In spite of the slow economy, Islandport Press, the award-winning independent book publisher in Yarmouth, is about to begin its tenth anniversary year by naming a new children’s book editor. Melissa L. Kim has been named senior editor, children’s books and online development, and will oversee the development of children’s and young adult titles. Kim, a graduate of Brown University and New York University, previously worked as the company’s online editor and will continue to manage the Web site and develop e-books.

Yarmouth, Maine (September 2009) — Some 35 years ago, Jane Freeberg listened to a friend’s story about one exceptional Christmas she had as a child in a small New England fishing village. And she never forgot it. Now, she shares it all in “The Scallop Christmas,” the story of how a young girl comes to understand what is truly important. Beautifully illustrated by Astrid Sheckels, the book will be available in October from Maine-based Islandport Press.

Ms. Freeberg will celebrate the release of her new book with a launch party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Georgetown Historical Society. She will sign copies of the book, which will be available for sale, and light refreshments will be available. The historical society is located at 20 Bay Point Road.

Governor John Baldacci helped unveil a 43,000 square foot Maine Studios filmmaking warehouse on Presumpscot Street that was unveiled to a packed house this week. John Seymore, Chief Operating Officer of Wasted Minds Media Group, worked with the Nappi family to obtain a lease for the space.

The studio space will be available for lease by anyone in the film and media industry for everything from commercial shoots to feature films. At least one of the teams that participated in the recent 48 Hour Film Project shot some of their work here.

Local film producer, Andy Davis, has announced that Abandoned Cinema has completed principle production on the company’s first film “Adelle.” They also posted a teaser trailer for the film, which can be seen by going to: http://www.abandonedcinema.com/trailers.htm
“We’re very excited for the debut of our first film, Adelle is a sort of marriage between art and horror.” Said Co-Founder Sandy McKeon.

“Adelle.” tells the tale of a young deaf girl who is left in the middle of nowhere by her parents in the 1930’s. Adelle is forced to try and survive based on her very limited life skills. Along the way, her voyage turns into a very dark, horrifying trip.

Artists Mike Marks, Anna Russo and Elizabeth Marks, are excited to be opening a new art gallery at 613 Congress Street. Oil painting, ceramic wall hanging and metalsmith creations will all be offered in this new location.
Please join them in support for their Grand Opening on June 5th during the First Friday Art Walk.

The Portland Harbor Museum opens its doors to the public for the first time this year at 5PM, Wednesday, May 20.  This year’s new exhibits include stunning photography by famed photographers, Nance Trueworthy and Dean Abramson as well as five other new exhibits.  The museum is now located at 510 Congress St., next to the CVS Pharmacy.

Designing Women, a New England group of women artists, had their first show and sale of the 2009 season in Portland on May 2. Sales and attendance were so successful they will be doing the same thing again next year!

Portland’s easygoing quality of life is praised in the April 1st feature. The list was compiled based on a leisure index, crime data and 5-year cost of living average and unemployment figures. Kudos for local highlights go to Grittys, Cinque Terre, Blackpoint Inn and Cold River Vodka!

Portland, ME – In just three days, 99.9 THE WOLF and 107.5 FRANK FM raised a boatload of money for the annual Cares For Kids Radiothon, live from the Atrium at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. This is the largest amount raised in the history of the Cares For Kids Radiothon, beating last year by over $17,000. Both stations are owned by Nassau Broadcasting.

Portland Museum of Art has discovered that there’s nothing like a little rock ‘n roll to bring in the crowds. The museum drew a record 17,839 visitors in February, thanks to the popularity of its exhibition “Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography.” The figure broke the mark set by an Ansel Adams exhibition in 2000. AP story March 4, 2009