Home and Garden

Boardgame Café for all ages in Belfast
Mon, 11/28/2022 - 12:45pm

BELFAST — Play, eat, drink, and hang out with friends at the Boardgame Café in Belfast. Boardgame lovers of all ages are invited to gather in the basement of the Belfast Maskers' theater on Wednesday nights, from 6 to 9 p.m. The library of games contains over 100 titles to enjoy, from familiar classics like Scrabble and Clue to the very latest award-winning strategy and cooperative games such as King of Tokyo and Forbidden Sky. A $5 cover charge per person includes access to all of the games as...
Rockland parade lights up the night on Main Street
Sat, 11/26/2022 - 7:15pm

The festive atmosphere and spirit of the season shined bright among the participants of this year’s Parade of Lights, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. From the staging area at the Rockland Ferry Terminal to the parade’s end at the Lobster Trap Tree, songs of the season mingled with costumes, good cheer, and a clear and starry night.
Merryspring Nature Center to host early winter ecology walk
Fri, 11/25/2022 - 8:00am

CAMDEN — Merryspring Nature Center will host an early winter Ecology Walk on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. Nature-lovers of all ages are invited to learn about how Maine’s animals and plants prepare for winter. Guests will watch for winter birds, learn about winter animal behavior, look for tracks, identify leafless trees, and learn about the past year’s improvements to the Merryspring grounds. This program is part of the Free Family Programs series at Merryspring, sponsored by Renys, A Maine...
Christmas by the Sea
Concerts and crafts to herald the season at First Congregational Church in Camden
Wed, 11/23/2022 - 1:15pm

CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden will host several festive events during ‘Christmas by the Sea’ weekend in Camden, December 2-3. On Friday, Dec. 2, at 12 noon, the Church kicks off ‘Christmas by the Sea’ weekend with a fun and festive lunchtime concert of holiday selections for piano, organ, voice, mandolin, a dramatic reading and more, lead by Matthew Mainster, director of music This concert will be presented free of charge courtesy of First Congregational...
November 15 through December 15
Gift Basket Silent Auction benefits Carver Memorial Library
Wed, 11/23/2022 - 12:45pm

SEARSPORT — Carver Memorial Library, located at 12 Union St., is having a Gift Basket Silent Auction fundraiser that runs from November 15 through December 15, at 4:45 p.m. The festive gift baskets have themes such as tea, crafts, cooking, kids, quilts, and many more. The library has had generous and creative donations from community members and local businesses including Coastal Café, Dragonfly Quilting, and Frame By Frame. The Friends of Sears Island and Coastal Mountains Land Trust baskets...
29th Annual Winterberry Fair returns to Union, Dec. 3
Tue, 11/22/2022 - 4:15pm
UNION — The People’s United Methodist Church in Union will be hosting its Winterberry Fair again this year on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Fair will be offering a variety of items for sale. Wreaths and bunches of winterberries will be ready for your holiday decorating. The baked goods tables will feature cookies, bars, pie, Finnish bread, yeast breads and rolls, fruit breads, candies, jellies and preserves. Crafters have been busy filling the craft tables with hand-made items...
free and open to all who have tickets
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap at Rockland Public Library, Dec. 12
Tue, 11/22/2022 - 1:00pm
ROCKLAND — Are you a puzzle lover? said Rockland Public Library, in a news release. Want to trade a previously-loved puzzle for a new one? The Rockland Public Library will hold a puzzle swap in the Community Room on Monday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants are asked to bring any 250+ piece gently used adult puzzle (in the original box, in good condition, and with all the pieces) to the Library between Thursday, December 1 and Saturday, December 10. For each puzzle donated, they will...
Millay House Rockland invites public to step inside for Festival of Lights Open House
Sat, 11/19/2022 - 8:15pm

ROCKLAND — Millay House Rockland invites you to a Festival of Lights Open House at Millay House, 198A Broadway, on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Millay House contractor Kirk Rouge, of KR Construction, has completed the renovation of the 131-year old house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While much of the furniture has been donated, the house still needs a few items, including beds. “Come see our progress, enjoy some cider and cookies, and share your...
Camden Garden Club wreaths go up on downtown lampposts
Fri, 11/18/2022 - 4:15pm

CAMDEN — The holiday wreaths are up in downtown Camden as of Tuesday, November 15 thanks to the efforts of the Camden Garden Club. For 51 years the Club has provided the Town of Camden with its iconic holiday wreaths to adorn the 98 downtown lampposts. This year, the wreaths are again up in plenty of time for Christmas By The Sea, Camden’s annual celebration to ring in the holiday season. The Camden Garden Club provides the custom handmade wreaths free of cost to the Town of Camden. Dozens of...
Christmas Bazaar to be held at So. Thomaston church, Dec. 3
Fri, 11/18/2022 - 1:15pm
SOUTH THOMASTON — A Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the People’s United Methodist Church, 13 Chapel Street, South Thomaston. Handmade ornaments and crafts, bake sale with preserves, Christmas White Elephant tables, wreaths, and kids activities. Come talk to Santa and take your own pictures. All proceeds will be used to support church and community programs.
Thomaston celebrates the Christmas season with downtown festival
Fri, 11/18/2022 - 12:45pm
THOMASTON — Thomaston Main Street is sponsoring the town’s first annual Downtown Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 3, from 2 - 4 p.m. A host of family-friendly events are planned to get attendees into the holiday spirit. The day's events will primarily be centered in the downtown area of Main Street. From 2 - 3:30 p.m., visitors are invited to view and vote on their favorite downtown window displays, stop by RisingTide Boxing (144 Main St.) to make wildlife-friendly decorations to hang...
benefiting homeless animals in Pope Memorial Humane Society's care
42nd Annual Festival of Lights Craft Show supports homeless pets in need
Wed, 11/16/2022 - 2:00pm

ROCKLAND — “As the days get shorter and cooler, we know that fall is here, and inevitably winter will follow,” said Pope Memorial Humane Society, in a news release. “Though that means cold and snow, it also means the holidays.” Start the season with the annual Festival of Lights Craft Show hosted by Pope Memorial Humane Society. Two thousand twenty-two marks this Midcoast Maine tradition's 42nd year. The show takes place on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Rockland Elks Lodge (...
‘deepest thanks to Maine Audubon’
South Thomaston library to hold grand opening of bird feeding station
Tue, 11/15/2022 - 12:45pm
SOUTH THOMASTON — The South Thomaston Public Library has a long list of people and groups to thank, according to the Library, in a news release. The latest on the list is Maine Mid Coast Audubon’s donation through a grant for a bird feeding station: including mounting pole, baffle, seed and suet feeders with supplies to fill them, as well as a pair of binoculars and printed materials. The library’s thanks will be expressed on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m., at the library for the feeding station...
door prizes, raffle
Annual Turkey Beano to support Waldoboro fire association
Thu, 11/10/2022 - 1:15pm

WALDOBORO — The Waldoboro Firemen's Association will be sponsoring their Annual Turkey Beano on Wednesday evening, Nov. 16, 2022, at 6 p.m. The Beano will take place at the American Legion, 181 Friendship Street, in Waldoboro. Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening. There will be drawings for door prizes and a complete Thanksgiving Dinner Basket. Raffle tickets for the dinner basket are available from any Waldoboro firefighter and at the event that evening, and you do...
local crafters, farmers, and antique dealers
Holiday Market in Lincolnville to benefit local economy, church
Thu, 11/10/2022 - 7:00am
LINCOLNVILLE — The United Christian Church (UCC) will sponsor a Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Community Building, located at 18 Searsmont Road, Rt 173, in Lincolnville Center. The Holiday Market will feature local crafters, farmers, and antique dealers offering a full array of unique and affordable products including hand-carved wooden utensils, honey, maple syrup, beeswax candles and blueberry products, vintage buttons and linens, seasonal decorations, and...
raffle and holiday cheer with the Friends of Rockland Public Library
Festival of Trees and Wreaths heralds the start of the Holidays
Tue, 11/08/2022 - 1:45pm

ROCKLAND — The Friends of the Rockland Public Library will hold their annual Festival of Lights Tree and Wreath Silent Auction and Raffle on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Rockland Public Library. Bidding on the individual trees and wreaths will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. Winning raffle tickets will be drawn at 4 p.m. as well. The auction features more than 30 decorated tabletop trees and wreaths. Generous local businesses trim each tree and wreath in inventive ways and often include generous...
with ‘Make Your Own’ wreath project
First Church in Belfast to hold Christmas Fair, Nov 19
Mon, 11/07/2022 - 8:00am
BELFAST — The First Church in Belfast will hold their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov 19, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Traditional favorites will again be available for purchase: Jane's scones, Don's Famous Fish Chowder along with corn chowder, baked goods, crafts, holiday decorations, white elephant, and silent auction. The fair is held in the upstairs of the Fellowship Hall of the church and is handicapped accessible using the Spring Street entrance. In addition to the fair, the "Make Your Own...
Camden Garden Club makes bows for downtown Camden lamppost wreaths
Thu, 11/03/2022 - 6:00pm

CAMDEN — Members of the Camden Garden Club gathered this October to create the bows for the downtown Camden lamppost wreaths. The red felt bows will adorn the nearly 100 balsam wreaths that will hang on the streets of Camden throughout the holiday season in 2022. This year will be the 51st year that the Club has provided decorated wreaths for the town of Camden. Since the 1950s, the Club has provided holiday decorations for the town. The tradition of fresh balsam wreaths adorned with puffy red...
The Mystery of Lichens program with Diann Henderson
Thu, 11/03/2022 - 8:00am

ROCKLAND — On Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., join others at the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge visitor center to learn about lichens. Ever wondered what all those little crusty things are on the rocks and bark of trees? Oh, lichens you say; but what do you really know about them? Their composition? Reproduction? Place in the ecosystem? Uses? Did you know that the oldest living organisms are 8,600-year-old lichens in the Arctic? Join Diann Henderson for a...
compost your pumpkins, grab a cup of cider
ScrapDogs holds free pumpkin collection at Midcoast Solid Waste, Nov. 5
Wed, 11/02/2022 - 4:15pm

ROCKPORT — ScrapDogs Community Compost will host a free pumpkin collection for all members of the community Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 - 4 p.m., at Midcoast Solid Waste. Residents throughout the Midcoast interested in composting their pumpkins from Halloween can make use of the drop-off location. Pumpkins dropped should have all candles and or plastics removed before they are brought to the transfer station. ScrapDogs will have apple cider and light refreshments available for residents that do...
MaineHousing issues $11 million in early heating assistance help
Wed, 11/02/2022 - 1:00pm
MaineHousing has announced it has released $11 million in Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits. This funding is being released nearly a month ahead of the typical HEAP schedule allowing fuel vendors across the state to deliver heating assistance quickly to 10,814 eligible households including nearly 17,000 people. This first round of funding administered, in collaboration with Maine’s community action agencies, prioritized households with members aged 65 or older with more than 7,200...
Camden Garden Club welcomes new members
Mon, 10/31/2022 - 12:45pm

CAMDEN — The Camden Garden Club welcomes new members. The Club celebrated the new additions during the traditional New Members Coffee which took place October 14 at the home of Membership Chair Karen Cease. 14 new members joined the Club in 2022, bringing the total membership to 88. New members include Jeanine Carlson, Ali Dailey, Georgiana Darie, Erin Galloway, Sharon Hilton, Larry Lentz, Nancy Lloyd, Diana Logan, Allison Matlack, Barb Ohland, Robert Reynolds, Erika Rubel, Amber Ward, and...
international foods, cultural exhibits, children's activities and a style show
UMaine hosts family-friendly Culturefest, Nov. 5
Sun, 10/30/2022 - 8:00am
ORONO — The University of Maine Office of International Programs and International Student Association will host its annual celebration of cultures, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., in the New Balance Student Recreation Center. The 35th Culturefest will feature international foods, cultural exhibits, children's activities and a style show. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, is an opportunity for the university’s international students to showcase their...
Monthly winter bird watching sessions held in Belfast
Sat, 10/29/2022 - 8:00am
BELFAST — Winter is the best season for seeing birds in Belfast Harbor, according to Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition, in a news release. “We get several arctic species coming down ‘south’ here for better eating,” said BBWC. “Many of our resident birds are also here.” The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition invites the public to drop in at the Belfast Footbridge where Ron Harrell and Gary Gulezian lead a monthly bird watch. From November through March, on the second Saturday of each month, Gary and...
Repair Café holds next session Nov. 19
Fri, 10/28/2022 - 2:00pm

BELFAST — It’s time for another free Repair Cafe, Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Belfast Y. Fix your broken stuff, keep your lamps lit for the dark winter nights, repair those holes in your clothes to stay warm. Start thinking about all the holiday favorites that add cheer to your homes. “Bring us small electric appliances (bring spare parts), clothing that may need a hem or button,” said Repair Cafe, in a news release. “Save money and keep things out of the landfills.”
Maine home sales ease in September; prices up 3.13%
Fri, 10/21/2022 - 10:15am

AUGUSTA — Home prices may be stabilizing, according to the Maine Association of Realtors. Sales remain strong; Maine Listings today reported a median sales price (MSP) of $330,000 for the 1,890 single-family existing homes sold in September. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. Comparing September 2022 to September 2021, sales did ease 8.56, through demand for homes resulted in a price increase of 3.13 percent. “Nearly 1,900 homes were sold during...
No experience necessary
Volunteers needed to build almost 500 window inserts for Window Dressers
Thu, 10/20/2022 - 4:15pm

BELFAST — Volunteers are needed to help build almost 500 window inserts from November 9-22 at the Boathouse in Belfast. Come for one four-hour shift or many, with a free lunch and snacks provided every day. No experience is necessary; training is provided. As a precaution, masks are required. Tasks vary from creating the lightweight wood frames, wrapping them on both sides with clear plastic, heating the plastic to tighten it, and applying foam weather stripping around all edges. The result is...
Restoration ecologist to give talk on native plant gardening
Mon, 10/17/2022 - 4:00pm

CAMDEN — Restoration ecologist Amy Thomsen will discuss why to use native plants in landscapes and the benefits to gardening with them in a free Camden Garden Club lecture, Thursday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. The one-hour talk is open to the general public and will also be live streamed on Zoom from the Camden American Legion, located at 91 Pearl Street, in Camden. Refreshments will be offered and guests are welcome to attend in person or join from home free of charge by registering in...
Monroe Community Library Holiday Fair
Sun, 10/16/2022 - 8:00am

MONROE — The Monroe Community Library is holding a two-day sale of holiday décor, ornaments, books, and collectibles to benefit the Library. The sale will be held Friday, Nov. 4, from 4 - 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. “Donated by a friend with an eye for beauty and a special love of Christmas and the arts, the sale includes ornaments by Lenox, Hummel, and Danforth Pewter; wood, ceramic, and brass decorations; and a selection of cooking, travel, holiday and children’s books...
Monroe Community Library Holiday Fair, Nov. 4 - 5
Sun, 10/16/2022 - 8:00am

MONROE — The Monroe Community Library is holding a two-day sale of holiday décor, ornaments, books, and collectibles to benefit the Library. The sale will be held Friday, Nov. 4, from 4 - 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. “Donated by a friend with an eye for beauty and a special love of Christmas and the arts, the sale includes ornaments by Lenox, Hummel, and Danforth Pewter; wood, ceramic, and brass decorations; and a selection of cooking, travel, holiday and children’s books...
naked-eye tour of the heavens
Autumn night-sky gazing to bring Cushing Public Library outdoors
Fri, 10/14/2022 - 1:00pm
CUSHING — Peter Kalajian, a retired high school physics and astronomy teacher, will lead a naked-eye tour of the heavens Friday, Oct. 21, at Good Neighbor Park in Cushing. The night sky changes with each season and Kalajian will highlight the differences between autumn and spring, following his presentation to an audience last April. He is also a photographer of stunning astronomical images. Gather time is 7:30 p.m. Bad weather alternative dates are October 23 and the following weekend. “...
Homeowners must find immediate solutions for downed trees and branches on or around power lines
Cleaning up storm debris? Maine’s Project Canopy provides information
Thu, 10/13/2022 - 4:30pm

Storm cleanup can help keep Maine's forests healthy. Project Canopy, a program of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS), offers tips and helpful advice to property owners. Trees and branches on homes and around power lines - Homeowners must find immediate solutions for downed trees and branches. Branches and trees on power lines should be dealt with by calling local power companies. Even if a hanging limb is clear of power...
Fundraising sale to benefit Belfast Senior Center, Oct. 28
Thu, 10/13/2022 - 1:15pm

BELFAST — On Friday, Oct. 28, a fundraising event will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Belfast Boathouse. It is a sale of Senior Treasures, Holiday Items, and a Silent Auction that includes Gift Cards. According to the Senior Center, in a news release, seniors in the Belfast area are parting with many items they have bought over the years that are in new or excellent condition including, but not limited to: decorator pieces, craft items, custom jewelry, clothing,...
Wildflower Seeds
Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District announces new fundraiser
Thu, 10/13/2022 - 1:00pm

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District announces a new fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. “October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth,” said the SWCD, in a news release. “Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden...
featuring a collection of letterpress printing equipment
Lincolnville Center Indoor Flea Market hosts final market of the season, Oct 15
Wed, 10/12/2022 - 1:30pm

LINCOLNVILLE — The Lincolnville Center Indoor Flea Market will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Community Building, in Lincolnville Center. This is the final flea market of the season. The event is sponsored by the United Christian Church (UCC). “This is a real sellers' and finders' emporium,” said a news release. New and returning vendors will be offering an array of products including handcrafted wreaths, hand carved wooden utensils, up-cycled wool/cashmere mittens,...
Portraying ghosts of the town’s past
Tour the haunted Pownalborough Court House, cemetery, Oct. 28 - 29
Thu, 10/06/2022 - 1:00pm

DRESDEN — People of all ages who appreciate a creepy Halloween activity can look forward to special haunted tours at the Pownalborough Court House, in Dresden, on Friday and Saturday, Oct 28 and 29, from 4:30 - 8 p.m. Participants will experience a tour of the haunted court house and cemetery with hauntings provided by people portraying the ghosts of Pownalborough’s past. An outdoor fire with seating will allow guests to enjoy the grounds before or after their tour. Tickets must be purchased in...
Halloween Extravaganza
Waldo County YMCA Trunk or Treat and haunted trailer, Oct. 23
Tue, 10/04/2022 - 5:45pm

BELFAST — The Waldo County YMCA is partnering with Mathews Brothers, Waterfall Arts, the Faith Temple Church and more than 25 other businesses and individuals to create a fun Trunk or Treat experience for all Waldo County children and families. On Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Waldo County YMCA, children are invited to come trick or treating and go through Mathews Brothers’ haunted trailer. Waterfall Arts’ is hosting Belfast’s Great Pumpkin Pageant on site. “We love to create these...
Spectacular Native Plants: Beauty and Biodiversity of the Northeast
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens horticulture specialist to give online talk on native plants
Sat, 10/01/2022 - 6:00pm

Andy Brand, interim director of horticulture at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, will discuss the advantages of landscaping with native Northeastern plants in a free Belfast Garden Club lecture Tuesday, Oct. 18. The one-hour public program, part of the Belfast Garden Club’s 2022 series, will be streamed live at noon in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library, 106 High Street. Those who wish to join from home may register for the Zoom link here or on the programs page of...
Town-wide activities
22nd Annual Fling Into Fall in Searsport, Oct. 7-8
Thu, 09/29/2022 - 4:45pm

SEARSPORT — The Town of Searsport is decking the halls for fall with its 22nd Annual Fling Into Fall celebration on Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8. Town-wide activities include home and business decorating contest. Pumpkin and scarecrow competitions. A live band at the Public Safety Building Friday night. Live auction on the lawn of the Searsport Methodist Church, Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Fling Parade at 11 a.m. Chili, Chowder and Apple Pie competition. Car and Craft Show. Touch A Truck...