofﬁce, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Contact Mary Gordon at 797-7026, ext. 211.

Portland Playback Theater 7:30 p.m. Theme: Forks in the road. To celebrate the start of the new year, Portland Playback Theater is exploring forks in the road, those transformational events after which, better or worse, life will not be the same. “Tell your story and watch our talented improvisors play it back on the spot, or just come to watch this unique community event. Find out more at www.portlandplayback.com.” First Parish Unitarian Church, corner of Congress and Temple streets, Portland; $5-$10 suggested donation.

Wednesday, Jan. 12 West End Neighborhood Association 6:30 p.m. After some discussion with members of the West End Neighborhood Association governing board, the association will be holding its annual meeting to elect a governing board and the ofﬁces of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. “Chris Hirsch has graciously offered to run the election as he has done during our past annual meetings. Anyone interested in a board position can e-mail their willingness to serve to me at dmartin7@maine.rr.com. Our focus for winter/spring 2011 is to put on another successful WestFest, and continue our work with Wayside, Community Policing and kid’s swimming.”

THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010— Page 15

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Hockey tournament hits the ice Tuesday BY JEFF PETERSON SPECIAL TO THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN

It may be the holidays, but high school hockey players will not be taking very many days off. It is time for the Maine High School Hockey Invitational. Starting Tuesday, Dec. 27 and running through Friday, Dec. 30, 39 high schools teams will be facing off. Twenty of those teams will be from Maine, including Portland, Deering, Cheverus, Scarborough, Westbrook, Falmouth and South Portland. The 19 other teams are from out of state. This year they will come from as far South as Florida and as far North as New Brunswick. “In the past we have even had teams from Michigan and Illinois,” said promotor Gary Prolman. It is a great chance to raise the level of high school hockey in Maine. The coaches here can actually see how Maine stacks up against the rest of the nation. I don’t think we do it enough.” For four days, games will be played morning, noon and night at three different arenas. The games start

as early as 8 a.m. and as late as 8 p.m. at the Portland Ice Arena, University of Southern Maine in Gorham, the Biddeford Ice Arena and the M.H.G. Arena in Saco. “We have games all day and almost all night,” said Prolman. “Some of the teams play as little as two games during the tournament, while teams that travel a long ways will play as many as six, sometimes playing two in one day.” Not only it is a great opportunity to play teams basically from all over the country, but the tournament has become a destination for many pro and college scouts as well. “This year, representatives from over 60 colleges, junior teams, prep schools and pro teams will be checking out over a thousand high school hockey players,” said Prolman. “They are here to see if any of these kids can play at the next level.” To say this tournament has grown over the years would be an understatement. This is the 10th annual Maine High School Hockey Invitational. Back during the first tournament in 2000, only six teams from Maine took part. Now sometimes as

many as 50 come to Maine to play. “It has really become quite a tradition for fans, schools and the scouts,” said Prolman. The event is billed as a tournament, but it is not a traditional bracket tournament. There is no winners bracket or losers bracket and not really a champion. “This is just a great way for teams to find out what their strenths and weaknesses are,” said Prolman. “I set the schedule so there are no blow outs. I match up the top teams so they play the top teams and so on.” If you want to check out some of the best high school hockey around tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and kids under 12 are free for each game. The admission not only pays for all of the expenses, but any net income goes toward a scholarship fund. “We are proud to say that we have given out around $100,000 in scholarships to student athletes over the past nine years,” said Prolman. “It is a great way to help out these hockey players and tell the rest of the country that Mainers are just as good as anyone else.”

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Kevin Boles selected as new manager of Portland Sea Dogs PORTLAND (AP) — The Portland Sea Dogs baseball team has a new manager. Kevin Boles has been named manager for the upcoming season of Maine’s Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He takes over for Arnie Beyeler, who has been promoted to manage Boston’s TripleA affiliate, the Pawtucket Red Sox. The 35-year-old Boles last year was manager of the Red Sox’ Class-A affiliate in Salem, Va.

Sea Dogs’ hitting coach Dave Joppie and pitching coach Bob Kipper will return to the Sea Dogs. Athletic Trainer Paul Buchheit will also remain with the Sea Dogs, the team reported.

ics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 84-80 for their 14th win in a row. The Celtics play Saturday at Orlando for a 2:30 p.m. game.

Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers 84-80 for 14th straight win

Boles

BOSTON (AP) — There’s something about the Boston Celtics’ 14-game winning streak that doesn’t seem quite right to coach Doc Rivers. Point guard Rajon Rondo, after getting off to the best start of his career, has missed six of the 14 wins. Backup Delonte West missed the last 12. Shaquille O’Neal sat out four. Jermaine O’Neal hasn’t played since the winning streak began. And Kendrick Perkins, the starting center on last season’s Eastern Conference champions, hasn’t gotten on the floor all season. “Usually, when you’re on a winning streak, everybody’s healthy, everybody’s playing well and you’re rolling,” Rivers said Wednesday night after the Celt-

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Old Town Tuesdays

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Red Claws game with Idaho, Walker to be aired

Three Sons Lobster and Fish

DAILY SUN STAFF REPORT The Maine Red Claws announced that NBA TV has selected the Red Claws Dec. 16 game vs. the Idaho Stampede to be broadcast nationally on Christmas Day. The rebroadcast will air at 1 p.m. (ET). “The much-hyped game between the Red Claws and the Idaho Stampede garnered significant national, regional and local media coverage with the return of former Boston Celtics star Antoine Walker to New England,” the Red Claws noted in a press release. “The NBA All-Star had his best game of the season only to have his Stampede squad Walker shut down by the young and hungry Red Claws in one of the team’s most exciting games of the year.” Time Warner Cable subscribers in Cumberland and York Counties can find NBA TV on channel 466 and in the Lewiston area on channel 170. Other areas should check local listings for availability.

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HARBOR FISH MARKET www.harborfish.com • 775-0251 9 Custom House Wharf • Portland

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Soft Shell Lobster Chix.........$5.59/lb Soft Shell Lobster Halves. . .$7.29/lb Soft Shell Lobster Quarters...$6.49/lb Soft Shell Lobster Selects. .$8.29/lb Hard Shells starting @ $6.49/lb WE ALSO CARRY: Live Maine Steamers & Mussels, Wholesale Live Rock Crabs & Crabmeat, Live Maine Oysters, Lobsters to Haddock Fillet, Lobster Tails, Fresh-Picked the Public! Lobstermeat, Jumbo Shrimp & more!

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Page 16 — THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN, Friday, December 24, 2010

Facing the Bills

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji during the ﬁrst quarter of the Patriots’ 31-27 win over Green Bay at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Dec. 19. This Sunday, the Buffalo Bills (4-12) are set to face the Patriots (12-2), who make their annual trip to Orchard Park for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Buffalo opened as 8-point underdogs. New England has already secured its sixth playoff berth in seven years, is riding a six-game winning streak and is one victory from clinching home-ﬁeld advantage through the AFC playoffs. The Bills have won four of six, but had their playoff chances dry up for an 11th straight year following an 0-8 start. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Free Range Fish & Lobster 450 Commercial St, Portland • 774-8469 www.freerangefish.com Open 7 days a week • 7am-6pm

We will be open from 7am-6pm on Christmas Eve Gift Cards • Lobster Meat • Lobsters Scallops • Clams • Oysters Tons of Fresh Fish Homemade Lobster Stew Go to freerangefish.com for your online shipping orders

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