Lisbon's Classroom Integrated Technology‏

Lisbon – Lisbon High School’s English teacher, Seth Mitchell, has been a leader in bringing Digital Story Telling and the use of Technology in the classrooms in Lisbon.   Mitchell has also taken leadership roles statewide and nationally.  He is a teacher consultant for the Maine Writing Project and presented at the National Writing Project (NWP) Conference in San Antonio in 2008.  Mitchell also presented and facilitated two sessions at the 2009 National Writing Project Conference in Philadelphia and coached another group of new presenters at the Conference.  In his role as the Tech Liaison for the Southern Maine Writing Project, Mitchell encourages Technology Integration across all content areas and grade levels.  As a member of a National Leadership Team for NWP, he considers grant applications from all over the country. “Seth Mitchell has been a featured guest on Teachers Teaching Teachers, a national web cast for educators hosted by a teacher from New York,” according to Lisbon High School Principal, Ken Healey.  “He was recently one of eight teachers from across the country featured in a College Board 

 publication entitled Teachers Are the Center of Education. And, Mitchell still manages to maintain his energy and passion for his students at Lisbon High School!”  

Seth Mitchell works with students at Lisbon High School integrating Technology in the classroom.  Mitchell serves in numerous technology leadership roles statewide and nationally. Photos by Monica Millhime

10 American Businesses that will be Destroyed in the next Decade

The Dash "Are My Priorities Where They Should be?"

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called  The Dash.
 Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it;
 and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.
 
 The movie has been more successful than could ever have been imagined.
 More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on
  their lives and ask that all important question,
 'Are my priorities where they should be?'
 
 I hope you enjoy this 180 second movie.

http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

Support Our Heritage, Support Our Troops, Support These SEALs

"In the Crosshairs

Mike Piccione, Editor

Hey Gunners,

Navy SEALs as you read last week are getting a Court Martial for being too rough on a terrorist. Ahmed Hashim Abed is believed to have planned the 2004 Fallujah ambush that resulted in the murder of four Americans. Our Navy SEALs captured this terrorist scum and Abed is claiming he was unjustly roughed up. Now this terrorist is using our court system to go after the SEALs. Our weekly video is about the case if you need to get updated.

Please sign this petition to drop all charges against the Navy SEAL Three and we will deliver it to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Click here to sign the petition; already over 18,000 have signed."

Here is the letter that will be sent:

HUMAN EVENTS PETITION TO FREE THE SEALs

Hon. Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense Current Petition Signature Count: 29,699
The Pentagon
Washington, DC

Dear Secretary Gates:

We, the editors and staff of HUMAN EVENTS, and the many Americans who have attached their signatures to this petition, hereby request your personal intervention to dismiss the charges against Navy SEAL operators SO2 Jonathan Keefe, SO1 Julio Huertas and SO2 Matthew McCabe.

These three men are charged with abusing a terrorist they captured in a daring nighttime raid on or about 1 September 2009. On that night, they -- as part of a platoon from SEAL Team 10 -- captured and detained Ahmed Hashim Abed, one of the most barbaric and dangerous terrorists in Iraq. The terrorist -- in a move that is literally right out of the al-Queda training manual -- complained of abuse, apparently alleging he was struck in the stomach.

We had hoped that the SEALs’ commanders would dispose of this matter at the lowest level -- with a scolding and perhaps a few hundred pushups -- for anyone actually guilty of inflicting an inconvenience on this bloody-handed barbarian. But on 29 September 2009, Gen. David H. Petraeus signed a letter authorizing MGen. Charles T. Cleveland to dispose of the allegations of misconduct. In that letter, Gen. Petraeus said that MGen. Cleveland could, "...dispose of these matters in any manner you deem appropriate. This includes the authority to convene courts-martial at any level up to and including General Courts-Martial and to refer charges concerning these individuals to any court-martial."

The three now face special courts-martial next month. We believe their commanders -- including General Petraeus -- have failed you, the SEALs and the American people by not preventing the matter from going this far.

You are the person next in line above General Petraeus in the chain of command. You can, legally under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, intervene to dismiss the charges against the three SEALs and direct that they be restored to duty.

We respectfully request that you do so forthwith. For this matter to continue -- and to place the honor and fighting future of these three men at stake -- is manifestly a gross injustice.

Respectfully submitted,

Current Petition Signature Count: 29,699

Just a thought

Thought of the day:
Once we had Reagan, Johnny Cash and Bob Hope.

Now we have Obama, no Cash and no Hope.

Town Council Agenda for Tuesday, December 15

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

Inauguration of Elected Officials:

Council, School Committee, Budget Advisory Board, and Water Commissioner

Election of Council Chairman & Vice Chairman
Passing of the Gavel

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___ Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2009-182 ORDER A. Minutes of November 17, 2009
B. Junkyard Applications

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2009-183 ORDER − Set Council Working Rules
2009-184 ORDER − Internal Control Policy
2009-185 ORDER − Board & Committee Resignations (3)

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Presentation by Amy Smith, US Census
B. Finance Director’s Report
C. Capital Improvement Budget
D. Town Manager’s Report
E. Charter Amendment Review
F. Town Manager’s Annual Review
G. Set Workshop Dates

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS
2009-186 ORDER − Planning Board (1 Alternate Term Expires 2011)
2009-187 ORDER − Planning Board (1 Alternate Term Expires 2014)
2009-188 ORDER − Water Commissioner (1 Term Expires 2011)

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2009-189 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters − Planning Board Interviews

2009-190 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters − Water Commissioner Interviews

11. ADJOURNMENT
2009-191 ORDER to Adjourn

Christmas Trees Around the World.‏

Make sure you go all the way to the bottom of the e-mail, the picture and  information about Arlington Cemetery in the winter, before Christmas is beautiful!   The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states. The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city     A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic. Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glass work is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season. Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under  the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir. The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season. 'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight. Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk. The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.     A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947. Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past. Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).   There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?  This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. -The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,  Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. -The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.' Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone  ___________________________________________________________ CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY I wonder why the press hasn't enlightened the public about it?? Arlington National Cemetery Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.. Peace, peace, and farewell...   Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Amazing Cardboard Sculptures by Chris Gilmour.‏

From life sized cars and bikes to violins, globes and microscopes …. Is there anything Chris Gilmour cannot create out of corrugated cardboard? Meet the most amazing cardboard artist ever. http://www.chrisgilmour.com/en.opere.html

Free Chapel Chix & Chap Concerts‏

Chapel Chix & Chap (from left) Jeannie Stowell, Elizabeth Park, Carol Levesque, and Mert Ricker will perform free Christmas concerts on Dec. 12 & 13 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Lisbon.

St. Matthew’s offers free Chapel Chix & Chap Christmas concerts Dec. 12 & Dec. 13

Dec. 1, 2009.  St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on the hill off Route 196 in Lisbon is offering the 7^th annual Chapel Chix & Chap Christmas concerts as a gift to the community on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 pm and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 pm.

 “Bring your family and friends to experience seasonal theater and traditional hymns at St. Matthew’s.  Celebrate the season’s greatest gift of all—the birth of Jesus into our broken and troubled world,” said the Rev. Beau Wagner, Rector.

St. Matthew’s parishioners will provide free desserts at both concerts.  Audiences may give a loving donation.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1906, brings together contemporary worship with ancient ritual, Bible-based preaching, expressions of the Holy Spirit, and loving service to others.

The Chapel Chix & Chap are an eclectic show and song group who perform gospel, show tunes, and music that spans seven generations in an interactive, improvisational style.  Since 2002, The Chapel Chix (Carol Levesque of Durham, Jeannie Stowell of Topsham, and Elizabeth Park of Lewiston) & Chap (Mert Ricker of Lisbon) have been performing throughout Mid Coast Maine and Lewiston/Auburn region. 

Santa Is Coming To Lisbon Falls Floral

Broke

This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, EVERYONE!!

To President Obama and all 535 voting members of the Legislature,

 
It is now official you are ALL morons:  

• The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.  
• Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.  
• Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.    
• War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is 
• confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.
• Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965.  You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.  
• Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.  
• The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.  
• It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before.  
• You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.  

 
You have FAILED in every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars
AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM?  

The Santa Clause Movie For Lisbon Dec. 17th