Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller


One of the most sought-after recipes in the world, this version of Oysters Rockefeller is close to the one that came directly from Jules Alciatore, who invented the dish in 1889 at Antoine’s in New Orleans. The sauce of Oysters Rockefeller was so rich and buttery, they felt it should be named after the nation’s richest baron of the day, John D. Rockefeller. Bernard Guste of Antoine’s says the original recipe does not have spinach in it. It’s rumored that the secret of the original is green onions. The other secrets of this dish are tarragon and chervil. Use the freshest herbs you can find, and by no means ever use dried herbs for this dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4-6

4 sprigs flat-leaf Italian parsley, finely minced
4 green onions, finely minced
handful of fresh celery leaves, finely minced
6 fresh tarragon leaves, finely minced
6 fresh chervil leaves, finely minced
½ cup dried fresh French bread crumbs (preferably homemade)
1½ sticks butter, softened
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tabasco, to taste
2 tablespoons Herbsaint or Pernod (optional)
rock salt or kosher salt
2 dozen fresh oysters on the half shell, oyster
liquor reserved

By hand, mix minced herbs together with the bread crumbs and the softened butter until it becomes a smooth paste. Season to taste with salt, pepper, Tabasco, and Herbsaint.

Preheat your broiler. Lower the top rack to the middle of the oven. Spread the rock salt over a large baking sheet; this will keep the oysters level under the broiler so that they won’t tip over. Moisten the salt very slightly. Plant the shells in the salt, making sure they’re level. Place one oyster in each shell, plus a little bit of oyster liquor. Spoon an equal amount of the prepared paste over each oyster.

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and broil until the edges of the oysters have curled and the herb butter is bubbling, about five minutes. Watch carefully to make sure you don't overcook. Serve immediately.
 
For more delicious creole recipes, click here: http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_DEC_11_08/1148/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Year End Single Family Home Sale Statistics

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Healthy eating in the new year

A monochromatic color palette may be chic for the design of a living space, but it is a disastrous style for a dinner plate. If your interest in cuisine is limited, it will be apparent in the hues of your food and, as a result, your health. A tone-on-tone diet lacks essential nutrients found in vibrant fruits and vegetables and will leave your taste buds bored. So make it a priority to incorporate a variety of healthy foods into your daily dietary habits with a few of the following ideas.


Maintain Variety

It’s said that variety is the spice of life. When it comes to cuisine, be sure to rotate menu items and include components from every food group. If you rarely stray from broccoli for a vegetable course, for example, try brussels sprouts, zucchini, or spinach. Alternatively, discover new ways to incorporate old standbys. Find recipes that make creative use of your favorite ingredients to keep your tongue on its toes. Avoid convention and routine. You can eat an omelet for dinner or chicken and mango chutney for breakfast, as long as your overall daily intake is well balanced! If standard salads are too plain for your palate, add fruits, light cheeses, peppers, beans, nuts, and seeds. Experiment with healthy salad toppings to make the green meal more appealing and lessen the need for high-calorie dressings.
Read the whole article here:
http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_JAN_12_04/18979/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Warm up winter with healthy soups

CURRY CARROT SOUP


Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds carrots, chopped into rough chunks, about 4 cups
1 cup finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
4–5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 lime
kosher salt

Garnish:
1 radish, cut into little slivers (optional)
focaccia croutons
freshly ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add the onions and celery, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and curry powder, and cook about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add 4 cups of chicken stock to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 30 minutes or until carrots are very tender when pierced with a fork. Carefully transfer to a blender and puree until smooth, working in batches as necessary.

Season to taste with a squeeze of lime juice and a few pinches of salt. Add additional broth for a thinner soup. Divide soup among four bowls. Garnish each with a few pinches of radish slivers, focaccia croutons, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately. Recipe by Caroline Ford. Read more soup recipes here: http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_JAN_12_03/18979/index.html
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Falmouth Home Energy Workshops

The Falmouth Recycling & Energy Advisory Committee will host a series of FREE energy efficiency workshops to assist home owners in Falmouth Maine. These workshops are going to provide specific things you can do to lower your home energy usage. Don't miss these free workshops!

Where: Falmouth Elementary School Room B219
6:30-8:30 pm

Session 1: Save Energy; Save Dollars
Wednesday February 1, 2012
In this workshop you will learn bout the home as a system, energy audits, retofitting and efficient products for your home and what financial incentives are available to you (including funding and tax credit info).

Session 2: Air Sealing Basics for homeowners
Wednesday February 8, 2012
You will learn how to seal, what materials you will need and the best places to seal in your home/

Session 3: Reusable Interior Storm Window Contruction
Wednesday February 15, 2012
Make your own inexpensive, reusable interior storm windows! You will even take one home after this workshop. Please contact the Falmouth Community Programs for more info on material fees.

Ready to sign up?? Call Falmouth Community Programs at 207-781-5253 to register now

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Tips for maintaining a healthy credit score

According to the Financial Planning Association (FPA) based in Denver, CO, your healthy credit score is not just a factor in determining whether you get a loan or a line of credit, it often determines how much you will pay for credit.


Remember, the better your credit score, the lower your interest rate—so having a healthy score can save you money.

The FPA says credit scores are calculated from data in five categories. Payment history on bills, loans, etc. and amounts owed - or credit balances - account for about two-thirds of the score. Then, length of credit history, new credit and types of credit used comprise the rest.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A score of 750 or higher is considered "excellent;" 720 to 749, "very good;” 660 to 719, "good;" 620 to 659, "fair;” and 619 or lower, "poor."

Here are some tips from the FPA towards maintaining a healthy score:

Pay bills on time. Nothing impacts a credit score more than your bill-paying history and habits. And no bill is too small to overlook.

Automate. If you struggle to pay bills on time, set up your online banking to make automatic bill payments or provide payment reminders.

Instead of skipping a payment altogether, make a late or short payment.

After a late or missed payment, get—and stay—current. Positive payment patterns going forward can overshadow a past payment problem.

Keep credit card balances low and avoid maxing out cards. Carrying a high level of debt likely will hurt your credit score. Maxing out your available credit surely will.

Pay down your debt over time.

Think twice before closing the accounts of credit cards you do not use. Closing credit accounts may actually lower your credit score. If you plan to close an account, start with one you opened recently, and for the sake of credit history, leave your oldest credit card account open.

Do not open multiple new credit accounts at once. It can lower your credit score.

Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Maine Home Sales UP in December

HOME SALES UP IN DECEMBER:  In a press release to the Maine media today, MREIS reports that Maine existing home sales increased 4.34% comparing December 2011 to December 2010.  That is the sixth consecutive month of positive increases.  The median home sales price decreased 6.98% in that same time period to $160,000.  Median indicates half sold for less and half sold for more. 

For the complete press release: http://mainerealtors.com/Statistics/2011PressReleases/MaineHousingReport-December2011.pdf


John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Western Prom Neighborhood Association News

A Message from Ann Pringle, WPNA:
There are a number of things going on that I think are of broad interest to the neighborhood, so here is an update:


1) JB Brown Rezoning In the late fall, JB Brown proposed a rezoning, from Waterfront Port Development Zone to a mixed-use business zone, on land west of the Star Match Factory to the end of West Commercial Street, a large parcel they now own, purchased recently from the railroad. They do not yet have a specific proposal for the site, but seek rezoning so that when tenants are identified, they can move expeditiously, without the need for a zone change at that point.

The proposal has been through three Planning Board workshops and a site walk, which included placement of a crane to illustrate potential building height. There was also a required neighborhood meeting, attended by almost 45 people. There will be a public hearing before the Planning Board at approximately 7:00 tomorrow night, 1/24, in Room 209 at City Hall.

Public comments, largely from Danforth and Salem Street property owners most directly affected, have been very focused and thoughtful, noting: the unique topography; the physical relationship between the neighbors and potential development; view impacts and their potential effect on property value; the gateway nature of the site especially the slope rising behind it; the importance of scale, massing, and design of future development; traffic impacts, etc. There was almost unanimous public opposition to the 65 foot maximum building height (plus a potential for an additional 15-20 feet for rooftop appurtenances) that is allowed in the new zone. Based on this response, JB Brown revised it application to allow a maximum 45 feet west of a line extending down from Fletcher Street, with a maximum of 55 feet to the east, with rooftop appurtenances not to exceed 7 feet. Some neighbors reluctantly have accepted this height, while preferring 45 feet for the entire parcel, with some still advocating for 45 feet.

Following public comment tomorrow night, it is likely that the Planning Board will vote on this issue, which will then go to the City Council for further consideration and a vote. WPNA will continue to work with neighbors in the ongoing public process.

2) Williston West Church As you may know, the Williston West Church and Fellowship Hall were recently sold. The buyer is an Australian gentleman, who is the managing director of Brisbane-based Majella Global Technologies. We understood that he intended to reside in part of the Fellowship Hall for part of the year, with his personal office in the building, and that he would continue to use the church sanctuary for performances.

Zoning in the R-4 allows for an office for home occupation, with no more than one non-family employee. Neighbors have recently learned from the owner's son, that they plan to move in eight employees as soon as possible and up to a total of 20 employees later. This would require a change to a conditional zone, with likely limitations on number of employees, parking, etc. The fundamental question, despite our desire to see the church make a successful transition to a new use, is whether any such zone change is in the interest of the neighborhood, especially abutters, and if the precedent of a zone change might have application elsewhere in the neighborhood. WPNA is in the information-gathering stage, working with abutters, and will develop a position as the situation evolves.

3) Western Cemetery Fence As you can see, the first phase of replacement of the Western Cemetery Fence is in place, with a few punch-list items to be addressed. The plan is to install Phase II in the late spring, from the left of the maintenance opening around the corner onto the beginning of the Western Prom. A black wooden sign, with gold lettering ("Historic Western Cemetery"), will be installed in the spring. Phase III will, hopefully, be completed in the fall, from the end of Phase II to the cemetery end on the Western Prom. Stay tuned for future developments!

4) Western Cemetery Concerts As you may recall, last winter WPNA, at the request the City, solicited contributions for the summer concerts series on the Western Prom. A number of households responded and the City was able to continue the longstanding concert series, that had been threatened by budget cuts.

The sunset folk concerts are held on Wednesday nights between July 11 and August 15 and includes both individual performers and groups. Attendance last year was between 75 and 300 at each concert, although several were rained out.
If you would like to contribute to this summer's series, please contact Anne
This is a more substantive email update than I have sent an long time, so please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, especially regarding JB Brown and Williston West.

Anne Pringle, WPNA President
774-0437
----------------------------------------------
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Prime Woodlands Country Club Home

Prime Woodlands Country Club location. Home in delightful setting & professionally landscaped grounds. Bright & sunny, open floor plan,great room with high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, formal Living Room with fireplace, master suite with porch, 3 season porch & bonus room.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Portland condo with water views

Gorgeous 4th floor condo with water views, elevator directly to unit. Quality throughout with fablous kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, gas fireplace, sliders to covered deck, washer/dryer closet, covered parking & more.

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Andy Mills with Hudson Branch at SPACE Gallery

Monday 12.19.2011, Doors at 7:00PM, Starts at 7:30PM,
$5 suggested donation, Free for SPACE Gallery members, All Ages

Join independent radio producer Andy Mills (best new artist at Third Coast Audio Festival) and the musicians in Chicago indie-pop band Hudson Branch for an intimate and experimental evening of multimedia storytelling as part of their short east coast tour, Dogs Go East. Joining them will be producer Rob Rosenthal, who'll share a story of his own to start the night.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Dreaming of Florida? FL Flair tips below...

Liven up the bland, industrial atmosphere of a basic white unit with color. “We kept the essential elements of the building clean and neutral, occasionally introducing a new texture or finish,” says Barbara Murtagh Nash. “For example, we covered the existing concrete columns with a chunky used brick for interest. We found old, reclaimed wood for the floors and refinished them with a rustic, burnished surface.” Nash incorporated moveable partition walls to help define the space, allowing the areas to be open to each other when desired. 

Nash wanted to bring in colors that are reminiscent of Florida and its relaxing environment. “There is no formal foyer, so we created the illusion of one with the placement of a simple neutral cabinet in front of a wide patch of brilliant orange wall,” she explains. “A green, yellow, and orange vase picks up other accent colors used in the adjoining living room. On the orange wall, there is an arrangement of several circular mirrors that are projected about two inches from the wall and reflect contrasting blues and neutrals from the opposite side of room.” The orange complements the warm brick tones and is carried throughout the living room in small pops of color.

Finish the article here: http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_JAN_12_02/18979/index.html

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Banff Mountain Film Festival

the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be returning for its eleventh year to Portland. After a six year absence, we are excited to be back at the State Theatre (with heat) 7 PM, Monday, February 13, 2012.


Tickets are available at:

Nomads, 100 Commercial Street (Thomas Building) in Portland, 04101 (207.347.7464); Mon-Sat, 10-6, Sun 11-5; www.imanomad.com

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) 87 Marginal Way in Portland. 04101 (207.541.1919); Mon-Sat, 9-9, Sun 10-6; www.ems.com

Arlberg Ski & Sport Rt. 1, Oak Hill Plaza (between Burger King & McDonalds); Scarborough, Maine, 04070 (207-883-2878); Mon-Sun, 10-7; www.arlbergski.com. (Note: tickets are not expected until after Monday, Jan 16, call first)

State Theatre - Tickets are also available online at: www.statetheatreportland.com. (Note: they charge a service charge)
Tickets are $17 in advance (students $14 with school ID); and $20 at the door (students $17)

For additional information, hours, and directions and to see the awesome 2012 Banff Intro video go to: http://www.chestnutmtnproductions.com/banff/portlandhome.htm

Film Menu for Portland, Maine

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Monday, February 13, 2012

The State Theatre



Solitaire (Special edit for the Banff tour)

USA, 2011, 16 minutes
Classification: General

Focus: Ski, snowboard

In the high desert of South America, winter takes hold, and a handful of drifters emerge from the whiteout, ready to cast their lot onto inhospitable lands and forsaken peaks. Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is the inspiration for a poetic and visually stunning film that ventures beyond the frontiers of most mountain sports films.



Seasons: Fall

USA, 2010, 4 minutes
Classification: General

Focus: kayaking

Deep canyons with steep, spring-fed creeks provide Kate Wagner with a soul-session in this paddling paradise.


On the Trail of Genghis Khan: The Last Frontier

People’s Choice Award –

Australia, 2011, 46 minutes
Classification: General

Focus: adventure, exploration, culture

On an epic journey of truly historic proportions, Australian Tim Cope, his band of horses, and his dog Tigon travel overland 10,000 km from Mongolia to Hungary, following the footsteps of legendary warrior and nomad Genghis Khan. Cope visits distant parts of the world rarely seen, places on the cusp of modernity yet proud of nomadic traditions. The Last Frontier captures the culmination of his stunning three-year journey, the crossing of the Carpathian Mountains.



Blue Obsession

USA, 2011, 8 minutes
Classification: General

Focus: Ice climbing

The beautiful and ever-changing icefalls of Alaskan glaciers provide a stunning setting for some unusual ice climbing adventures



The Freedom Chair

Best Film - Mountain Sports
Canada, 2011, 15 minutes
Classification: Parental guidance – coarse language

Focus: Snow sports

Josh Dueck was an aspiring skier and coach until a ski accident in 2004 changed his life for good. Despite his comeback and success in the world of competitive sit-skiing, he wasn't content. Josh's dream is to tackle the backcountry and the steepest and wildest mountains in the world – and with his infectious outlook, he may just catch his dream.


Chasing Water

Best Short Mountain Film –

USA, 2011, 18 minutes
Classification: General

Focus: Environment

Pete McBride grew up on a ranch in Western Colorado, a child of the Colorado River. After a life spent visiting other countries to tell stories as a National Geographic photojournalist, in 2008 Pete decided to follow the water from his family’s ranch to see where it ends up. This is the story of Pete’s journey, and a story about the lifeblood of the American West.


Reel Rock: Sketchy Andy

USA, 2011, 22 minutes
Classification: Parental guidance – coarse language, some nudity
Focus: Slack lining, BASE Jumping, craziness!

American climbing dirtbag Andy Lewis is taking the discipline of slacklining into the future as he solos the world’s longest high-lines and masters the hardest aerial tricks, while pushing his equipment to the limit. As Andy goes higher, harder, and faster with climbing, slack, and B.A.S.E., we all wonder how far he can go before it’ll be one step over the line.
 
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Join in & Stay Safe! Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training

Portland Police Department Offers RAD Class

This January, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training class. R.A.D. provides women with the tools they need to both avoid dangerous situations and escape them. The course is specifically designed to help women survive situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.

This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater Portland area who would like to develop real life defensive tools and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for January 17, 19, 24, and 26, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and January 28 from 8:00 AM to noon. All classes must be attended to complete the course. The classes will be held at the Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D. trainings. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program, Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME 04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information about Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call 874-8643.


When: January 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28, 2012
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (1/28 class 8:00 AM – noon)
Where: Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland Maine
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Songwriting For Beginners (Grades 3-5)

Rhythm, Verse, and Rhyme: Songwriting For Beginners


Mondays, 4:00-5:30pm

January 9, 23, 30, February 4 (special guest workshop), 6, 13, 20

Grades 3-5

Taught by award-winning singer/songwriter Emilia Dahlin: http://www.emiliadahlin.com/

Come one, come all, to engage in the alchemical process of writing songs. Collaboratively and individually we’ll explore our surroundings through all our senses, and distill our experiences into verse and chorus. A guest songwriter/musician will join us for a special session on Saturday, February 4th. Performers and non-performers are welcome, as well as interest in all genres of music. No experience necessary, only enthusiasm!
 
To sign up your child:
The Telling Room
225 Commercial St., Suite 201 Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-6064
www.tellingroom.org


John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Please join us for First Friday at the Gallery at Harmon's & Barton's

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Portland Maine Board and Commission Volunteer Opportunities

Board and Commission Volunteer Opportunities - do your part!


Portland Fish Exchange C – 1 position

Class C directors, will be received from the public at large. The incorporators will consult with the Maine Commissioner of Marine Resources and the Maine Commissioner of Transportation.



Planning Board – 3 Positions

The Portland Planning Board has responsibility to recommend adoption and amendments to the comprehensive plan of the City of Portland, and to advise the City Council and Departments on implementation measures for the plan. The Board has jurisdiction to hear, review and approve applications for development including site plans, subdivisions, street vacations, shoreland zone, and other regulations governing development as appropriate. The Planning Board makes recommendations to the City Council on applications for zoning text and map amendments, contract rezonings, and amendments to or substantial revisions of the Zoning Ordinance.



Landbank – 1 position

The Land Bank Commission is responsible for identifying and protecting open space resources within the City of Portland. The Commission seeks to preserve a balance between development and conservation of open space important for wildlife, ecological, environmental, scenic or outdoor recreational values. The Commission responsibilities include: working for the acquisition and conservation of open space within the City; recommending to the City Council on a priority basis acquisition or conservation of significant properties; and the pursuit of gifts and funds from private and public sources for the acquisition of open space as approved by the City Council. The Commission has developed an inventory of open space resources within the City. It is engaged in an ongoing effort to proactively protect properties from development through easement, deed restriction, or acquisition. Responsibilities: Pursue funding resources for the acquisition of open space; create an inventory of open space property in the city and make recommendations for the protection and/or acquisition of open space that is environmentally significant. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00 P.M.

Additional information is available in the City Clerk’s office, on the City’s website at www.portlandmaine.gov or at 874-8677. Deadline for submission is December 30, 2011. Please send a resume and cover letter to Appointments Committee Chairman, c/o City Clerk, 389 Congress Street, Portland ME 04101 or klj@portlandmaine.gov. Applicants will be contacted for interviews.
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Portland Restaurants Launch Lunch program today

Calories Count Lunch Makes it Easy to Keep New Year's Resolutions




January 3rd, Spartan Grill, El Rayo, Sebago Brewing Company, and DiMillo’s On the Water in partnership with the city’s obesity prevention initiative will kick off the New Year with a Calories Count Lunch. The local restaurants will offer a variety of lunch items at the price of their calorie count, making the easy choice, the healthy choice for their patrons, and giving a boost to diners looking to keep their health and wellness resolutions for 2012. From a falafel gyro (581 calories/$6.75, savings of $.94) to a carne asada taco (289 calories/$3.95, savings of $1.06), patrons can enjoy a satisfying and healthier meal while saving a few dollars. Smart Meals for Me is a city initiative that encourages restaurants to provide calorie information on their menus, supplies participating restaurants with nutritional analysis for their menus from the city’s registered dietitian.



Tuesday’s lunch menu includes:



Spratan Grill, 24 Monument Square

Falafel gyro: 518 calories (normal price $6.75)

Grilled chicken Caesar gyro: 546 calories (normal price $6.95)

Beef gyro: 639 calories (normal price $6.95)

Veggies and hummus: 513 calories (normal price $6.75)



El Rayo, 101 York Street

All items on the menu with a lower calorie count will be offered, including:

Fundido: 518 calories (normal $5.95)

Chile Fritas: 307 calories (normal $5.95)

Corn poblano soup: 373 calories (normal $4.50)

Al carbon taco: 322 calories (normal $3.95)

Al pastor taco: 290 calories (normal $3.95)

El Mercado salad: 234 calories (normal $6.95)

Pollo rice and bean bowl: 556 calories (normal $7.50)

Mexico City style corn on the cob: 234 calories (normal $4.25)



Sebago Brewing Company, 211 Fore Street

White chicken chili: 155/310 calories (cup/bowl) (normal price $4.79/5.99)

Hummus and tzatziki: 673 calories (normal price $8.99)

Greek falafel salad: 637 calories (normal price $9.99)

BBQ pulled pork sandwich: 705 calories (normal price $8.99)

Baked Haddock Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bun: 532 calories (normal price $9.49)

Pesto linguini: 941 calories (normal price $11.99)



DiMillo’s On the Water, 25 Long Wharf

Crab cakes: 1073 calories (normally $12.50)

Haddock chowder, bowl: 547 calories (normally $6.75)

Lobster stew, bowl: 1028 calories (normally $13)

Clubhouse Salmon Sandwich: 802 calories (normal price $9.50)

Whole wheat pasta and meatball: 675 calories (normal price $9.00)

The City of Portland through Healthy Portland, a local Healthy Maine Partnership and program of the City of Portland’s Health and Human Services Department, created the Smart Meals for ME program to make it easier for local restaurants to provide nutritional information to their diners.Through Healthy Portland’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work obesity prevention grant, free assistance is available from a registered dietitian to analyze menus and create new lower calorie options, as well as assist in printing new menus with nutritional information. The program also gives diners the opportunity to ask their favorite foodie destination to participate by leaving a Smart Meals for ME card when they pay their check. The card, available for printing through the Smart Meals for ME Facebook page, states their desire to see calorie information and asks the restaurant management to find out more. For more information about Smart Meals for ME, email smartmealsforme@gmail.com or become a follower on Facebook, www.facebook.com/smartmealsforme.

When: Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Lunch – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where: DiMillo’s On the Water, 25 Long Wharf, Portland
El Rayo, 101 York Street, Portland
Sebago Brewing Company, 211 Fore Street, Portland
Spartan Grill, 24 Monument Square
 
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Do you know how to protect you and your family from Radon?

RADON TIPSHEETS:  Maine's Radiation Control Program has a number of Tipsheets about Radon you may find useful/informative -http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/rad/radon/hp-radon.htm

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

How to get your dog licensed in Portland Maine

Dog Licenses are now required

Starting with the New Year, Portland resident dog owners are required, pursuant to Maine law, to have all dogs six months of age or older licensed. Dog licenses are issued for a calendar year and will expire December 31, 2012. A dog license can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Renewals and new registrations are also available online at https://www.informe.org/dog_license/begin.shtml or through the mail, call 874-8610 for more details.

To license a dog, the dog owner should provide a current State of Maine Rabies Certificate. If the dog has been spayed or neutered, the dog owner should also bring in proof of neutering such as a previous license or written verification of neutering from a veterinarian the first time a dog is licensed.

Fees for dog licenses are:
Spayed or neutered - $6.00
Not spayed or neutered - $11.00
Late fee $25.00 (per dog) applies after 1/31/12
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us