The Portland Symphony Orchestra 2007 Designers’ ShowHouse at Oakley Estate, 113 Foreside Road in Falmouth Foreside, opens its doors to the public on Sunday, September 9 at noon. A total of fifteen special events, many free with admission, will be held during the ShowHouse run through September.
All proceeds benefit the Portland Symphony Orchestra, including its education and outreach programs.
A full list of ShowHouse events:
Etiquette Savvy and Faux Pas: September 11, 2007 at 12:00 PM, Portland Country Club
Join Dorothea Johnson as she shares her more than 50 years in the etiquette and protocol business. Thirty of her exciting years were spent in protocol-minded Washington, D.C.Her presentation will be informative and entertaining with amusing anecdotes about her experiences relating to her profession.
Dorothea Johnson is the founder of The Protocol School of Washington®, the leader in etiquette and protocol services. She is the Resident Etiquette Expert for The Ellen DeGeneres Show; an active member of Protocol and Diplomacy International, author of three books and co-author of two books.
Her clients include representatives for embassies from around the world, business government, education and entertainment.
Cost: $25.00 per person. Includes luncheon, presentation, goody bag, and door prize. Cash bar. For reservations call 773-6128 ext. 309. Please note, this event takes place at Portland Country Club.
Designer Night: September 12, 2007 at 6:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Here is your opportunity to meet and talk to all of the talented designers who put this years' ShowHouse together. Explore the ShowHouse and join us for a festive reception (cash bar). Presented by Maine's LITTLE BOOK.
Landscaping Tour with Ted Carter: September 13, 2007 at 3:00 PM, The Oakley Estate, With Ted Carter and June LaCombe
Ted Carter will discuss the "inspired" landscape and demonstrate how he engages with the land, using his intuitive skills to work with the energies of his landscape projects. June LaCombe will talk about the importance of sculpture in the landscape and give insight into the artists and their work.
Ted and June will continue the lecture with a walking tour of the grounds of the Oakley Estate. Each will describe their work regarding plant material selections and placement of sculpture in the landscape. Questions are welcome during this interactive walking tour.
Selling Items on eBay: September 14, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Have you wanted to sell things on eBay but just didn't know where to begin? Jeff Ornstein, owner of C-it-Sell in South Portland will give an overview about buying and selling on eBay, an overview of his company, examples/stories about past sales, and hold a question-and-answer session. Jeff Ornstein has given a number of presentations to different groups around the state. C-it-Sell is the first dedicated Maine-based eBay drop-off store.
Universal Design: September 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
What is Universal Design? Why is it important? How is it accomplished? Universal Design - the design of products and environments to be usable by all people.
It does not matter if you are young or old, short or tall, healthy or ill, handicapped or handi-capable: Universal Design transcends all generations and barriers. Universal design will compensate for reduced range of motion, reduced strength, assist in mobility, help with balance and coordination. Universal Design allows your home to be beautiful, functional and user friendly while at the same time taking all family members needs into account. During this seminar Lynne Maxfield will attempt to explain why, describe how and show Universal Design options for your home. Please come with questions, needs, pictures and plans.
Integrating Technology into your New Home or Remodeling Project: September 18, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Presented by Jeff Binette and Jason Robie, SmartHome Solutions, Inc.
Learn how today’s technology systems can be integrated into your home to enable you and your family to truly enjoy all the entertainment, educational, security, and communication benefits of a properly wired home. Through a guided tour of the PSO designer house, view and demo the latest audio and video equipment.
About SHS, Inc. SmartHome Solutions, Inc. is a Maine based custom electronics company offering custom design, sales and installation in Home Theater, Distributed Audio and Video, Home Automation and More.
Presenters: Jeff Binette and Jason Robie are the Co-Founders of Smarthome Solutions, Inc. Their breadth of experience in custom electronics and customer service positions SmartHome Solutions to provide the best possible design, sales and integration, while always making sure the customer is completely satisfied with the solution.
Discussion with Earle G. Shettleworth Jr.: September 19, 2007 at 7:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
The beautiful Falmouth shoreline's close proximity to Portland made the Foreside area a highly desirable location for early twentieth century country homes. Architects such as John Calvin Stevens, Austin Pease, George Burnham, E. Leander Higgins, and John P. Thomas created distinctive homes for affluent clients in the shingle, colonial revival, and half-timbered styles. Join Earle Shettleworth, Jr., Maine state historian and executive director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission as he discusses these prized Falmouth Foreside landmarks.
Antique Item Appraisal
September 20, 2007 at 11:00 AM
The Oakley Estate
Thomaston Place's professional appraisers Kaja Veilleux and John Bottero will provide on-site valuations of antique or collectible items. There will be a suggested donation of $5 for each item appraised, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Portland Symphony Orchestra.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries has established an enviable reputation as one of New England 's premier auction facilities. Armed with the extraordinary knowledge of the company's president, Kaja Veilleux, a dedicated staff, and progressive computer technology, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries offers a wide range of services to local and international customers alike.
Knitting Q&A with Jil Eaton: September 21, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Jil Eaton is an internationally acclaimed knitwear designer. She publishes and distributes her patterns under the popular MinnowKnitsTM label and produces two collections annually for Vogue Knitting International. She has designed for knitwear magazines and written several books. Meet Portland native Jil Eaton and learn about fun easy projects that you can complete in just one weekend, and take home a few knitting tips. Jill Eaton's designs will be available for purchase in our boutique.
Book signing with Gerard F. Bianco: September 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Spend a gripping afternoon with Gerard Bianco, author of the award-winning mystery/thriller The Deal Master, for a book signing and lecture, "How to Commit (to Writing) the Perfect Murder (Mystery)." Gerard is an accomplished author, gifted artist and jewelry designer. The Deal Master, Bianco's successful mystery novel, has been thrilling readers and critics alike. He lives in Maine and is now working on his next book, Triumph of Success; 52 Three-minute Strategies for the Modern Business Professional, which is due out at the end of 2007.
Event: Get Organized!: September 25, 2007 at 11:00 AM, The Oakley Estate
Solange Kellermann, the Clutter Doc, has been providing organizing services to individuals and businesses for over 4 years.
Session 1: Conquering the Paper Avalanche
If the thought of tackling that pile, hill, or mountain of paperwork sends you running out of the room, don't panic - help is on the way! Using Kellermann's "5 Steps to Organizing" approach, you'll learn how to organize your papers and space - be it home or office. When you're done you'll have more energy, reduce your stress, and have time to focus on the truly important things in your life.
Session 2: Closet Organization
Closets bursting? Lots of clothes, but nothing to wear? Things never at hand when you need them? Learn basic organizing tips and tricks that will help you solve these problems and simplify your life.
Wine tasting with The Clown: September 26, 2007 at 6:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Experience the color, aroma, flavor and feel of wines from Tuscany, Italy. Light appetizers will be served.
The Clown features a wide selection of wines from around the world, specializing in Italian. From the owners' love for artisan craftsmanship came the idea to buy and import directly to the United States the best wine, food, antique furniture and accessories which Europe has to offer. The wine selection is complemented with European antiques, contemporary art, artisan gifts and gourmet foods. Located in Belfast, Portland, Stonington and York.
Sponsored by Waterglen Realty Group.
Conversations of Broadway Theatre with Brian P. Allen: September 27, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
You won't want to miss Brian's insights into Broadway musical theatre. Join him as he speaks about his experiences in the world of theatre. Brian P. Allen is the co-founder of Good Theater and serves as its Executive and Artistic Director. He has directed Driving Miss Daisy, Into the Woods, Shakespeare in Hollywood, Enchanted April, Drood, A Man of No Importance, Master Class, Baby, Side by Side, Shirley Valentine, Little Me, Over the River and Charley's Aunt. He has appeared in Good Theater's productions of Side by Side by Sondheim, California Suite and Barrymore.
Cooking class with John Ferry: September 28, 2007 at 12:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
John Ferry, Food Service Director for the Betsy Ross House and cooking teacher for Portland Adult Education, will teach us how to prepare a fresh and flavorful meal with ingredients commonly found in the home. The lesson will provide a sample of each course, as well as recipes to take home and try. The menu will consist of different salads and a crab cake entree.
John is an honor graduate in Culinary Arts York County Community College and has his certification from the American Culinary Federation. He has catered weddings, holiday parties and other functions around the state.
Q&A with PSO Musicians: September 29, 2007 at 1:00 PM, The Oakley Estate
Take part in a discussion with the musicians of the Portland Symphony Orchestra who will elaborate on what it is like to be a member of the PSO and the extremely competitive process for “winning” a position in an orchestra. They will also talk about the life and schedule of a freelance musician in New England.
The ShowHouse will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m. The PSO regrets that infants and children under age ten are not permitted.
Advance tickets are available until September 8 and are $15. Tickets may be purchased at PortTix, 207-842-0800 or www.porttix.com . Other ticket outlets are listed at www.portlandsymhony.com. Beginning September 9 tickets will only be available at the ShowHouse and will be $20, $18 for seniors. -- www.portlandsymphony.com
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