Portland Monthly Magazine December 1998

BySteveLuttrell

FURNiturb rACTORy

Warehouse Setting

HheDeenamaY CO ' ORNAMENTS '

TheperfectHolidayCreationfor thediscerningperson.Addcharm andbeautytoyourHolidayswith theseclassicVictorianOrnaments. Thesetimelesstreasoreswillsoonbecome heirloomsforgeneraA*?tionstocome.Call 892-4075forbrochure.

IknowI’vegottentooexcitedabout CongressStreetbefore.Butthe 10-yearleaseofthelandmark 1826HayBuildingtoStarbucks CoffeeCompanyofSeattleisthe bestnewssinceKeyBanksignedaIflyearleasetherealmost20yearsago.

MattOrne,34,newowneroftheHay Building,musthavetheStarbuckschain figuredout.HealsoownsthebrickVic¬ torianbuildingStarbucksrentsonthe comerofMiddleandExchangeStreets.

“Ourleaseisgoingtobegreatforupper CongressStreet,”hesays.“Itenabledus tobuythebuildingandcosmetically bringituptospeed(inadditiontoa completerestorationinside,he’sscrap¬ ing,repointing,andpaintingthebricks thisspringforanestimated$250,000).”

ThenewCongressSquareStarbucks, the85thinNewEngland,“issupposed toopenonIFebruary.We’retalkingto bothagalleryandanadvertisingagency

aboutrentingthesecondfloor.Right nowthegalleryseemsthemorelikely.It wouldberunbytwoartistsverywell knowntothePortlandarea.”

Omegotintorealestatealmostbyacci¬ dent:“FiveyearsagoIwastryingtobuya businessonMiddleStreetandindoing theduediligenceonthebusinessIwas tryingtobuyIfoundthatthebuilding wasbeingforeclosedonandwasbeing sold.”Delighted,hejumpedin.“Iended uppassingonthebusinessbutbuyingthe building!”

Nowhehas“threebuildingsinarowin theOldPort,fromStarbucksonthecor¬ nertothePavilionbuildingonMiddle Street.”HealsoownstheMarginalWay building“whereEnterpriseRent-a-Caris.”

Oneexpensivechangerequiredby Starbucksisthe$20,000removalofthe former Key Bank safe from the Hay Building.“OntheCongressStreetsideof thesafetherewasaroomthatwasonce anoffice.Thatroomwaskindofunus¬ ablewiththevaultthere.”NewStarbucks bathroomswilllikelyenduponthespot. Orne,hiswifeMichelle,andchildren JackandKatherineliveinCamden.He wenttoschoolatSt.LawrenceUniversi¬ tyinupstateNewYork,majoringinEco¬ nomicsandgraduatingin1986.“Mydad wasbominRockland,andwe’vealways spentsummersintheCamdenarea,so I’vealwayslovedMaine.Beforecoming here,welivedinNewYorkCity,where Isoldadvertisingforalamecabletelevi¬ sioncompanythatnolongerexists.”

Addthecreative touchof5-starChef WilliamBoutwell toAmericanbistro stylecuisinewith emphasisonnative Maineseafood. Result...adining experiencelike nootherinPortlund. M- .v

The Maine 100

1recentlyread The Maine 100 inthe October1998issueofPortlandMaga¬ zine.AssociatedGrocersofMaine,Inc., hasbeenamemberofDun&Brad¬ streetformanyyears,andIamuncer¬ tainastowhyAGwasexcludedfrom The Maine 100.

AssociatedGrocersisaMainecorpo¬ rationownedbyover265stockholders andservicesnearly500retailgrocery storesthroughoutMaine,NewHamp¬ shire,andVermont.Itwasfoundedin 195?andtodaywithover200employ¬ eescaneasilyboastbeingGardiner’s largestemployer.

Salesfor1998cameinat$145mil¬ lion,withprojectionsfor1999rev¬ enuestoachieveanall-timehighof $157million,makingAssociatedGro¬ cersclearlyoneofthetop25business¬ esinthestate.Obviously,thestock¬ holdersandemployeesofAGarevery proudoftheircompanyandwillap¬ preciateinclusioninnextyear’sedition ofThe Maine 100.

AlanR.Decker

AssociatedGrocersofMaine Gardiner

The Maine 100

ItwasgreattosecGrangerNorthern listedasNo.35on(yourMaine100) hitparade.Ithinkpublishingthisinfor¬ mationisveryinterestingandinforma¬ tive,butthereissomeincorrectinfor¬ mationrelatingtoGrangerNorthern.

Acoupleofyearsago,wewerelocat¬ edat51BaxterBoulevardinPortland. Todayourheadquartersareat84Mid¬ dleStreetinPortland.Wehavenever hadalocationonDaltonRoadin Augusta.Therevenuefiguresdonot reflectouraccounting,althoughitis likelythatDun&Bradstreetutilizesa differentmethodofreporting.

GrangerNorthernisoneofMaine’s largestgeneralcontractorsservicing Maine,NewHampshire,andVennont since1985.Wehaveconstnictedarea landmarkssuchasMerrillAuditorium, CumberlandCountyJail,Brunswick HighSchool,theunder-the-bubble projectforNationalSemiconductor, numerousShop’nSavesupennarkets,

Scott B. Dow, CLU, ChFC, DistrictAgent

Whydosomanyfinanciallysuccessfulpeopleintroducetheirfriendsto NorthwesternMutualLifeandagentsfromtheTheDowAgency?Forone thing,theyrepresentthelifeinsurancecompanyregularlyconsidereda superiorlong-termvaluebyAM.BestandDuff&Phelps.Hopefully.

HaveYouHeardFromTheDowAgency?

someoneyouknowwillgiveyournametosomeoneattheTheDow Agency.HaveyouheardfromTheQuietCompany?

FestiveLuncheons•ChristinasParties

ChristinasDay

DinnerintheMaineDinningRooms

12noon-8p.m.

NewYear'sEve

DinnerintheMaineDinningRooms

6p.m.-10p.m.

NewYear'sEveParty

9p.m.-Ia.m.

BellamyJazz.Band-favors•nibbles champagnetoastatmidnight

w vkMayfreeport.com • E-mail: harraseekeoaol.com "Wassailand

Stopintotryon Tu-dfihNight, orifyonain'twait, andwhocould,weshipviaUI’SAnywhereUSA. AbsoluteSatisfactionGuaranteed. Black,redandgoldwithblackfauxfur OneSizebitsMost $155ppd.

Please call or write for a free catalogue. Tel. 207-772-2379 Fax. 207-775-9087 Entail:qoh^maine.rr.com

QueenofHats

560CongressStreet,Portland,ME04101

Ledgers

andmanymore.

Wearecurrentlyconstructingthe newmedicalofficebuildingonCon¬ gressStreetforMaineMedicalCenter, PolandHighSchool,NorthCountry MediumSecurityPrisoninBerlin, NewHampshire,andwearerenovat¬ ingtheMaineStateHouseinAugusta.

KeithA.Koehler GrangerNorthern,Inc. Portland

Channelside

MynameisMarcJordan,and1own awindowwashingcompanybasedin GraycalledBrilliantShine.Iwould liketogetabackissueofyourmaga¬ zinefromJune-Julyof1996.1believe thecoverisentitledOceanViews. ThisissuehadanarticleontheChannelsidc home in Cape Elizabeth ownedbyCrcgBoulos.Iwashhiswin¬ dow's and noticed your magizine framedonhiswallwiththepictureof thesolariumoverlookingtheocean.

MarcJordan Gray

Smith Castle

AfterreceivingPortland Magazine yesterday,Iw'asvery'exciticdafterread¬ ingthestory'of“SmithCastle”—andI w'anttosharemycommentswithHerb Adams.

Myfirstthoughtswere,“Ifonlyhe knew'itwasmymotherwholivedin theoldgatehouseasachild.As1read onandcametothequotesfromG.P. Anderson,Inearlyflipped.Yes,she wasmymother.

Mymother,GladysPlummerAnder¬ son,likedtowriteabouthistory.More importantly,shewasknownasthe “ContestLady,”andmanyarticles werew'rittcnaboutherhundredsof winnings(writing25wordswhyshe likedthisorthat,poetry,andsoon).She wasoncefeaturedinYankeemagazine. I’msureHerbhaslettersfromherinhis files.Shediedin1983atage94.

JuneBeck Ealmouth

Established 1985 VolumeXIII,NumberIX,December

Colin Sargent FoundingEditor&Publisher

Nancy Sargent ArtDirector

Lyndy Maker Publisher'sAssistant

Michael J. Sullivan AdvertisingDirector

Steve Luttrell Adveriiting

Diane Hudson SpecialProjects

Brenda Markley Controller

Karyn Jenkins Production

Johanna Hanaburgh CopyEditor

Michael Miliard CalendarEditor

Colin S. Sarcent ProductionAssistant

Kevin LeDuc Photographer

John Willard Intern

PortlandMagazineispublishedbySargentPublishing,Inc., 578CongressStreet,Portland,ME04101.Allcorre¬ spondenceshouldbeaddressedto578CongressStreet, Portland,ME04101.AdvertisingOffice:5/8Congress Street,Portland,ME04101(207)775-4539.Billing Questions:IfyouhaveQuestionsregardingadvertising invoicingandpayments,callBrendaMarkleyat775-4539.

NewsstandCoverDate:December1998,publishedNovember 1998,Vol.B,No.9,copyright1998.PortlandMagazineis mailedatthird-classmailratesinPortland,ME04101(ISSN: 1073-1857).Opinionsexpressedinarticlesarethoseofauthors anddonotrepresenteditorialpositionsofPortlandMagazine. Letterstotheeditorarewelcomeandwillbetreatedasuncon¬ ditionallyassignedforpublicationandcopyrightpurposesand assubjecttoPortlandMagazine’sunrestrictedrighttoeditand commenteditorially.Responsibleonlyforthatportionofany advertisementwhichisprintedincorrectly.Advertisersare responsibleforcopyrightsofmaterialstheysubmit.Nothingin thisissuemaybereprintedinwholeorinpartwithoutwritten permissionfromthepublishers.Submissionswelcome,butwe takenoresponsibilityforunsolicitedmaterials.

PortlandMagazineispublished10timesannuallybySargent PublishingInc.,578CongressStreet,Portland,withnewsstand coverdatesofWinterguide,Eebruary/March,April,May,Sum¬ merguide,July/August,September,October,November,and December.

To Subscribe

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FromStaff&WireReports

MostGraceUnderPressure

entralMainePowerLineworker

FirstClassJeffQuirkofScarbor¬ oughwasintohis1Sthstraightda}’ (rangingfrom18-to24-hourdays) restoringpowertocustomersdur¬ ingtheIceStormof1998whendisaster struck.Eighteenfeetuponaladder,Quirk wasreattachinga150-footlongindividual sendeelinetoaFalmouthColonialwhen ananchorhookfailed,thelinesnapped backandstruckhimintheface,andhe wasknockedofftheladderintomidair, dltefallemshedhisrightankleandbroke hisrightleg.HewastakentoMaineMed¬ ical,butsurgerywaspostponeduntilthe

swellingsubsided.1Iewasdischargedthat evening.

“Whenwesawhimarriveatworkthe nextmorningat5:30a.m.onemtehes,no onecouldbelieveit,”saysPaulDupcrre, operationsmanagerforCMP’sPortland ServiceCenter.Quirkcouldn’tjustsit homeandwaitfortheswellingtopass,so hewenttoworkansweringthephoneand dispatchingfellowworkerstonewrepair jobs.Twodayslater,5pinswereinstalled inhisanklealongwithametalplateto helpmendhisbrokenleg.“Quirkepito¬ mizesthededicationofthe3,000utility line,tree,andsupportworkerswhorebuilt CMP’selectricalsj’steminthedeadofwin¬

ter,”sassspokespersonMarklshkaniat=n, whoseonlyregretinreleasingthistousis, “Thereweresomanyindividualactsof heroismlikethisthatitisalmostimpossi¬ bletosingleoneout.”Waytogo,CMP.

BestStreetsideRelic

ella’sCatcsscnonExchangeStreet servesupagreatlunch,anda niftyrelic,everyday.Belowthe windowsonhershop’ssecond storvlevelcanbeseenaBritish cannonshot,firedintothecitybyCapt. IIcnrvMowattinOctober1775whenhe burnedoldFalmouthtown.Itwasfound inthetimbersofthewoodenbuildingon

CMP PHOTOHERB SWANSON

। Back Bay Tower nowoffers's fully furnished corporate J apartments ‘Completely equipped for convenient and comfortable living for the •businesspersonpreferringa* home environment versus a hotel setting. ’Back Bay Tower is Portland’s finest addressofferinggreatviews, | superb intown location'in theheartofthebusinessdis-

e re trict,Portland’s,finestdining1 andculturalofferings.

HenryMowattinOctober1775whenhe burnedoldFalmouthtown.Itwasfound inthetimbersofthewoodenbuildingon thesitewhenthepresentbrickstructure wasbuiltin1889,andasareminderof thatvillainousdeedwasembeddedforev¬ erinthemortarabove.Belowit,British tyrannygiveswayeverydaytoDella’s turkeyonryeandwheat.

-Herbert Adams

ScariestSign

“WrapYourselfInTheLuxuryOfDr. Mtiller’sOrbit,”seenabovetheentrance ofatanningsalononForestAvenue,near Woodford’sComer.Wewouldn’tbesur¬ prisedtoseeVincentPricebehindthe receptiondesk.

BestAttraction

WalkingintoPortland’sPublicMarket reallyislikefindingyourselfinthebestof QuincyMarketatFaneuilHallinBoston. ItreallyislikethebestofSanFrancisco, fromitsgourmetmeats,soups,breads,and chocolatestoitsDungenesscrabs.Itreally isthefulfillmentofChristyPachios’s1975 dreamtorestoreapublicmarkethere(a grand one crowned Monument Square from1825-1882)withanaerialwalkway. ItreallydoesmagicallyreconnecttheOld PortwithdowntownandCongressSquare whilebringingprosperitytoCumberland Avenue.Itreallyis37,000squarefeetof soaringtimberframingandaway,withits expansiveglassandmezzanine,toshow¬ case22locallyownedbusinessesasnever before.Itreallyisawonderful,enduring gifttousfromElizabethNoyce.

BestShow

PortlandStage,“MasterClass.”

BestSojourn

HEN ODYSSEUS returned fromtheTrojanWar,hewas shockedtofindabunchofsuit¬ orstakingoverhisestate.But considerFredWebster’sreturn fromtheKoreanWarin1953.“I’dspent thelasfthreeyearsintheAirForcein NorthAfrica,inaradarsquadron,”he

says.“AndwhenIgothome,therewas BetteDavisandGaryMerrill, holding court”atTheHomewoodInn,hispar¬ ents’resort.TheHomewoodInn,famous foritsfingerbowlsandLobsterCascoandthecoastofMaine-wouldneverbe thesame.

‘Youhavetoassumetheywereinlove, butitwastumultuous,"Fredsays.“Gary usedtohangaroundthehelpquarter, flirtingwiththemaids.Ouremployees hadasortofrecroom,andhe’djustgoup andsitaroundandhaveabeerwiththe busboys.Hejustlikedtoparty.They lovedhim.Hewasavivaciouskindofguy,

thoughI’msureitwaspossibleforsomeof thewaitressestohavegottenthewrong idea,butthat’sjusthowhewas,very charmingandoutgoing.

“HeandBettestayedfromApriltoOcto¬ ber,inwhatwecalltheTidesBuilding. BythetimeIsawthem,they’dalready beenhereamonthortwo,househunting for‘Witch-Way,’theirlovelyestateonthe CapeElizabethShore.1sawthemalot. Theyhadapoodlehereanditwasfun.”

Thestarshadfalleninlovewhenfilm¬ ingAllAboutEve,forwhichBettehad wonanOscar,andnowtheyweremar¬ ried,nisticated,andmovingtoMaine, Gary’shomestompinggrounds.

“Theyhadalltheirmealshere.Wewere ontheAmericanPlan.Itwasfunforthe inn,agreatthingforus,butthenalotof touristsfoundoutaboutusandjustdrove usnuts.

“Atnight,too,tensionsbegantorise.We didn’thaveaphonesystem,andtheir building was far from the phone my

Wewanttohearyourstory.

Writeto:TheCommitteeAgainstRacism EpiscopalDioceseofMaine 143StateStreet,Portland,Maine04101 AnonymousRepliesWelcome InformationreceivedbyDec.,7,1998,willbeusedina Healing Racism Workshop onJan.16,1999,atSt.Luke’sCathedral,Portland,toexpose theilleffectsofracistattitudesandbehaviorsinMaine.

Acareeragent?Whynot?Wouldn’titbegreatifyoucouldfindsomeone connectedtoahugenetworkofcareeropportunities?Someonewholastyear helpedmorethan350,000peoplegetafootinthedoor?Someonewhoisan Agentforyourcareer?Interimcanbejustthat.

Ifyou’reaprofessionalwiththefollowing you!CallourInterim®officetoday:

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byArthurKopit

Whatwouldyoudoformoney? Forpower?Forfame? ForJerry,thepriceofproducing thelifestoryoftheworld’sbiggest superstarmaybealittletoohigh. Ascathingsatireoftheexcesses andemptinessof Americanpopculture.

motheranddadhad.Myfatherkeptget¬ tingphonecallsduringthemiddleofthe night from Hollywood, because they didn’tcareaboutwhattimeitwashere, andhebegantoresentthat.”

Bette,inturn,resentedhisresentment, whichmadetherestofthesummerabit ofabumpyride:

“Bettehadaveryvenlargemaidtolook afterthechildren.Themaidsatinoneof ourdeckchairsonceandwentthroughit, andbythattimeBettewasmadatmy father,soshegotthemaidtosueus.'The TravelersInsuranceCo.settledfor$1000. AsImentioned,BetteDaviswaskindof tickedatmyfatheratthetime.

“1rememberonenighttherewasater¬ riblecustodybattlerightinourdining roombetweenBetteandherex-husband Sherry.Sherryshowedupunexpectedly onenightfromCaliforniaanditwasa verydifficultevening,avenbadscene.”

Performedbywonderfulactorsinoneof Maine’smostbeautifulplaces.

WorstIdea

Toteardowngracious,understated “Witch-Way',”BetteDavis’s&'Gary'Mer¬ rill’shouse,andreplaceitwithanother monsterhouseontheCapeElizabeth oceanfront.

BestMusic,MaineFestival

DivaBrazilia.Wedareyounottohavea goodtimewhenevertheystrikeup“OneNoteSamba."

StreetWe’dMostLike ToSeeReappear:

Foralmost100years,AbyssinianCourt ranfromNewburyStreetpastPortland’s AbyssinianChurch(cst.1828),Maine’s oldestAfrican-Americanmeetinghouse. Downitpassedourearlyblackpastors, abolitionists,and,legendsays,escaping slavesonthe“UndergroundRailroad.” Thisancientchurch,thethird-oldest African-Americanmeetinghousestill standinginzXmerica,isnowbeingre¬ stored.Portlandshouldrestorethename ofthishistoriclane,nowonlvaforgotten passagebetweenbatteredbuildings.

-/lerbertAdams

BestOutdoorGallery

Onemomentyou’relookingatapicturesquecoveredbridgeinthetownof PorterbesideRoute25,andthen,step¬ pinginside,withtheOssippecRivermov¬ ingswiftlybelow,yonfindyourselfina

postmodernartgallerythatisfullofsur¬ prises.1'hecider-darkinteriorseemsto makethewhitehyperbolicinsensateoaths morebenignandfluorescentsomehow, whilethebucolicsettingseemsagoodfoil formodernsentimentsthatpopand scpieakoffthewallslikeReebokbasketball shoes.Infact,“Reebok”issprayedwithout furthercommentononepartofthepas¬ toralscene.“Whydidn’ttheyjustpaint Alcoa?”someonewonders,towhicha voungeronlookerreplies,“Youmeanyou didn’tpaintConverseinsideyourbridges?” Butbynowit’sobvious;thisisntdefacing, it’sre-facing.Comeoninandsignthe guestregister.Mostobserversagreeyou wouldn’twanttopaintoutthegraffittiany niorethanyou’dwanttoteardownthe bridge.

BestResourceForYour fengshuiDesign

“WegenerallygotoBeijing,meetan agent,andtravelnorthwardtodifferent partsofChina,”saysJanIloglundof Mohr&•McPherson,463EorcStreet,

[\nownNewEnglandwideforitsambianceandfeeling ofnature’speace.Thisgalleryoffinecraftsandfolk artrepresentsaprimitivelookofsimpledayslongpast. Remember...we’refulltothebrimwithlotsofgood things-needfulstuff-thatis...stuffthatyoudon’tjust wantbutmusthave.

SouthEndofSebagoLake Route25West,StandishHistoricDistrict Standish,Maine(207)642-7766

•Freeairportpick-up

•Convenientintownlocation

•ExtendedStaysAvailable

•FreeParking

•Non-smokingroomsavailable

•MinutestohistoricOldPort andtheArtsDistrict

•Continentalbreakfast

■FreeCable/HBO

•Freelocalcalls

•Freebicyclestorage

•Aneasywalktoeverything thatPortlandhastooffer

•Childrenunder12stayfree

InnatSt.Jlaftn

Entail: StudioR@aol.coaa

Portland,afirmthattakesgreatpainsto bringbuyersthecity’sfinestfurniture importsandaccessoriesfromtheFarEast totheirdisplayroomonthegroundfloor of2CityCenter,facingthewaterfront (seephoto,above).“We’vebeenselling theweddingchestsforeightyears.”Prized intheUnitedStatesbycollectorsanddec¬ oratorswhousethemaswardrobesor entertainmentcenters,“inChinathey’re usedtoholdawoman’sdowry,silks, shoes,orjewelry.Generallythey’reelm andcamphorwoodandoftenlacquered redforgoodfortune,orgreen.”Allofthis furniture(suchastheNorthernChinese vernacularhorseshoechairinthefore¬ ground)isChingDynasty(1644-1912), madefordomesticuse,andisvery'much livedwith,andloved.

L_BestBamDiscovery Imaginestumblingintofreshviewsofa Portlandthat20thcenturyhistorianshave neverseenuntilnow,aPortlandwe thoughtwaslostforever.

“In1976inFalmouth,agentleman namedBobYambourwenttoliveina househe’dbought,andinthecollapsed (andsinceremoved)barnhefoundan incrediblecollectionofglass-platephotos insomeoldboxes,”saysMaryJoSteckeviczofBlack&WhiteImage,500Con¬ gressStreet,Portland,“photossoevocative ofthey'ear1900theytrulyseemtotake youbackintime.”Youstandwiththerest

oftheonlookersandwatchtheoldCity Hallbum.Thenyonseethespaceabove David’sRestaurantburning,skaterswhirl¬ ingoutofbreathonDeeringOaksPond, thefirstcarsevertorolldownthecity streets.

BobbroughtthesmokyplatestoJoe Muir(ofBlack&WhiteImage)“because he’dseen‘MemoriesofaMaineIsland,’ whereJoehadprintedphotosfromglass plates,andthesewereglass,soitseemed thenaturalthingtodo.”The37glimpses ofPortlandcirca1880-1908arealldry plateprocessworksbyaphotographer namedWilliamC.Rideout,whodiedon April13,1908attheageof63.“My favoriteimageshowssomewaterfrontkids waitingforaboat,amaninthefore¬ groundinasuit,theboatsteamingin... everythingamomentfromhappening.” Thewholecollection(printsofwhichare headedtoNewYorkforagalleryshowing) isavailabletobeseenandpurchasedat Black&WhiteImageifdesired.Aglossy 11x14printis$50.Call773-3376.

BestTransplant

AtreegrowsinBrooklyn,butaSequoia growsinParkside-Maine’slargestRed¬ wood,infact.Sinceitsidentificationin 1997,the90-foot,70-inch-in-circumferencetreehaswornthestatechampions beltinthe“MaineRegisterofBigTrees” maintainedbytheStateDepartmentof

Notable Works Include: Tracey-CauserBuilding &F.O.Baileybuilding, intheOldPort, Tbe Plummer blouse onthePasternPromenade.

M.R. Brewer 9IBellStreet PortlandMaine (207) 797-7534 fax(207)797-0973

Weworkwithcompanies ofallsizestocustom designcommunication systemstomeettheir uniqueneeds.We offersimplesolutions tocomplexproblems, soyoucanbeproductive whereveryourdaytakesyou.

Lefttoright:RolexOysterPerpetualLadyDatejustin18ktgoldandstainlesssteelwithmatchingJubileebracelet;RolexLadyOysterPerpetual tnISktgoldwithmatchingJubileebraceletandchampagnediamonddial;RolexOysterPerpetualLadyDateinstainlesssteelwithmatchingJubileebracelet. Rolex,OysterPerpetualLadyDatejust,Jubilee,LadyOysterPerpetualandOysterPerpetualLadyDatearetrademarks.

Conservation.Nowtheforest’smightiest monarchstandsinthemostdenselypop¬ ulatedsquaremileofMaine.Itsexactloca¬ tionisasecret-buthowcanyoumissit?

-I lerbertAdams

BestSpottoBegin

NumberOneIndiaStreetisagood placetobegin,whereveryou’regoing.A bronzeplaqueheretestifiesthisspotis Mile00.00oftheGrandTrunkRailway/CanadianNationalRailLine,succes¬ sortotheAtlantic&St.LawrenceRail¬ road,startednearhereonJuly4,1848,by PortlandRailroadpioneerJohnA.Poor. Crushedbyitsconstructiondebts,the PortlandtoMontreallinewasleasedto theGrandTrunksystemin1853for999 years.Thisisalsothestartingpointforthe EasternPromtrail,onelinkofPortland Trailsmagnificentplantoencircleourcity withmilesofgreenwalkingtrails-afor¬ estCityencircledbyemeraldgreenand oceanblue.Yourjourneyofathousand milesshouldbeginwithasinglestep,here.

-IlerbertAdams

BestSpotForHotCoffee, HotPiyya,AndHotAdvice

OldcitydirectoriesshowthatPortland wasoncehometoabout150smallcomer markets;thecityisnowdowntoabout75, manyofthemchainstoreoutlets.Twoof Parkside’s(andPortland’s)bestfamilyownedstorefrontsstilloffertiretraditional know-your-neighborcomforts:Terroni’s onParkAve.(nownearingits50thyear) andMellenSt.Market(nowinitsthird generationofNappifamilyownership). Allcomersgethotgossip,hotpizza,and pungentopinions.Yourneighborhood needsatleastonesuchspot.

-IlerbertAdams

BestRudyValleePen

When I was a kid, my mom took me downtoBroadwaytoseehimin“flowTo SucceedInBusinessWithoutReallyTry¬ ing.”Mymomtoldpeopleatthestage doorthatwewerefromMaineandthat1 wantedtomeetRudyVallee.OfcourseI didn’tknowwhoRudyValleewas.“My sonreallywantstomeetMr.Valleeand we’refromPortland,Maine,anddoyou thinkthat’spossible?”Valleecameout andwasquitepolite.Heaskedmewhat1 wastakinginschoolandwhatIwantedto bewhen1grewup.Mymothersaid,“Oh, hewasontireTedMackShow.Hewants tobeinentertainment.”Actually,Iwasn’t

Thesmallestdetailmatters.David

'Abramsonisanattorneywithample experienceinthisarea.Forsharpideasin childsupport,assetdistribution,business valuation,pre-nuptiala^rgpments,401K andotherdecisions^wthjif^ime’1 * implications;you makethecall.^JF

100CommercialSt. Suite304 Portland,ME04101

Foryourholidayhomeentertaining—visitusat thePortlandPublicMarket—Stall#28andcreateyour ownselectionofsmokedseafoodandthefinestcheeses producedlocally,regionallyandaroundtheworld.

Portland's Newest & Most Exclusive Optical B

Dr.PhilipPoulin,Optometrist,andhis sisterTrudyPoulin,certifiedoptician, havebroughttoPortland,aunique alternativeforyoureyecareandeye¬ wear.Theyhavecoupledpersonalized eyeexaminationswithadistinctive collectionofeyeweardeliveredinan eloquentoptica!boutique.

TrudyandPhilipareoriginallyfrom theWatervilleareawheretheystartedin theeyecareprofessionworkingwiththeirfatherDr.DonaldPoulin.Together theyhaveoverfortyyearsofexperience,thathasbroughtthemfrom NewYorktoCalifornia.Thisexposureisapparentintheirexclusivecollec¬ tionofeyewear,thatrangesfromeclecticfunktosimpleelegance.

87exchangeStreet (nexttoFPorkerReidy'srestaurant) 207-871-7553

TuesdaytoFriday

10:00a.m.to6:00p.m. Saturday 10:00a.m.to4:00p.m.

Street■ Forreservations call 774-4200 IntheOHPort•Complimentaryvaletparking•www.tlieregency.com

sosure.I’dtappedandsung“OntheSun¬ il}’SideoftheStreet”andlosttoachorus ofdancinggirlsfromNewJersey.Each oneofthemhadbroughttheir50best friends.1didn’tstandapraver.AnneMar¬ garetwonthefinalslaterthatsear.“Waita minute,”saidVallee,“Ibaseasurprisefor you.”Myimaginationsoared.Hedisap¬ pearedforamomentandreturnedwitha blueballpointpenwithhisautographin goldscript.1wasdazzleduntil1gothome andtriedtowritewithit.Clodknowshow longhehadbeenhandingthemout,but theinkhadlongsincegonedry.Oh,how wetriedtogetthatpentowork.Wetried everything.Myfathertookamatchtoit andtriedtomelttheendsotheinkwould flow.Weshookit.Wefrozeit.There wasn’tabitofinkattheendofthatpen!

-Colin Sargent

BestLocalTrend

ThegreeningofPortland.BrianBoru mighthavebeenoneofthemostpowerful highkingsofIrelandduringthemiddle ages,butthereignofthepubthatbears hisnameasPortland’sonly"authentic” Irishpubisover.Withtherecentopen¬ ingofEmptvPocketsonForestAvenue, andwiththerenovationoftheformer j Monument Square Burger King into a pub(supposedlybroughtpiecebvpiece acrossthepondfromIrelanditself)itlooks jasifPortlandisattemptingtocompete

withDearDirtyDublinitself.Itusedto bethatBornwasoneoftheonlybarsin townthatcouldactuallypourapintof Guinnessright(you’resupposedtolet3/4 ofthestuffsettlebeforeyoutopitoff),but withthetransformationoftheoldSquire Morgan’sintoMolly’sSteakHouseand IrishPub(I’veneveractuallyseenasteak houseinmytravelsthroughtheEmerald Isle)itlookslikePortlanderswillsoonbe spoiledforchoice.Seemstobeshapingup tobetheperfectwinterto“Hibemiate.”

-Michael Miliarci

BootUpForFall!

Men’s, Women’s & Children’sfactory seconds&close-outs. ClassicLoafers, Docksides® boat shoes,Drysides® Waterproof Boots, Accessories,Apparel & more!

NEW HOURS

Wednesday-Saturday,9:30a.m.to6p.m.

DIRECTIONS:FromWestbrook,takeRl.25westtoward Gorham.PassLakeRegionFurnitureontheleft.Takethe nextleftintoGorhamIndustrialPark.Thefirstrightwillbe HutchersonDrive.Thewarehousestoreislocatedat55 HutchersonDrive,thelastbuildingontheright.

MostUniqueTreasure

Ajarofgoldandsilvercoins,alongwith agoldsignetring,probablybelongingto WalterBagnell,wasfoundonRich¬ mond’sIsland.Itwasthemostsignificant cacheofgoldandsilvercoinsfoundto dateinthestateofMaineandisnowin thecollectionattheMaineHistorical Society.

SteveLuttrell

BestNewPark

It’smadeoftar,wood,andair.Portland’s new3-DSkateboardParkonMarginal Wayisnotonlyafunplacetoenjoya brownbaglunch(thein-lineskatersand skateboardersarehighlyentertaining), butalsoagreatsolutionforthedead zoneadjacenttothecity'scommuterpark¬ ingarea.

BestPlaceForTruantOfficers

ToHangOut

Seeabove.

BestDateForLessThan$25

OnFridaynights,trydinnerwithlive musicatSilly’son40WashingtonAvenue inPortland.Tofindoutwho’splaying, call772-0360.Then,takeinafirst-run filmforjust$1eachatPortlandsNick¬ elodeonCinemas,772-9751.

Turnedfrombeautiful solidcherry,andlovingly handfinishedwith naturalbeeswax,these WhipandSpoonbowls aresuretobecomefamily heirlooms.

Generouslysizedfrom9" to23"indiameter,you willfindtheperfectsize foranyoccasion.

From$19.95

WAREHOUSE STORE

55HutchersonDrive•Gorham,ME04038

Pleasecall856-1484formoreinformation.

"Idoas1please—bat helpisalwaysnear...”

“Ienjoymyindependence.The

choicewasrightformyfamily andI.”

IWao saysyouhavetochoosebetweenc lifetoyouryearsoryearstoyourlij

like,verywarm—we’reknownforaffordable healthcarewiththerightattitude.Afterall, isn’tthatwhatlifeinMaineshouldbe?

FREE POPCORN !!!

Our Full-Service Menu features Appetizers, Entrees & Drinks ($1.50to$8.95) Served at Your Table During the Show.

2forTuesday: Buyonemovie admissionpass,getone FREE!

TriviaWednesday: Answerourtrivia questioncorrectlyandseeanymovie FREE!

Voted“thebestmovie-goingexperience ingreaterPortlandbythereaders of CascoBayWeekly. Comeinandexperience thedifference!

871-5500

Matinees: $3.50 - After6p.nt: $5.00 504 Congress St., Portland Allow/2hourbeforeshowtime. (Between L.L. Bean & Monument Sq.)

Nursing and Retirement Center

Home Care

Located on beautiful Back Cove, Seaside isaprogressivehealthcarefacilitywhich providesskilledrehabilitation,extended careandretirementlivinginaquietocean¬ side setting, offering dramatic views of Portland'sskyline.

Our dynamic professional staff and peacefullocationcontributetothefinest therapeutic care. Our modern facility offersafullrangeofskilledandsubacute services which include physical, occupa¬ tional,respiratoryandspeechtherapies, pain control management, IV therapy, nutritional,andrecreationtherapy. skilledcare,homehealthaides,personal care services, physical, occupational and speech therapy. We also offer social services. Seaside Home Care is Medicare and Medicaid Certified.

Seaside also offers Home Care. Our services include

Seaside—thequalitycontinues...

PORTLAND

BestApple

FromColonialtimes,Maine’sfragrant Northern Spy applesweresodesiredin theLondonMarketthattheywerecarried likegoldonsailingshipstoBritainand soldforsmallfortunesthere.Properly stored,theirskinsremainedfreeofwrin¬ klesuntilAugusttheyearaftertheywere picked,andtodaytheyarestillrenowned forholdingtheirflavor“tothelast”and centraltothecreationofbakeddelights andfineEnglishapplesauce.(According toTheApplesofMaine,“aslateas1965, therewerestill6,391NorthernSpytrees incommercialproductioninthestate.”)

InStandish,attheMarrettHouseon40 OssippeeTrailEast(Route25westof Gorham),orchardsgrewNorthernSpies andBaldwinapplesfromtheFederalperi¬ oduntilwellintothiscentury.Thesetwo, grown by David Hanaburgh, of Gray, barelymadeitto(andbackfrom)our photographertheysmelledsosweet.

BestTimePiece

Forgetthatcolossal,digitized(though quitepractical)thingatoptheMaine BankandTrust.Ifclocksaretobemas¬ sive,theymustalsobegrand.TheWillard ClockinthetowerofPortland’sfirstBap¬ tistchurchistheonlyWillard‘timeand strike’towerclockinoperation.Created bymasterclockbuilderSimonWillard, whoalsomadetimepiecesforThomas Jefferson,theWillardClockwasbuiltby handin1802andwastheofficialkeeper ofPortlandtimeuntilthemid1920s

-John Willard

BestCelebrityVisit

Greater Portland 90210? When the BarenakedLadiesrolledintotowntoplay theirtwoshowsinOctober,theywerenot alone.Wordaroundtownisthatacertain Hollywoodtype(or,tobemorespecific, BeverlyHillstype)wastaggingalong, filmingadocumentary'abouttheband’s lifeontheroad.Yes,everyone'sfavorite super-hunkheartthrobJasonPriestlywas actuallywalkingthestreetsofourhum-

F©rget-Mc-l\lGts

Inthislife,you’vegotaloltodo.RileAidcanhelp.Withmorelocations thananyotherdrugstore,we’realwayscloseby.Wefillyourprescriptions fastandourpharmacistsalwayslakethelimeloansweryourquestions.Al RiteAidyougelbigsavingsonallthethingsyouuseeveryday,like:

■Medicine

■Vitamins

■Cosmetics

■Ilome&rofficesupplies

■Householdgoods

■Greetingcards

■filmprocessing

■Businesssendees

SocometoRiteAid.

We’vemadeshoppingeasierthanever.

•290CongressSt.East*713CongressSt.West

forEducationis Life

DEMANDING ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

a Student-to-FacultyRatioof11:1 a RecognizedFaculty a OueofOnly47JesuitHigh Schools Nationwide a 27HonorsCourses a 7APCourses a 96%CollegePlacementRate a Character-BasedEducation a High Speed Campus Technology

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITY

a 27Non-athleticextracurricular organizations a Award Winning Community ServiceProgram

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE a 12Varsity,JVSports & Freshmen Teams

"AsagraduateofbothCheverusHighSchoolandBostonCollege,I oweanunpayabledebttotheprinciplesandphilosophyofaJesuit education.Cheverus'weldingofyouthintoyoungadultsthroughthe teachingofhardwork,self-disciplineandrespectofothersisinvalu¬ ableandoneofthetreasuredmemoriesofmylife.Today,Icontinue tousetheselessonsinmyprofessionalandpersonallife."

2pm-4:30pm

CHEVERUS

-Michael Miliard

Best Way To Celebrate The Seasons Ifonlvvoncouldtakeadelicate,veined leafandrecreateitsairythinnessasapiece ofcopperjewelrvbvsprinklingtheleaf withcopperpowderandjoltingitinto moltenmetalwithaperfectlytimedelec¬ triccurrent.Wellsoucan’t,butSunrise Corner,viaNature’sCreations,can-re¬ creatinglovelysilvermapleleaves,ginkos, oaks,eventhehollywe’veusedinthis issueonourTableofContents.Sunrise Corner’sshowroomfeaturingunique Christmasgiftsislocatedinalandmark three-story1810federalhouseonRoute 25,acrossfromtheMarrett1louse.For directions,call(207)642-7766.

BestMadeInMaineItem

'Hiere’ssomethingrcallvsatisfvingabout buvingamattressfromMaineBedding&■ FurnitureonBlPrebleStreet.Theyrcal¬ lvdomakethemthere,theemployees rcallvarehappv,andtheirmattresses aren'tasgoodasthenationalbrands, thev’retwiceasgood

BestBasilRathboneHouse

Tucked behind some trees andhedgesonU.S.Rt.1in thetownofWells,isthefarm¬ steadofSamuelLord.The houseisbelievedtohavebeen built in 1819. The house stayedintheLordfamilyandtheir descendantsintotheearlydecadesofthis ccnturv.In1937,thehouseunderwent refurbishingwithaneyetowardempha¬ sizingitsoriginalfeatures.Wcbhannet Farm,asitwasnamed,wassoldafew vearslatertoCarolineandBasilRath¬ bone,thefilmactorwellknownforhis portravalofSherlock1lolmcs.TheRath¬ bonessoldthehomein194,,andthecur¬ rent owner is none other than Doug Harding,bookseller.

Specializing InTaxation

•TaxPlanning/Consultation

•TaxPreparation

•TaxResearch

•IRSRepresentation

•BusinessValuation

•NewBusinessStart-ups

LicensedtopracticebeforetheIRS (207) 797-3012 James R. Murphy, E.A. Jane M. Murphy, E.A. 254BlackstrapRd.

Lost Portland

WhateverHappenedto...

TheironfencethatsurroundsMonumentSquare

granitegatestoDeeringOaks?Andexactlywhere didtheyburythegranitestonesofUnionStation aftertheytoreitdownin1961?

StoryBySteveLuttrell

\lovelyironfenceoncecircledOurOidvofVictoriesatPortland'sMonumentSquare.Whereisittoday?

Thehistoryofanycitvortownisa dynamicofchange.Justaspeople arebornanddie,comeandgo,so toobasesmallpartsofbuildings andmonumentsdisappeared.But wherelunetheygone?Oldphotographs andpostcardsshowdetailsofarchitecture

thatseemtohaveevanescedfromthe facesofbuildingsthatstillstand.'Hieold library,forexample-TheBaxterBuilding-oneehadthreelargestatuesadorn¬ ingthepeakandsidesofthefrontofthe structure.They’venotbeenseenforvears. Butotherlosttreasuresluneresurfaced

recently,tothedelightofhistory-minded citizens,amongthemtheheapofsmol¬ deringboundarystonesthatoncedefined Portland’sUnionStation.

“Youcanseethemevenday,"asource tellsus,“alongtheedgeofEastEnd Beach.Otherstonesaresimpkburiedon

Explore the Natural Beauty Daniels Tile Company,

inc.

Establishedin1963,ourtileworkisdonewithgreatpride. T I—-—I | freeestimates❖reasonablerates❖finestquality

Classorbsthatcrownedtheentrancepillarsto DeeringOaksonParkStreetusedtodelight motoristswhentheylitupatnight.Containedin wrought-ironbaskets,theyslipped frompublicviewyearsago.

theEastEnd,sovousee,UnionStation isn'tjustamemorvafterall.”

nfact,anumberofundocumented piecesofthelandmarktrainstation stillfloataroundthecity,leading separatelives.Thelongtinroofing thatprotectedPullmancarsasthey easedinandoutofUnionStationnow protectspropertyatMaineCementProd¬ uctsonThompson’sPoint.Theoriginal clockandsomepiecesofgraniteadorn CongressSquarePlaza.

Otherpartsofthestationaremoreelu¬ sive:theelaboratewroughtirongatethat spannedthedistancebetweenthetwo granitepillarsformingtheSt.JohnStreet entrancetothestationremainsamongthe missing.

TheoncecelebratedLongfellowBirth¬ placeonthecornerofLoreandIlancock Streets,nowmarkedbvasimplestone plaqueonthepropertyofShipyardBrew¬ ing,hasnewerreallyleftuscither.When thehousewastorndown,manvofitscon¬ tentsdisappearedandstayedhiddenfrom sightforseveraldecades.Then,justafew yearsagoinabasementofBowdoinCol-

legethatwaspartoftheGeology-Depart¬ ment,boxesappeared,containingprice¬ lesspersonaleffectsbelongingtothepoet andhisfamily.

Rememberthecavernousbuildingthat housedthePortlandMuseumofNatural DeeringOaksonceboastedthispillarfromour original\larketIlulltoppedbyamodelofsame. 11iston?ItstoodonKimStreetbetween CongressStreetandCumberlandAvc-

Whenyouhaveadisk,areportorevenseveralcartons thatneeddeliverytoday,callEltonJohn'sExpressCourier service.We'vebeendoingjust thatforover50yearsso youcanbetwehaveit downtoascience.And sinceourprofessional driverstravelacross NewEnglandeveryday, wecanofferyouour shuttledeliveryservice forafractionofwhat youwouldexpecttopay.

Pleasecallforapricesheetwiththeinformationyouneedtoarrangeyour nextURGENTdeliveryanywhereacrosstheNortheast.

uitepossiblyMaine’s largestsingle-ownershop, offeringanoutstandingselection ofantiquefurniture,accessories andart,respectfullyrestored whenappropriate,wellorganized, wellpresented,andwellcared-for, readytoenhancehomeoroffice. Visitusat200RouteOnein Scarborough,Maine,justsouth ofPortland,orontheWebat www.centervale.com

assortmentofChineseexport porcelain6?fineEnglishsilverfrom R&BAntiques—JonathanBrown.

EarlyMorningPortlandI{arbour,by ProsperSenatsigned,intheoriginal framefromRenaissanceAntiques.

English&Continentalfurnishings &accessories,fneart&mirrors fromCarolMcGurlAntiques.

Assortmentof19thc.& early20thc.furnishings accessories,silver,glass &countrysmallsfrom BrassHouseAntiques.

Specializinginthe decorativearts,textiles &distinctfurnishings byFrancesLynn MarzilliAntiques.

Periodamericanafrom18thto early19thc.fromJohnBower (PortraitofSarahGoodenow Brownshownabove).

Limbertbookcase&GustavStickley deskfromArthurJonesAntiques specializinginmissionfurniture &arts&craftspottery.

Specializinginperiodlighting, artpottery&hookedrugs fromKrisSinclairAntiques.

Architecturalsalvage,wroughtiron, stainedglass,kitchen&bathaccessories fromPillsburyArchitecturalSalvage.

SetofArea1830$chairs,period

GardenCs?architectural,antiques

Detailsisauniquecombination ofdecorativearts&antiquesfor yourownlookorcollection.

AssortmentofAmerican&Continental furnishings&accessoriesfrom GerryWilmertAntiques specializinginthedecorativearts.

nue.Inadditiontotheusualobjectssuch asdinosaurbones,stuffedbirds,and mammals,itcontainedoneofthemost highlyregardedbutterflycollectionsin theworld.Thiscollectionhasnotbeen seensincethemuseumwasrazedin 1972,butPeterStewartofMohr&Mc¬ Phersonrescuedpartofthemammoth slatesignthatwelcomedthousandsofvis¬ itorstothemuseumwherethebackofthe modernPortlandPublicLibraryistoday. FlippingitoversothattheMUSEUM OF NATURAE HISTORYengravingfaced theground,hecreatedastunningfirststep tohisthenresidenceonMapleStreet.

Afewmoresightings:Thesolid stonewateringtroughthatonce stoodatBoothbayScpiarenowsits inthelotofKcnnebunkAVells auctioneerBillyJohnson,whereit hasbeenformanyyears.Thecanonthat stoodinthefrontyardoftheBosworth CivilWarMuseumonFreeStreet(with interestinGen.JoshuaChamberlainso high,imagineitspopularitytoday)isnow outofsightinEvergreenCemetery.

In1997,thestatueatMonumentSquare, OurLadyofVictories,wascompletely refurbished,carefullycleanedandre¬ paired.Fewpeoplehowever,remember, orremaincurioustothewhereaboutsof thebeautifulironfencethatonceencir¬ cledthismonument.Itwasremoved shortlybeforethetrafficpatternaround themonumentwaschanged,thegate neverbeingseenagain.

Portland’sbeautifulpublicpark,Deer¬ ingOaks,hasalsochangedovertheyears. Someofitsmostnotablefeaturesarenow gone.ThestonepillarsthatstandatPark Avenue and State Street once were crownedwithtwolarge,glassglobesthat wouldlightup.The)'restedintwoiron basket-stylecontainers.They’venotbeen seeninsears.Anotherobjectthatonce stoodin“TheOaks”wasawoodencol¬ umnrescuedfromtheoriginalMarket Hallthatsupportedascalemodelofthe originalMarket1lall.Thattoohassadly disappeared.

Portland,Maine,issuchanoldcity (1632),thatwehavebecomeaccustomed tochange,butstillonedocsoccasionally feelapangofregretatthelossofthisor thatobjectorbuilding.Wemustallbe awareofwhatwehadinordertobeaware ofwhatwehave.Ifyouknowtheloca¬ tionsofany‘lost’objectsliketheones we’vejustdescribed,pleasecallusat (207)775-4339.

FraternalOrderofEagles

ELEGANCETHAT’SAFFORDABLE

ForatrulyMemorableAffair,theNewSouthPortlandEaglesbeautifulbanquetfacilitywasdesignedforallspecial occasionsandevents.

Wehareseatingforupto300peoplewithdancing,andover400peoplewithout.

We bare complete dinners, buffets and beverage sendees to accommodate wedding receptions, banquets, conferences,seminars,partiesandshowersofalltypes.

We’llhelpyouwithallyourerentplanningandwe’llensurethatyourscheduleisadheredtoonthedayofyour affair.

Specialoccasionsareourbusiness—OurOnlyBusiness—andyoureventisveryimportanttous.

SELECT AREA RESTAURANTS

AttheArmoryRestaurantinthePortlandRegencyHotel, spectacularcuisine,OldPortcharm,andimpeccableservice cometogetherinanelegantyetcasualatmosphere.Along withfreshdinnerspecialsfeaturingfoodsfromlandandsea, theArmorychefsprepareunforgettablehousespecialtieslike SeafoodFettuccinewithlobster,shrimp,crab,andmussels; SteakDiane,andBlackAngusSirloin.TheArmory Restaurantisalsoopenforbreakfastandlunch. Reservationsrecommended.774-4200.

DavidandElizabethGrantopenedAubergineBistro-Wine BarinNovemberof1996andwithin2weeksreceived stunninglocalreviewsandhavesincegarnerednational acclaim.CuisinerDavidGrantandChefdeCuisineGordon CameronprepareFrenchBistrodishessuchasTwo-Texture DuckwithCassis,SweetbreadswithPortandCepesand CrispySalmonwithSpinachandPernodandPortland’sonly tradbonalFrenchCheeseCourse.Menuchangesdaily;all winesavailablebytheglass.DinnerTues-Sat5:36-10; FrenchSunBrunch11-2.874-0680.

TheAudubonRoomattheInnbytheSeaonRoute77in CapeElizabethcombinesbreathtakingviewsoftheAtlantic Oceanwithculinarymasterpiecesthatfeaturefreshlocal produce,nativeseafoodspecialties,andexceptional handmadebreadsanddesserts.Housefavoritesinclude griBedcrabandmacadamiaencrustedswordfishwithorange pepperbasilcodisandsautd of Mainelobsterandvealon freshangelhairwithroastedtomatobeurreWane.Patio drtngandoffpremisecateringavaiabte.Servingbreakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily.767-0888.

Benkay Restaurant's loyalfofiowingenjoysits"visualand culinaryworksofart"preparedbyprofessionallytrainedchefs fromJapan,its"knowledgableandenthusiasticwaitstaff* and"over-the-toptasteexperience'-MaineSundayTelegram. Treatyourselftothesuperbsushibaroranelaboratedinner cookedatthetable.TrytheNYStrip;Shabu-Shabu;Sukiyaki andtofu.Ortempura,teriyaki.Awideselectionofappetizers, soups,salad,noodles,chickenandvegetarianselections. Fulbar,sakeandwinelist2IndiaStreet,freeparktog.7735555.

OwnedandoperatedbyRogerBintliff,Bintlrff’sAmerican Cafe isPortland’sonlyal-day-everydayJazzBrunchHouse. Greekrevivalstructure,charmingantiquesanddetailmake breakfast,lunchorbusinessmeetingaspecialoccasion. Signatureitemsincludecrabandasparagusstuffedfilet mignon,gardenscampiwithPernod,seasonalvegetableIe primavera, and a wide array of homemade accom¬ paniments,includingdesserts.Uniquewinelist,fullbar. Brunch7-3daiy,doner5:30-9FriandSatonly.98Portland Street(acrossfromthepostoffice).774-0005.

Bray’s Brewpub and Eatery, theLakeRegion'sonlybrew pubservingthefreshestalesandheartyNewEngland lunches,dinnersandpubfair.Offeringsrangefromburgers andribstopetitfiletsandTuscanstyleseafoodonpasta. Bray’soccupiesacharmingVictorianfarmhouseonly45 minutesfromPortlandonRoute302atRoute35inNaples. Theseasonaloutdoorbeergardenfeaturesacoustic entertainmentonweekends,asuperbarbecuemenuanda groatplacetorelax.Openyear-round.693-6806. TheCannery.OnthebanksoftheRoyalRrvertheCannery offersavarietyofdiningexperiencesfromouroutdoor covereddecktotheloftoverlookingthediningroombelow andtheriver.Themenuincludestraditional"CoastofMaine* faresuchaslobster,dams,crabcakesandchowderaswell asaselectionofcreativepasta,chicken,steakandfish specialties.Functionroomavailable.LowerFallsLanding, Yarmouth.MajorcredtcardsAeservationsaccepted.846-1226.

CafeStroudwater,specializesinAmericanbistrostyle cuisinewithanemphasisonnativeMaineseafood&prime cutsofbeef.Itisfive-starawardwinningchefWilliam Boutwell’screativetouches—suchaspinenutencrustedrack oflambwithfreshratatouille—thatmakethisdining experiencelikenootherinPortland.Inadditiontoa spectacular,GrandSundayBrunch,CafeStroudwaterserves breakfast,luncheonanddinnerdaily.TheCafealsooffers Portland'sonlyChefsTable,andaninnovativeselectionof wines&locallybrewedbeers.LocatedintheEmbassySuites Hotel,reservationssuggested775-0032.

CricketsRestaurantinFreeport.Deliciousfoodat reasonableprices.Featuringfreshlocalseafood,lobster, weekendprimerib,steaks,fajitas,pasta,salads,specialty sandwiches,vegetarianselections,dailyblackboardspecials. Privatefunctionroom.Fullservicelounge-Maine microbrewsontap.Easy,convenientparkingonly1/2mile southofLLBean.OpenforbreakfastSaturday&Sunday; SundayBrunchmenufrom11-3.MainStreet,Freeport8654005.Reservations/majorcredrtcardsaccepted;smoking& non-smokingsections.

InthedownstairsatDavid’sRestaurantyoucansample four-starentriesfeaturingfarm-freshproduceandnative productslikeseafoodsausage,peppercrustedtuna,orgoat cheesepacketswithgrilledvegetables(773-4340).David’s, setinaconvertedopen-airmarketbuilding,boastsan abundantrawbar,20varietiesofseafood,lobster,fresh pasta,microbrews,andMaine'slargestsinglemaltscotches list(773-4340).Turino'sStoneOvenPizzeriacombineswild mushrooms,prosciutto,artichokehearts,andfreshherbsto createauthenticgourmetpizzafromoldNaples(780-6600). Allthreerestaurantsarelocatedat164MiddeStreet Youcan'tbeatthelocationofDiMillo’sFloatingRestaurant at25LongWharfoffCommercialStreetforfabulouswater viewsofPortlandHarbor.Escapefromthehustleandbustle ofthecitybywatchingtheboatsgobyasyouenjoyfresh Mainelobsterservedyear-round,steak,seafooddishes,and more.Open7daysaweekfrom11a.m.to11p.m.,witha children'smenuavailable.Fordrinksandafightermenu,try theirPortsideLounge.772-2216.

WelcometoF.ParkerReidy’s,siteoftheoriginalPortland SavingsBankbuiltin1866at83ExchangeStreet. Establishedin1976duringtherenaissanceoftheOldPort area,F.ParkerReidy’shasbecomeaPortlandfinedining tradition,specializinginsteaksandfreshseafood,butalso offeringpasta,chicken,andsalads,withprimeribfeaturedon weekends.Tum-of-the-centurydecor,personalizedservice, andgreatfoodcreateawarmandcongenialatmosphere popularforbothbusinessandintimatedining.773-4731.

DeepintheheartofthemysteriousWoodfordsareaat540 ForestAvenueistheGreatLostBear,whereyou’Hfindafull barfeaturingover50(that'sright,five-o)draughtbeers, predominantlyfromlocalmicro-breweries.Accompanying themisanenormousmenuwitheverythingfromsoups, salads,andsandwichestosteaksandribs,asweftasalarge vegetarianselectionandthebestnachosandbuffalowings intown.Discoverwherethenativesgowhenthey’rerestless! Servingfrom11:30a.m.to11:30p.m.sevendaysaweek. 772-0300.Visituson-lineat:http://www.greatiostbear.com Freeport-HarraseeketInn.2blocksnorthofLLBean,is onegreatcountryinnwithtwogreatrestaurants.Enjoy breakfast,lunch,dinner,afternoonteaorSundayBrunchin anelegantmaindiningroomwhichfeaturesclassiccuisine, tablesideservice,andflambes.TheBroadArrowTavern offersanopenkitchen,woodfiredovenandgrill.AAA***’ Zagotand WineSpectator AwardsofExcellence.84rooms,

indoorpool,extendedstaycondos.Open365days,major creditcards,www.stayfreeport.com.Harraseeke@aol.com 800-342-6423.Fax207-865-1684.

Hugo’sPortlandBistro,accessiblylocatedatthe intersectionofMiddleStreetandFranklinArtery,was PortlandDiningGuide’s1996GoldMedalWinner.The innovativemenuchangesmonthlyandfeaturesfresh seafoodandinterestingvegetariandishes.Crabcakesarea housespecialty,andparkingisavailable!Servingdtonerurty Tuesday-Saturday,withlivepianomusicnightly.For reservationscall774-8538.

JamesonTavern.Consistsoftwowelcomingparts,acasual barandloungeandamoreformaldiningroomeachoffering acomfortableplaceforeasydining.Thebuikingisthesited thesigningoftheconstitutionforthestateofMainewhenit brokeawayfromMassachusetts,theroombeingpreserved andavailableforviewingattheTavern.Classicpreparations servedinagracefulandelegantsettingmaketheJameson Tavernafineretreatfromfrenziedoutletshopping.115Main St,Freeport,865-4196.Creditcardsaccepted;reservations recommended.

Katahdin,atSpringandHigh,oppositetheartmuseum, specializesincomfortcomfortablefoodacrossatantalizing culinaryrange,comfortableatmosphereandwaitstaff,and comfortableprices.Itsidentifiablyloyalclienteleestabfishes itscredibilityandpopularity.Trythefishchowder ($2.95/3.95),crabcakes($13.95),grilledseascallopswith spicylime&vegetablevinaigrette($14.95)orthechefsBlue PlateSpecial($10.95).Alhomemadedessertsinduefingtheir ownicecream&sorbets.Tues-Thurs,5-9:30pm;Fri&Sat 5-10:30.Tel:774-7140.

It's*MextotheMaxi*atMargaritasMexicanRestaurants& WateringHole’WithtwogreatlocationsinPortland,others inLewiston,Augusta,OronoandPortsmouth,Margaritas servesup'oversized*mealsanddeliciouscolossal-sized drinks!There’salwaysfreehotchipsandsalsa,the margaritasaredownrightlegendary,andthehousespecialty isthesizzlingfajita!HappyhourM-F,4-7pm,freehot appetizers.InPortlandat242StJohnSt,UnionStationPlaza, 874-6444and11BrownStneartheCivicCenter,774-9398. LunchatBrownSLWed-Fri.

Maria’sRistorante,est.1960byowner/chefAnthony Napolitano,offersexquisiteItaliancuisineplusalargevariety ofItalianwinesbytheglass.Spacious,beautiful,Italian decorateddiningrooms.Privateroomsavailableforlarge parties.Specialties:vealsaltimboca,lobsteralfredoorfra diavoloandfriedroastedgarliccalamari.Desserts:panna cotta,chocolateamarettofudgecake,andNapolitano'sown pistachiogelato.Lunch:$5-$8,Tues-Fri,11:30am-2pm. Dinner$1Q-$19,Tues-Satfrom5pm.337Cumberland Ave.,on-siteparking.Tel:772-9232.

Natasha's.Portland’snewestrestaurantfeaturingNew American-stylemenusforbrunch,lunch&dinnerprepared withthefreshestingredients,includingpastas,localfish, grilledmeats,&manyvegetarianselections.LunchTues-Fri, 11-2:30;DinnerTues-Thurs,5-9;Fri-Sat,5-10;Brunch Sat-Sun,8-3.40PortlandSt.,774-4004.Handicapped accessible.

TheOideHouse,theoldesthouse(c.1790)inRaymond sittingalongsidePantherRunonRt85,offersaclassic, Europeanbasedcuisine(BeefWellingtonBordelais©,Steak auPoivre)withthebestMainetouches(chowder.Lobster GrandMarnier,BakedStuffedHaddock).Elegantand comfortable,theOideHousecaterstoallages.Recipientof theGourmetDinerClubofNorthAmericaGoldenFork Award(98).Dinnerserved5-10pmnightly;5-9pmTues-Sun afterLaborDay.Visa/MC,casualdress,reservations accepted;specialpartiesbyrequest655-7841.

ThePepperclubisaprize-winningrestaurant("Best Vegetarian"and"BestValue"in Frommer'sGuidetoNew England} featuringcreativeworldcuisine.Itsblackboard menutypicallylistsfivevegetarian,threefish,andthreemeat entries,includingasuperborganicbeefburger.Pepperclub offersrelaxed,colorful,unusuallyaffordablediningonthe edgeoftheOldPortwitheasy,freeparkingandgoodwines andbeers.Opennightlyat5p.m.;paymentbycashor personalcheck.78MiddleStreet,nearFranklinArtery.7720531.

Ricetta’sBrickOvenPizzeria,voted"BestPizzainMaine* since1990bythePPHandCBW,Ricetta’sistrulyatasteof theoldcountry.M.E.Curtyofthe PPH raves:"Ricetta’sis arguablythebestpizzawestofRome."Dine-in,take-out, delivery,andcateringareavailable.Theall-you-can-eat gourmetlunchbuffetincludespizza,pasta,soup,andsalad KidseatFREEduringSundaylunchbuffetandMondays from3p.m.untildosing.Locatedat29WesternAvenue, SouthPortland.775-7400.

SaigonThinhThanh,608CongressStreet,Portland."Of the137restaurantslistedinthe1996-97edition,SaigonThin Thanhisafour-starrestaurantrankedfirstinvalue.Saigon ThinThanhisMaine’s—andprobablyNewEnglands—finest Vietnameserestaurant”—PortlandDiningGuide. Tourstars

forfood,service,andvalueformoney.Withgood,healthy, flavorfulfoodandquickserviceinapleasant,clean atmosphere,SaigonThinThanhisworthinvestigating.’— PressHeraki773-2932.

SebagoBrewingCompany.Agreatrawbar,boatingmotif decoranditsownbeer(youcanwatchitbeingmadehere) aresomeofthefeaturesofthisuniquemicro-brewery restaurantnestledintheunlikelyenvironsofMaineMallnext toFilene’sBasement.TrytheLobsterQuesadilla,Native MusselssteamedinhousebrewedaleorMaine’s#1 PastramiSandwich.Entreesfeaturedailyfreshcatch, perfectlygrilledNYSirloin,chicken,heartypastasandample inventivesalads.Singlemaltscotch,goodwines.Serving 11am-lam,happyhourMon-Fri4-7&10-close.879ALES(2537).

Sevanah’s.Comeandeat’SomethingDifferent.'Our authenticcuisineissuretospicenupyourtastebuds.Maine SundayTelegramreportsSevanah’sisPortlarxfsnewestfour starexoticfoodexperience.CaribbeanandCajun-creole cookingatitsbest,servedinabrightandfriendlyatmosphere. SelectivefourstardishesindudeRoti,CurryShrimp.Jerk Chicken,Jambalaya,Gumbo,HomemadePecanPieand more.Dinner(Tue-Fri5-10pm),Lunch(Thur&Fri11:30am2:30pm).FridaysHappyHour5-7pm,Sat11:30am-10pm. Sun1-8pm.144CumberlandAve.761-7654.MC,V,AMEX.

Silly’s.Therestaurantthatdefiesdescription.Theyhave everythingfromcharbroiledburgersandshishkabob,hand cutfries,BBQandjerkchicken,toawildvarietyofpizza, vegetarianplates,milkshakes,desserts,andtheirfamous rolledupabdullahs-allmadewithfreshingredientsdaily.A livelyandfunkyatmospherewithapatiooutback.Beer,wine andoccasionallylivemusic.FreedeliverytoPortlandandRt 1/Rt88Falmouth.Mon-Sat10-10.40WashingtonAve., Portland.Creditcardsaccepted772-0360.

SnowSquall,knownforgreatMaineseafoodandlobster, alsoservessteaks,chicken,veal,filetofbeefandvegetarian selections.Offeringcasualdiningaswellasfulldinners, luncheoninthepatioordiningroom,Mon-Fri,11:30-9:30. Happyhourdaily4-6,doubledrinkssinglepriced,wineand beerspecials,freemunchies.Earlytinners$7.95:Mon-Sat, 4:30-6andSun,2-6.FamousSundaybrunchbuffet,11-2. LocatedinSouthPortlandwaterfrontmarketat18Ocean Street,ampleparking.799-2232or800-568-3260.

TamarindTreeCookeryoffersadailychanginglunchmenuof traditional&creativemulti-culturalcuisinefortakeaway feasting,featuringfoodsfromtheMiddleEast,India,South America,andEurope.Everythingismadefromscratchusing a*-naturalingretients.Specialordersforsuppers,sweets,and smalgatheringsarewelcomewithadvancenoticeandare discussedonanindividualbasiswithownerShameem Mohiudtin.Locatedat151NewburySt,Portland-justoffthe FranklinArterialandMiddleStintersection,betweenIndia& HampshireStreets.Openweekdays8-5.(207)780-9607.

TheLobsterCookerRestaurantislocatedintheheartof Freeport’sshoppingdistrictjustablockfromL.LBean.Fast, frientiyservicefeaturinglobster,crabmeat,scallops,shrimp, award-winningheartychowders,sandwiches,beer,wine,and takeoutOpeneveryday,yearround.EnjoyaMainetradition intheirhistoric1860barnorbaskonthesundrenched gardenpatio.Theirfishchowderhaswon1 54 placeinthe annualFreeportGreatChowdahChallengein’96,'97,and ’98,aswellasBestOverallChowderin1998.865-4349.

TonyRoma’s“FamousForRibs"isconvenientlylocatedat theendofExit7oftheMaineTurnpike,adjacenttothe HowardJohnsen'sinSouthPortlandandjustminutesfrom theMaineMal.TonyRoma'sacrossthecountryspecializein thebestbarbecueribswithouroriginalsauce.Thegrillis alwaysfiredupforafullmenuofchicken,primerib,steaks, seafood,andsandwiches.Novisitiscompletewithoutour famousloafofonionrings.Thebreakfastbuffetopensat7 A.M.,followedbylunchandtinner.7daysaweek.Enjoythe casualatmosphereofTonyRoma’s.

TortillaFlathasbeenservingNewEnglandersfineMexican foodanddrinkforover25years.At1871ForestAvenuein Portlandyoucanfindfavoriteslikenachos,fajitas, chimichangas,tamales,burritos,tacos,enchiladas,and frozenmargaritassevendaysaweek,aswellasseafood, steak,pork,andchickencookedwithaMexicanflair.With lunchspecialsstartingat$3.95,achildren’smenu,nightly specials,aChiliHappyHour,ascreened-indeck,andtake¬ out,TortillaFlatisamemorableMexicanexperienceyou canaffordanytime.797-8729.

Valle's.Servingtravelersandlocalresidentssince1933, greatfoodatreasonableprices:freshMainelobster;theirown thickhandcutsirloins;juicyprimeribs;tendergiantshrimp andmuchmore.Familyownedandoperatedforthree generations.VisittheGenerations3loungefordancingand liveentertainmenteveryFridayandSaturdayevening. Discoverforyourselfwhythismostpopularrestaurantisa ‘MaineTradition.’1140BrightonAve,Route25AtExit8, MaineTumpfce.Allmajorcreditscards,ampleparking.Open 7daysaweek.774-4551.

■ REVIEW ■

15 UepenJeinice

N“owthereisanotherreasontogo toFreeport.15Independenceis anexcitingandinnovativeres¬ taurantlocatedonthefringeof downtown.Housedinachanningcountryhousebuiltinthe1800s, eachroomhasbeentransfonnedintoan intimatediningarea.(Ourchoicewould bethediningroomwiththedirectview intotheopenkitchen.)

WebeganourmealwithanIndepen¬ denceCaesarSalad($6.50).Crispro¬ maine, Mizuna, a house-made moz¬ zarella,andoven-roastedtomatoeswere tossedwithadressingmadefromscratch. Havingenjoyedthetraditionalversionof thissaladformanyyears,wewerevery pleasantlysurprisedbythisvariation. Servedwathahotemstyyeastbread,this isasaladlover’smust.Otherappetizers includeFriedCalamari,LobsterRaviolis,EncrustedCamenbert,Stockton StreetSpringRolls,WiltedSpinachSal¬ ad,MaineCrabCakes,andaninventive SalmonPastrami.

Fordinner,mypartnerchoseaCrab EncrustedHaddockChowder($15.50), afreshhaddockfiletwithacrispcoating ofMainecrabmeatrestingblissfullyina poolofmusselchowder.Servedwithred potatoes,thiswasavisual,tastysuccess.

MychoicewasaspecialRisottowith RoastedVegetablesandWoodSmoked PorkLoin($15.50).Theintensityofthe wood-smokedporkcoupledperfectly withthesubtleflavorsofthericeand grilledvegetables.Thisdishwascloseto perfectionandmademeanxioustotry otherdelightsfromPerfettoMilanto Wood-GrilledBostonLambSirloin,Lob¬ sterByScott,GorganzolaCrustedFilet Mignon,Walter’sRotisserieChicken, EastportSalmon“FilletMignon,”HouseSmokedVegetableRagout,Wood-Grilled Elamburger,Dave’sDailyRisotto,and IndependencePotPie.

Dessert of homemade Ginger Ice Cream($3.95)andFrenchRoastCoffee fortifiedusforthenow'shortridetoPort¬ land.Forgetshopping,let’seatat15 Independence. jBp -Phillingers

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PortlandStageCompany,PortlandPerformingArts Center,27ForestAvenue,Portland.ThePSC continuestocelebrateits25thAnniversarySeason, lliroughDecember24,aperennialfavoritewillteach themeaningofChristinasonceagainasEbcneczer Scrooge,liny'Tim,andBobCratchittakethestagein AChristmasCarol.FromJanuary12throughthe31st, Nora,anadaptationbyIngmarBergmanofIbsen’sA Doll'sHouse,tellsthestoryofawoman’striumphover repressioninscaringpsychologicaldetail. PerformancetimesforbothshowsareWednesday throughFridayat7:50p.m.,Saturdayat4and8p.m., andSundayat2p.m.Ticketpricesrunbetween$18 and$30.CalltheBoxOfficeat774-0465fordetails.

Mad Horse Theatre Company, 92 Oak Street, Portland.ArthurKopit’sTheRoadtoNirvanapresents avicioussatireofAmericanpopcultureandits intrinsicemptiness.ItrunsfromJanuary7through Fcbmary7.'PicketsfortheTlnirsdaynightprevieware $10.Thereaftertheyare$18onThursdaysandFridays and$20onSaturdays(less$2forstudentsand seniors).Call775-5103.

MaineCenterfortheArts,UniversityofMaine Orono.OnFriday,January29,at8p.m.,visitthe Scottishliamletof“Brigadoon”asitemergesfromthe mistforitscncliantedcentennialappearance.Come seeforyourselfifit’s“AlmostLikeBeinginl^ve." Ticketsrangefrom$10to$30.Call581-1755or800MCA-T1XXfordetails.

OakStreetTheatre,92OakStreet,P.O.Box5201, Portland.TheUniversityofSouthernMaineTheatre CompanypresentsDirtonDecember9,10,and11. FromDecember17through24,DylanThomas’s classicAChild'sChristmasinWalescomestolifeon stage.Calltheboxofficefortimesandadmission. r\lso,ongoingeventsatOakStreetincludeascriesof openpoetry'readingshostedbySteveLuttrellofCafe Reviewmagazineat8p.m.onthelastMondayof everymonth($2).Call775-5103.

Children’sTheatreofMaine,P.O.Box1011, Portland.AmyK.,astory“thatcelebratesthejoysof childhoodfriendships,”willbeperformedonthree consecutiveweekends(Fridayat7p.m.,Saturdayat2 p.m.and7p.m.,andSundayat2p.m.)beginning January15.Incationisundecided,socallCTMfat 874-0371.

lireComedyConnection,6CustomIlouseWharf, Portland,ishostingMAINE-l-ACTS,acomedic improvisationalgroup,onthefirstSundayofevery month.Forinformation,call774-5554.

UAArts,49LisbonStreet,Ixwiston.Wallaceand Crommit,thetinkeringBritishscientistandhis intrepidpooch,arcrevolutionaryachievementsinthe fieldofclay(or,moreproperly,plasticine)animation. OnSaturday,January16at7:00p.m.andSunday, January17attwop.m.dispelthewinterblahswitha nine-partfilmseriesfeaturingtheOscar-winning shortsACloseShaveandCreatureComforts.Tickets areonly$5.FormoreinformationcontactUAArtsat 782-7228.

PortlandPlayers,420CottageRoad,SouthPortland. Ifyouwenttoparochialschool,orevenifyoudidn’t, you’llgetarealkickoutofNunsense, whichruns throughDecember19.JointheLittleSistersof Hobokenforwhatpromisestobeasell-out.Tickets areforPortlandPlayerscost$13,witha$1discount forstudentsandseniors.ShowtimesarcFridaysand Saturdaysat8p.m.andSundaysat2:30p.m.Call7676208fordetails.

ThePublicTheatre,2GreatFallsPlaza,Auburn. PsychopathiaSexualisisthetitleofthenewcomedy fromthePublicTheater.JohnShanley’s(Moon¬ struck)comedyfeatureshumorthathasbeencom¬ paredtoFrasier.Comeseeforyourselfifthecom¬ parisonsareaccuratefromJanuary29through February7.Call782-3200.

LyricTheater,176SawyerStreet,SouthPortland. ThePortlandLyricTheaterpresentsHolidayfor Santa,atheateranddanceproductionfortheyoung andtheyoungatheart,onDecember11,12,and13. OnJanuary24,25,and26don’tforgettoauditionfor I.aCageauxFolles.Call799-1421.

PenobscotTheatreCompany,183MainStreet, Bangor.AChristmasCarol,theperennialfavorite,will bepresentedatBangorOperaIlousefromDecember 16throughthe23rd.'Picketsare$15foradultsand $10forchildrenunder12.Call942-3333forperfor¬ mancetimesandmoreinformation.

Mesic

PortlandSymphonyOrchestra,477CongressStreet Mezzanine,Box3573,Portland.AhallowedPortland traditioncontinuesfromDecember10toDecember 21astheMagicofChristmasmakesits19thannual appearance.'IlieSymphonyOrchestra,theMagicof ChristmasChorus,organistRayComilsandother specialguestsarehighlightsthisyear.Majestic CreationsisthetitleoftheconcertonTuesday, January12at7:30p.m.FeaturingworksfromSibelius, Viextemps,Lutoslawski,andJoan'lower,thisevent bringsfourmomentousmusicalcreationstolife.Ray ComilsisfeaturedontheharpsichordinEventsof 1899.SelectionsarcfromJohannStrauss(died1899) andCarlosChavezandFrancisPoulenc(bom1899). AllperformancesarcinMerrillAuditorium. Showtimesvary,socallPorfllxat842-0800fortickets andmoreinformation.

ChoralArtSociety,P.O.Box8815,Portland.Ringin theholidaysinstyle.OnDecember5(8p.m.)and6 (2:30p.m.and7p.m.),ChristmasintheCathedral willechothroughtheraftersoftheCathedralofthe ImmaculateConception.TheFirstParishChurch willhosttheChoralArtCamerato onDecember17. Forperformancetimescall828-0043.

PortlandConservatoryofMusic,44OakStreet, Portland.Thescriesoffreenoondayconcerts, Thursdaysfrom12:15p.m.to12:45p.m.,continues thiswinter.FeaturedperformersincludetheChoral ArtsSocietyCamcrataonDecember10,aHoliday SingAlongonDecember17,thePortlandString QuartetonJanuary14,TomSnow(jazzpiano)on January21,andRayComils(organ)onJanuary28.All performancesarcattheFirstParishUnitarian Universalis!Churchat425CongressStreet.On Wednesday,December16,celebrateLudwigvan Beethoven’s228thbirthdayatthe2ndannual BeethovenBirthdayBash.Thefetewilltakeplace duringtheafternoonandeveningatOneCityCenter andwillincludeacontinuousBeethovenplayathon withorchestras,chambergroups,pianists,andsingers. Althoughitisfree,donationstothePCMare encouragedasatax-deductiblecontributiontoquality musiceducation.Call775-3356fordetails

PortlandPerformingArts,25/\ForestAvenue, Portland.ThePPA“BigSoundsFromAllOver”series continues through December. On Thursday, December12,theStateStreetChurchhostsThe Movement,Revisitedat7:30p.m.'Hieperformanceis composerChristianMcBride’smusicalevocationof the1960scivilrightsmovement.SaysJonathan Redman,“Ifgeniusexists,ChristianMcBride

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Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum

58ForeStreet,Portland,ME04101 (207)828-0814

http://www.datamaine.com/mngrr

TRAIN RIDES! weekends 1 lam to 4pm SCHEDULED SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE... Halloween trains

Oct 23-25. Oct 30-Nov 1 Winterfest trains

Nov27-Dec"31‘(Wed-Sun) 4:30-8:30pm Santa trains

Nov 29-30, Dec 12-13,’19-20

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open daily 10am to 4pm Callorwriteforschedulesandeventcalender.

Museum entrance andtrainride handicapped accessible. Tours,schools andgroups welcome by appointment.

■ LISTINGS ■

definitelyhasit.”Ticketsare$18.OnSunday, December6,at8p.m.,theZamirChoralewillbe joinedbylocalsingersintheTempleBethElfora celebrationofJewishcomposersandIsraeliand Yiddishfolksongs.Ticketsare$15.Finally,celebrate theseasonlatinostylewithJorgeArceandHumano attheStateStreetChurchonDecember11at8p.m. Ticketsarc$15.CallPPAsboxofficeat7611545for ticketsandinfonnation.FelizNavidad!

CumberlandCountyCivicCenter,1CivicCenter Square,Portland.Yetanotherholidaytradition continuesonSunday,December20asAndyWilliams rollsintotown.ContacttheCivicCenterBoxOffice at775-3458forticketinfonnation.

University of Southern Maine Department of Music, 37 College Avenue, Gorham. Mark and ElizabethManduca,apianoandtrombonecombo, bringtheexpressivequalitiesofthetrombonetolife onFriday,January15.HeartheworksofMuller, Vaughan-Williams,Barat,anddeLucaasyouhave neverheardthembefore!Theperformanceisin CorthcllConcertHallontheUSMcampus.Tickets cost$9foradults,$7forseniors,and$5forstudents. BoxOffice:780-5555.

ChocolateChurchArtsCenter,804Washington Street,Bath.SirigtIt’sChristmasistheholidayshow onDecember20.FansofJohn,Paul,George,and RingowillloveYesterday-ATributetotheBeatleson January23.Call442-8425.

Dance

MaineStateBallet,91ForestStreet,Westbrook.The WatervilleOperaHousewillbethelocationfor sixteenthseasonofMaineStateBallet’sNutcrackeron December12and13.Performancetimesare1:30and 7:30p.m.onSaturdayand1:30p.m.onSunday. Ticketsnmbetween$10and$30,witha$2discount forseniorsover60andchildrenunder13.Call8561663forinformation,842-0800fortickets.

PortlandBallet,25AForestAvenue,Portland.A differenttwistonatraditionalChristmastalewillbe presentedbythePortlandBalletintheMerrill Auditorium.AVictorianNutcrackerwillbeperformed Saturday,December26,at2p.m.and7:30p.m.,and Sunday,December27at2p.m.CallthePortland Balletat772-9671..

RamIslandDance,25AForestAvenue,Portland. Thein-housedanceseries“Alive&Well”continues onFriday,December11,at7:30p.m.inthePortland PerformingArtsCenterwithstudioperformances showcasing New England dancers and chore¬ ographersofalldisciplines.'Ikereisa$2suggested donation.Aseriesofintermediatemoderndance classeswillbeofferedtheweekofDecember26-31 from10-11:30a.m.Costis$9perclass,$40forallfive. Call773-2562fordetails.

SacoRiverGrangeHall,SalmonFallsRoad,Bar Mills,offerscontra-dancingwithlivemusicformixers, reels,waltzes,polkas,andlinedancesprosidedbythe versatileSeaSlugsat7:30p.m.onthefirstSaturdayof everymonth.Beginnersandsinglesarewelcome; admissionis$4foradults,$2forchildren,$10 maximumperfamily.929-6472.

Museums

Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland.FeaturedexhibitsduringDecemberand Januaryinclude:“AfterthePhoto-Secession:/Vnerican PictorialPhotography,1910-1955”whichdocuments theconcertedeffortsofAlfredStieglitzandhis

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contemporariestoestablishphotographyasanartform onparwithpaintingandsculpture.Itrunsthrough December13.“WillHametPrints”showsthispainter’s significantbodyofprints,donefrom1930tothe present.ItrunsthroughJanuary24.The“1998 PortlandMuseumofArtBiennial,”whichisup throughJanuary3,isdiefirstinwhatpromisestobea verywellreceivedevery-othcr-year,juriedexhibit highlightingthebestinMaineart.“LouiseNevelson: StructuresEvolving”isanexhibitofboththedrawings andsculpturesofthisAmericanlegend,famedfor creatingartfromfoundobjects.Themuseumisopen 10a.m.to5p.m.Tuesday-Saturday,10a.m.to9p.m. Thursday-Friday,andnoonto5p.m.onSunday. Admissionis$6foradults,$5forseniorsandstudents, and$1forchildren6-12,withfreeadmissionfor everyoneFridayeveningsfrom5p.m.to9p.m.Call 773-AR'I’Sor(800)6304067formoreinformation.

FarnsworthArtMuseum,352MainStreet,Rockland. ContinuingexhibitsinDecemberandJanuary include“Naturallighting:landscapePhotographsby MelvilleMolzan”runsthroughJanuary31.“Fairfield PorterfromthePermanentCollectionoftheParrish ArtMuseum”whichchroniclestheartistwhospent nearlyeverysummerofhislifeonGreatSpniceIlead IslandwillbeupthroughFebruary21.Themuseum isopen10a.m.-5p.m.Tuesday-Saturdayand12-5 p.m.onSunday.Admissionis$5foradults,$4for seniors,and$3forchildrenages8-18andincludesthe museum,theWyethCenter,theHomestead,andthe Olson1louse.Forfurtherinformation,call596-6457.

CenterforMaineHistory,489CongressStreet, Portland.“ISaw'HireeShips,”anexhibitionofmid19thcenturymarinepaintingsandnauticalitems,will beondisplayintheMaine11istoricalGallerythrough December 20. The gallery is open Wednesday throughFridayfrom12-5p.m.,Saturday10-5,and Sundayfrom12-5.Admissionis$5foradults,$1for children.Call879-0247fordetails.

InstituteofContemjxjraryArtatMaineCollegeof Art,522CongressStreet,Portland.Twointeresting exhibitshighlightMcCA’svaststudenttalent throughoutDecemberandJanuary.First,“DoIt”mns throughDecember18.'Tracingthehistoryofart-by¬ instructionfromtheRenaissancetoDuchamptoJohn Cage,thisexhibitseekstoshedlightonthe importanceofinterpretationinart.FromJanuary12 throughFcbmary5,theannualfacultyexhibitisup, payingtributetoAlGardner.'Hicrcwillbeanartists’ receptiononJanuary21from5-7p.m.Galleryhours arcTuesdaythroughSundayfrom11a.m.to4p.m., Thursdayuntil9p.m.Call879-5742formore information.

BowdoinCollegeMuseumofArt,Brunswick.Some greatexhibitsgracetheWalkerArtBuildingthrough January.First,“WildernessTransformed:American LandscapePainting”isintheJohnH.IlalfordGallery throughJanuary17.PaintingsbyMarsdenHartley,J. FoxcroftCole,JasperCropseyexaminetheevolving relationship between Americans and nature. Continuingexhibitsinclude“Portraitsfromthe PermanentCollection,”“ArtandLifeintheAncient Mediterranean,”andAsianandEuropeanartfromthe permanentcollection.Iliegalleriesareopen10a.m.5p.m.'Tuesday-Saturdayand2-5p.m.onSunday(free admission).Call725-3275formoreinformation.

Peary-MacMillanArcticMuseum,HubbardHall, BowdoinCollege,Brunswick,displaysthefur clothing,snowshoes,pickaxes,knives,guns,andoneof thefivesledgesthatRobertE.Peary’tooktotheNorth Pole,aswellastheEskimopotsandlamps,ivoryand soapstonecarvings,huntingweapons,clothing,the full-sizeskinkayakthatDonaldB.MacMillan

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encounteredonhisArcticexplorations,andofcourse afewBowdoinpolarbears!Ongoingexhibitsinclude: “S’.S.Roosevelt;ModelofStrength,"“BaffinIsland: 'HienandNow"(throughDecember20),and“Facing theFuture:MaskMakingTraditionsofNorthAlaska." Thegalleriesareopen10a.m.-5p.m.TuesdaySaturdayand2-5p.m.onSunday(freeadmission). 725-3062.

Miscellaneous

Comedy Connections, 6 Custom House Wharf, Portland.FeaturedperformersthiswinterincludeAl DucharmeandJulieBarr,andMad'IVsBobMarley. Call774-5554.

NewYear’sPortland-everywhere!Thisyearthe lineupoffunandeventsseemstobeevenbetterthan usual.Stepbackintimetothe40’s,50’sor60sor traveltotheMediterranean,theCaribbean,andeven outerspace!AlldayonDecember31cometo Portlandandseehowtoringouttheoldyearinstyle. Whateveryourageorinterests,you’resuretofind somethingtosuitjourtastes.Children’sMuseumof Maine:TraveloutofthisworldastheCMMis transformedintothefarthestreachesoftheuniverse. KeystoneTheater:Byday,therewillbeanafternoon ofmusicandsing-alongsforthekids.Bynight,visitthe MediterraneanwithaprogramofItalianandCreek music.Elsewhereinthetheater,theBluntfcstTalent Competition will give poets, bands, and singer/songwritersachancetostmttheirstuffinfront ofapanelofjudgesculledfromMaine’smusic industry.OakStreetTheater:Therewillbe storytellingforkidsallday,forslightlymore sophisticatedlistenersbynight.PortlandMuseumof Art:Whatbetterwaytoescapefromtheafternoon coldforanhourortwothanbystrollingthrough PMA’sspaciousgalleries,lookingatfineartand listeningtoliveclassicalmusicperformances? PortlandPerformingArts:'HieNewYear’sPortland VaudevilleReviewwillbeperformingwithcomedy andjugglingalldayandevening.MerrillAud¬ itorium:TheeveningatPortlandCityhalloffers nationallyknownsinger/songwritersjoinedbylocal soloartistsforanightofsongsandstories.Portland HighSchoolGym:Spendanightinthetropicsasa Reggaebandburnsupthedancefloor.Chestnut StreetChurch:Enjoythecuisineandsongsofthe Sudan,Korea,andelsewhereinthisnightof inspirationalsongs.Startthenewyearinhighspirits withthisspecialevent.State'nicatrc:Stepbackin timewiththeState.Byday,watchaseriesofsilent moviesaccompaniedbythefamousWurlitzerorgan. Bynight,jump,jive,andwailtoanauthentic1940’s ballroom/swingdance!JohnFordAuditorium:See dance performances by some of Maine’s best contemporary dance companies. First Parish Church:'HieFTCwillbetransformedintoa1950’s beatnikcoffeehousefeaturingfolkmusic,jazz,poetry readings,and,ofcourse,asitarperformance.Allday andevening,'HiePortlandPublicMarketwillbethe officialeateryofNewYear’sPortland.Fillupgood, becausethenight’sgonnabecoldandyou’llwantto haveplentyofenergyfortheparadeat6p.m.andthe fireworksatmidnight!

PortlandPublicLibrary,5MonumentSquare, Portland.TheFallBrownBagLectureSeries,co¬ sponsored with Bookland, continues through DecemberintheRinesRoomofthePPL.Ixxturcs areonWednesdayafternoonsfrom12to1p.m.On December16,Dr.DianeScctkywillpresentYouth Violence:TheChallengeofPresention.'Hienationally knownforensicchildpsychiatristwillofferinsights intotherootsofyouthviolence,anddiscussmodesof prevention.Call871-1700fordetails.

-CompiledbyMichaelMilian!

HOUSE OF THE MONTH ■

A GemNewrUSM

Attheturnofthecentury,three newstreetsnearthevastgreen lawnsoftheDeeringMansion werecreatedinhonorofPort¬ land Senator William Pitt Fessenden:WilliamStreet,PittStreet, andFessendenStreet,allthreecon¬ nectingForestAvenuetoBrightonAve¬ nue.EvenbeforetheUniversityof SouthernMainedefinedthisneighbor¬ hood,OakdaleParkwasconsideredone ofourloveliestinPortland.

Smackdabinthecenterofthisis ShingleStyled122PittStreet,forsale byownersSarahSpeareandMichael Brennan.AsprawlingColonialRevival withholdoverVictorianinfluences,this 1904homehasanimpressiveexterior withaninterestingfieldstonefounda¬ tion,gables,maturetrees,andawrap¬ aroundcolumnedporchfromwhichto viewoneofthefinesttree-shadedlots inthearea,nearlyhalfanacreonthe

cornerofDeeringAvenueandPitt Street.

Enteringthroughthemassiveoak

doorwithstained-glasssidelight,visitors aredelightedwithanenormousfront hallwithhighceilingsandviewsofa roundedstaircaseandinglenooksettee paneledinmaple.Apicturewindow surmountedbyaleadedglasspanel floodstheroomwithsunlight.

Totheleftisalivingroomwithorigi¬ nalfireplaceflooredinafoursquarepat¬ ternthatopensuptoalargesunroom withviewsoftheshadysideyard; througheitherthehallortheliving

room’sfrenchdoorsisadiningroom withoriginalbuilt-inchinacabinetand four-squareflooringaswell.

Youenterthesunny,eat-inkitchen withattacheddeckviaawalk-through pantry'withoriginalcabinets,butlike thebathroomsandsomeplasterinthe house,thekitchencouldusesome updating.

Upstairs,abovealandingwitha stainedglasswindow,fourspaciousbed¬ roomsradiatefromacentralhall,all withhardwoodfloors;onthethirdfloor afifthbedroomcouldjustaseasilybea homeoffice,

Abackstaircaseleadingtothekitchen recallsthetimewhenlargehomeslike thesedepended u[xjii supportstaffs.

Thebasementhasaheatedfamily room,arecentoilfurnace,andupdat¬ ed200-ampelectricalsendee.

Thedetachedgarageoutsidematches thehouseandisanotherplus.

Annualpropertytaxesare$3,719.64; theaskingpriceis$289,0000.

NEW ENGLAND HOMES

Dreams Really Do Come True

service is what I give to all my clients. So, whether you are buying or selling, let me help you make the right move and experience your dream!

BANKER El

HARNDENBEECHER

Carol R. Mosley

estateinthegreaterPortland

( J~farfourc^£iafts

LimitedEditionLighthouses

''...Quitesimplythebestlimited editionlighthousecollectibles available."

BRUNSWICK

OnthesiteoftheformerGurnetHouse, whichwelcomedsteamshipvisitorsinthe early1900s,thisperfectlymaintainedanil beautifullydecorated9yearold“Victorian” homeoffersformalandinformallivingand diningareas,homeoffice,5bedrooms,4baths, 3rdfloor“bonus"roomwithfullbathand kitchenette,2cargarageand2deepwater docks.$575,000(Yes,it’szonedforaBB).

BRUNSWICK

Now available at APPLETREE, one of the areasfinestplannedunitdevelopments,is thisbright,extremelyattractivehomewith firstfloormastersuite,extrahalfbath,custom kitchenwithbuilt-indeskandlaundryarea, openliving/diningareaswithwoodstove,two storyopenfoyerwithtilefloorandbalcony, twoguestbedrooms,bathanillotsofstorage area.$189,000

BRUNSWICK

Thefirstthingyoumustknowaboutthis almost-newhomeisthatit’sonanacreof landwithdeepwaterfrontageandadock. Afterthatwe'lladdthatithasthreebed¬ rooms,2'/:baths,mapleandtilefloors, Coriancountertops,top-of-the-lineappli¬ ances,afireplaceinthelivingroom,aday¬ light basement—and more! $395,000

HARPSWELL

NowunderconstructiononFrostFishCove inCundy’sHarborisafinequality8room timberframeCapeonawoodedwaterfront1+ acrelotwithviewsouttoQuahogBay.The 1stfloorfeatureskitchen,laundry,pantry,'/: bath,“greatroom”withwoodstovehookup, andspaciousmastersuite.Thesecondfloor willinclude2bedrooms,bath,office/studio andatticstorage.Therewillheanattached twocargarage,anddeckalso.$339,000

(207) 729-1863

• Email: mre@clinic.net.com

Cape Elizabeth, ME

NEW ENGLAND HOMES

IFhetheryou'redreamingofowninga summerhomeontheMainecoastorharing aplacetokickbackallyear—letmehelpyou Jindyourspotinthe“real”Maine.

Asthefatheroftwoyoungboys, SamMarcissoofPineStatePlumbing &Heatingisheartbrokentoknowthere areparentssufferingfromthemost devastatingnightmaretheycouldever$ face: amissingchild

The thought prompted Sam to act— andPineState’snewservicevanbecame atravelingpublicservicemessage.On thebackisaphotoposterofamissing childwithadesctiptionandthecircum¬ stancesofthechild’sdisappearance,all providedbythePollyKlaasFoundation. Sam’shopeistoincreaseawarenessof missingchildrenHatheirvanstravelingall oversouthernMaine.“Childrenareour mostimportantasset,”hesays.“Andif thishelpspeopletorememberthat... well, mhopeitcanmakeadifference.

FormoreinformationaboutThePollyKlaas Foundationcall(800)587-4357.

HolidayInnBytheBayamiJimCiamplProductionspresent...PatKeaneandtheSBHorns CocktailHour-TuxedoedQuartetperformsclassicjazz,swingandstandards DinnerHour-Quintetperformsmaterialfromthelast6decades Dance-TheBandlaunchesinto3wonderfullymixedsetsofdiverseswing, standards,rhythmandblues,motown,70’s80’sand90'sdancemusic

SpendNewYear’sintheHeartofPortland!Juststepsfrom ourfrontdoor,theOldPortthriveswithuniqueshops, diverserestaurants,andaworkingwaterfront.Turnthe cornerandPortland’snewArtsDistrictsurroundsthehotel withmuseumsandgalleries.

'PackageOneBigBendHewYear'sEvefeaturingthe richfullsoundingPatKeaneSthe3-B Homswithexcellentvocals,potenthorn soundsandastrongrhythmsection

Includes:'

■DeluxeAccommodationsfortwo ■Freeparking,useofthehotelswimming pool,fitnesscenter,saunas ■Splitofchampagne

■Horsd’OeuvresReception/CashBar ■ServeddinnerofplatedSurf&Turf ■ChampagneToastatmidnight ■PartyFavorsandlatenight refreshments

■BuffetBreakfast

$300.00inclusivepercouple

PackageTwoBigBandDinnerDance

Includes:

■Horsd’OeuvresReception/CashBar

■ServeddinnerofplatedSurf&Turf ■ChampagneToastatmidnight ■PartyFavorsandlatenight refreshments

$165.00inclusivepercouple

PackageThreeBigBandDance

Includes: ■PartyFavors

■Champagneatmidnight ■Latenightrefreshments

$60.00inclusivepercouple

PackageFeur-

Includes:

■2buttonstoNewYear’sPortland

■DeluxeAccommodationsfortwo

■Freeparking

■Ilseofthehotelswimmingpool fitnesscenter,saunas

■Splitofchampagne

■Buffetbreakfast

$199.00inclusivepercouple

NewFictionByDanielDomench

Exhaustedbeyondbelief,sitting onthehardwoodfloor,myback againstthewallnexttothefire¬ placewherethemaplelogsI threwonlastnight’spinkcoals nowhissandsnap.Smokehazesthe roomandmixeswiththesmellofbutter andchocolateandraspberryandcar¬ amelized baked apples. My nephew Sammy,amascottegrippedinhisright fist,climbsovermykneesstreakingpra¬ linebuttercreamonmyslacks.There aretwotowersofpinkpastryboxestied withbrownstringinfrontofmeyetto beopenedandfiveopenboxesscattered aroundtheroom.Sammy’ssisterSarah, six,leansonmyshoulder,onewarm handonmyneckandtheotherpushing spongecakeintohermouthdripping raspberryglazeonmyblazer.Itisdawn Christmasmorning.Thebluesunlight comingthroughthewindowsisalmost ultraviolet.Itistooearlyforthechildren tobeup.IwokethemasIstaggeredinto thehouse.Sarah’scousin,Wyatt,isrip¬ pingapartatartaucitronsplattering

brightyellowlemoncreamonhisbare legs.Hisbrothers,theseven-year-old twins,AugieandIxniis,haveapinkpas¬ tryboxflattenedoutbetweenthemand chocolateganachesmearedontheir lips.Shirley,thepreteen,myyoungest brother’sonlychild,ishoarding,crawl¬ ingfromonepinkpastryboxtoanother takingtwoofeverything:twocherry croissants,tworaisinnutscones,two stickybuns,twoalmondtarts,two chocolatetmfflesandtwowhitebrown¬ ies.Shearrangesthemperfectlyinher box.Nowawaveoflaughterrolls throughtheroomasthechildrenreal¬ izehowcrazythisis,allthispastry,their UncleDennisonthefloorwiththem, thepresentsundertheChristmastree stillwrappedandwaiting.

Mythreebrotherssuddenly appear,allwearingthesame typeofthickwhitebathrobe. 1can’thelpit,Ilaugh.It’sthe ThreeStoogesdotheRitz. Steve,theoldest,putshishandsonhis hipsjustlikeourDadwouldandsaysin

ourfather’svoice,“Dennis,whatareyou doing?”Thechildrenstopeating,nicy looktome.Isay,“Uhoh,UncleDen¬ nisisintrouble.”Theygiggle.Mymid¬ dlebrothersays,“Whataretheyeating?” Myyoungestbrothersays,“Where wereyou?"Then1amtalkingandthe wivesappearbehindtheirhusbandsand everyoneislisteningbecausesomehow weallknowIamtellingaChristmas storyandtheyareinit.

“1buriedMitchtwodaysago,”Isay, “fourteenyearswritingwithhimandI thoughthewasnuts,butturnsoutitwas justabraintumor.”Thewivesgetthat lookandstarttomovetowardmeto offersympathy,butIshakemyhead andtheystop.

“Hewasverybrave.Heneverdidany¬ thinginhislifeashardasthatdying.He diditwithclass.AndIdidaprettygood joboftakingcareofthings.Itwasanice funeral.Maybetwentypeopleinthe church.HegotflowersfromMichael Douglas,"fhatwasgood.Gavethemall somethingtotalkabout.

“Dieonlyticket1couldgetlandedme inPortlandlastnightaftersix.Ididn’t haveanygiftsand1alwaysbringgifts. Theonlyplaceopenwas‘TheMeta¬ physicalLifeShop’onCongressstreet.I boughtTarotcards,anamulet,acrystal ball,aglassunicorn,apuzzleofthespir¬ itualisticUnitedStates,healingoil,in¬ cense.aboxofminiatureplasticidols fromallovertheworld,awitch’scaul¬ dron,ahandfulofringswithassorted symbolsandsigns,adowsingstick,anda boardgameforthewholefamilywhere thedeadcancompetewithyouforpoker chips,Ithink,somethinglikethat.

“MerryoccultChristmas,Iguess.I’m awriter.Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoing halfthetime.Ijustwantedtocarry somethinginherewithme,something forthekids.

“Then1hadthisdreamsequence.Igo toa7-11tograbacupofblackcoffee.I getbackintherentalcarandfalldead asleep.IdreamIamhereatthecabin onthelake.Iamlikefiveyearsold.I sneakpastMomandDad’sroomtoget tothepresentsbeforeanyoneelse.I hearthembreathingintheirsleep.1get totheChristmastreeandthesunis

DAVI DSON 0 DAUG HTE RS

CONTEMPORARY ART

ART

RussellAharonian

PeterBeerits

Rush Brown

Doug Chess

Robin Cody

Rob Dobson

Maureen Farr

RuthAnnHarrison

Mary Ruth Hedstrom

Frances Hodsdon

Jane Kaufman

BrigitteKeller

DebLockhart

John Lorence

Zdeno Mayercak

Natasha Mayers

Abbott Meader

SteveMizerak

MarjorieMoore

Joan Murray

Wendy Newcomb

Joe Novak

Wilder Oakes

PaulPlante

Rebekah Raye

EleanorSagar

RobertShetterly

BonnieSpiegel

JenniferStrode

BarbaraSullivan

Nancy Trueworthy

KimWintje

(207)780-0766• GalleryHours:Tues.-Sat. 11:00-5:00 p.m.,Thurs. 11-8 p.m. 148 HighStreet•Portland,Maine 04101

■ FICTION ■

comingthroughthebigwindowand theskyisgloriousandthetinselis sparkingandIcan’tmovetowardthe gifts.Idon’tcareaboutthegiftsany¬ more.AllIwanttodoisstareatthesun risingintheskyand1havethisfeeling. Whatisit?Thisfeeling?

“Thenthere’saguyknockingonmy windowandhe’samess,coveredwith oil,longdirtyhair,wearingdarkglasses atnight,andIchecktomakesurethe doorislockedandhesays,‘Canyou helpme?Ineedtogetbacktomyvan tomeetthetowtruck.’

“1givehimarideandhe’squietin thecarinthedarkandlooksstraight ahead.Idon’thaveanyquestions.He doesn’tofferanyinformation.Idrive himtotheinterstateandlethimoffat hisbroken-downdeliveryvan.Hesays, wait.Heopensthebackofthevanand startsthrowingstacksofpastryboxes intomycar.Hesays,‘Itwasfora ChristmaspartyinBoston,Imissed theplane,youmightaswellhaveit. They’llthrowit.’Thenhelooksaway andsays,‘Thereain’tnothingforit.’”

My youngest brother gasps. He knows. That was the titleofMitch’sfirstnovel,a finebook,theonethatgot himstartedinthescreen¬ writingtrade.

Itellthem,“Inthedark,inthepass¬ ingheadlights,itcouldhavebeen Mitchtwentyyearsago.Iwantedto stay.Iwantedtotalktohimandstay nearhim,buthewavedmeon,like tellingmetogetbackontheroad,pal, goon.SoIdid.

“Andallthatoccultstuffjustseemed soweak,pathetic.Ithrewitinadump¬ steronmywayhere.”

Butliin1779asaresidence,thishistoricalhousewasrunasaninn(tavern)from 1801untilsometimeafter1859whenthehousefellonlessillustrioustimes.It wasacquiredbyitspresentownerin1982whorestoredit.Oldrecordsstatethat in1820commissionersmetinthehouseandsignedthefinalpapersseparating MainefromtheCommonwealthofMassachusetts.Displayedoutsideisaplaque donatedbytheDaughtersoftheAmericanRevolutioncommemoratingJameson Tavernasthe“BirthplaceofMaine."

Thewivesstarteating,pickingatthe boxes,wipingtheirchildren’sfaces, talkinglikewomendotochildren, singingthewordsandphrases.My brotherswatchme,wary.ThenSteve says,“Okaythen,MerryChristmas.” AndSammysays,hismouthfrillof eclair,hisfour-year-oldvoiceclearand strong,“Thisiswhattheyeatinheaven.” Welookatoneanother.Weknow thestoryisfinishedandthechildren beginopeninggifts.

Imagineaperfectplaceto buyallthosewonderful thingsthatmakeakitchen.

Fullofthefinestquality cookware(stainlesssteelis reallytheonlychoice), kitchenutensils,cookbooks, cuttingboards,kitchen

knives,aprons,bakeware,and justaboutanythingelseyou canthinkof.

Thenimagineastonishing prices(cookwarealoneis 40% off listprice).Nowstop dreaming—visittheChaudier CookwareFactoryStore.

Perfect Kitchen Store