3.5 stars

Netflix has jumped on the bandwagon and is getting fans ready for Christmas with festive rom-coms and shows. Much like in the style of Lifetime and Hallmark, these holiday specials are identifiable by their predictable, enjoyable plots and the romance that exudes from every scene. “Midnight at the Magnolia,” one of Netflix’s newest holiday films, was released to Netflix on Nov. 5, 2020 and was directed by Max McGuire.

The film revolves around Maggie Quinn and Jack Russo, two Chicago radio hosts who have been close family friends and worked together for years. They joke around on air, both giving each other dating advice and taking questions. After learning there is a chance their show will become nationally syndicated, they take the situation into their own hands in order to increase the odds. They come up with a scheme to trick fans into thinking they are together, after a suggestion from their boss to introduce each other to their significant others. This “big reveal” is planned to take place during their live New Years Eve show at The Magnolia, a restaurant/club owned by their close fathers. 

Maggie is played by Natalie Hall, and Jack is played by actor Evan Williams. Other cast members in the film include Allison Brooks as Deb Clarkson, Maggie and Jack’s boss, Steve Cumyn as Steve Quinn, Michael Gordin Shore as Martin Russo, and Victoria Maria as Amanda. The movie has a run time of 1 hour and 27 minutes, and is rated TV-G.

Maggie and Jack have very punchy, outgoing and playful personalities that make the film easy and enjoyable to watch. Their chemistry on set is undeniable, which is the key to any realistic romantic comedy. Maggie is vibrant, sarcastic and well-dressed in her festive sweaters with perfectly curled hair. She is funny and relatable in a way that is entertaining. Jack on the other hand is laid back, goes with the flow and has a low-maintenance attitude that makes for an interesting contrast between the pair. Their relationship dynamic is close, friendly, and makes the film worth the watch.

The setting of “Midnight at the Magnolia” is realistic, wintery and festive. The film takes place in the bustling city of Chicago during December, but was actually filmed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Maggie and Jack’s office space in the movie is modern, upbeat and reflects the easy going nature of the characters. Other places the setting takes us include The Magnolia, the streets of Chicago, and snowy neighborhoods outside of the city.

The best scene in the film was toward the end when the movie jumped to a year later in time. Jack and Maggie were sledding on a beautiful snowy hill overlooking the Chicago skyscrapers. This allowed fans to enjoy the scenery, get a deeper glimpse into the couple’s complex relationship and feel the holiday spirit as the characters are preparing for another Christmas. 

The movie was a breath of fresh air and a much needed distraction during this hectic, busy and ever-changing time of year. Although much like many other romantic holiday films, this was worth the watch and a funny, relaxing movie.

On Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., a group of four 4 panelists presented their views in a presentation titled, “Discussion du Cupbette: On Franco-American Women’s Future and Life Changing Events.” Held via Zoom, the event discussed what these women have learned as Franco-Americans and what their goals are going forward. The event was free and open to the public.

The panelists were four Franco-American women with various backgrounds, hobbies, and careers. These women were Rhea Cote Robbins, Susan Poulin, Ellen LaFleche and Kristin Lanellier, Ph.D. 

Lisa Michaud, coordinator for community engagement and active member of the Franco-American Center introduced the event, the meaning behind it and each of the speakers presenting. 

Rhea Cote Robbins was the first speaker who talked about her life as both an artist and a writer. Robbins presented on how she established her Franco-American voice as a woman, and her refusal to be confined by societal expectations. She identified the artistic problem that the panel discussed as “What do the lives of Franco-American women look like?”

“I refuse to be censored in the work I am writing because of things like sexism,” Robbins said. “I explore my aesthetic and serve my art, I am both a woman and an artist. I have possessed my aesthetic as my Franco-American parents have taught me to. Modern voice is crucial to the growth of the Franco-American work.” 

Robbins believes that writing helps to solve problems and she creates nonfiction realism that is sometimes seen as controversial. She is the editor of the 2016 anthology titled, “Heliotrope: French Heritage Women Create” which also features writing by other panelists Susan Poulin, Ellen LaFletch and Kristin Lanellier. The anthology is composed of stories from the present lives of French heritage women. 

Susan Poulin was the second presenter during the event who spoke about her time as a writer, performer and artist. She is well-known for her alter-ego Ida, who is a character and used by Poulin in her writing. Much of her presentation focused on her decision to not have children with her partner and the journey she has been through because of it. 

“I thought long and hard about my choice not to have children, and for me, it was absolutely the right option,” Poulin said. “Women would give me a look of pity when I said I didn’t have any kids. There was also a sadness when our friendships drifted when women had a child or two and our paths diverged.”

As a woman, Poulin felt pressure to have children and faced criticism for her decision not to, which is what she shared in her discussion. She is an advocate for a woman’s right to choose whether she has children or not, and speaks out against the pressure women often face to have children at a young age. This passion helped her create a safe-space for child-less women to meet as a group and talk about their experiences. 

“We felt that we were using our time in different ways, our choice gave us the ability to be a resource to others and ourselves,” Poulin said. “Not having kids is an option and we need to talk about that, there is a bias about having children in our society.”

Ellen LaFleche was the third speaker in the presentation who discussed topics of dealing with grief and the passing of loved ones. Beginning with an anecdote from her life, LaFleche explained the invisibility of Franco-Americans and how they are often left out of history and unrecognized.

“When I talk about my work as a Franco-American writer, one of the things I’ve always tried to do is make the invisible visible because we have been such an invisible culture in New England,” LaFleche said. 

LaFleche dealt with the personal loss of a loved one that inspired much of her writing and caused her to question what it means to become a widow and be a woman in the world. 

“I turned to various ‘How to’ manuals on widowhood and grief. They were helpful for things like choosing to sell the house or refinance,” LaFleche said. “One of the things they kept so invisible was that they never acknowledged how when you lose a partner, you lose the physicality and their touch. I needed to write about that and make that invisible link visible as a Franco woman.” 

Originally majoring in biology during her time in school, LaFleche always thought of the body as a metaphor. Her writing focuses on the experiences of being a woman, dealing with grief and savoring the touch of loved ones and the human body.

“I tried to create beautiful metaphors and images about body loss and body joy, and do it in a way that kept private what should be private, but made visible what needed to be acknowledged,” LaFleche said.

The fourth and final panelist in the discussion was Kristin Langellier. Langellier’s presentation was about weaving common threads together that emerged in the work of the other panelists. She used patchwork as a metaphor for life and for the aging process.

“All of these [Franco-American] artists have given their cultural lives a shapely form,” Langellier said. “I think of my patches like age spots, they were always there under the skin and biding time to show up.”

Langellier identified different “patches” in her life that have significantly impacted her journey as a woman and her goals. She ended the presentation by reciting one of her more recent poems about her backyard and the woods called “Picking Up.” Most of her recent writing has been poetry-based because of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything that has happened this year. 

To read work by these Franco-American authors you can find “Heliotrope-French Heritage Women Create” available online at Amazon. To see a list of upcoming events sponsored by the Franco-American Center, please visit https://umaine.edu/francoamerican/.

Happy November! Now that the crisp leaves are almost done falling, the snow is sprinkling and holiday drinks are at Starbucks, it’s almost time for the holiday season! What better way to start the season off right than to celebrate with even more holidays? Here are five national holidays in November to keep you and your friends having fun this month. Remember, there is always a reason to celebrate!

Monday, Nov. 9: National Art Museum Day

National Art Museum Day will be a great day to grab some friends and explore new places. Whether it’s to the Zillman Art Museum in downtown Bangor or a trip to campus to view the Lord Hall Art Gallery, there are plenty of ways to get out and celebrate this holiday! Art is a valuable part of our culture that is all around us, as seen in the many sculptures around campus. Make sure to give your artistic friends a text of appreciation, or visit your favorite piece of art to celebrate this day.

Tuesday, Nov. 10: National Vanilla Cupcake Day

Who doesn’t love a fresh vanilla cupcake? Stop by your local bakery on Tuesday and pick up a delicious treat on the way to campus! If you find yourself running late or are in the mood to stay in, you can always order a cupcake for pickup using an app like Doordash or Uber Eats. Cupcakes are delicious, inexpensive and a perfect way to get your week off to a good start and do something small for yourself — you deserve it! Ways to celebrate include supporting a local business and picking up some cupcakes for friends, or grabbing ingredients at Hannaford and making your own. Make this day as sweet as a treat, and always remember to take time for yourself and splurge on dessert once in a while.

Wednesday, Nov. 11: National Singles Day

This one’s for all the single ladies, as Beyoncé says! Wednesday is a day meant to celebrate you. The winter season is a time meant for chilly weather, laughter and hot chocolate, so make sure to give yourself some love and appreciate your independence. Take yourself out for a shopping spree, go out to dinner, have a movie night in with a face mask and remember that this is the time to do things that make you happy. Relationships might be blossoming during this time of year, but learning to love yourself and to celebrate being independent is the most important thing.

Thursday, Nov. 12: National Happy Hour Day

Thursday is National Happy Hour Day. It is a day to celebrate friends, eat good food and enjoy a festive drink (if you are 21 of course). This holiday is all about bringing people together and being happy, so make sure to do something for yourself and others today. Remind a friend how much you mean to them and take them out for a treat! It can be a pizza at OHOP, an Aroma Joes latte or even some Olive Garden breadsticks. 

Friday, Nov. 13: World Kindness Day

Being kind to someone can make their day and turn their entire mood around, which is what this holiday is all about! Not only is this a national holiday, but it is celebrated around the world as a day for spreading joy and kindness to everyone around you. Giving someone a smile, helping someone with their books or even holding open the door can make someone’s day brighter and can leave a lasting impact. No kind act goes unnoticed, so make sure to do as many nice things as you can on this day, and to leave your bright mark on the world!

All of the holidays included were found on NationalToday.com. Enjoy each day of this week and continue making memories. Happy celebrating!

The Zillman Art Museum located in downtown Bangor opened a new exhibition on Oct. 27 titled, “Living Windows: An Immersive Media Installation by Gene A. Felice and Kimathi Moore.” Running through May 1, 2021, the art experience is free and open to the public, bringing contemporary art to the local community. 

“We have a very defined mission and focus for the museum,” Executive Director and Curator for the museum George Kinghorn said. “In our changing exhibition program, we are working with established artists who have a reputation, and we find them by scouting out a wide range of sources. We are mindful of creating a diverse experience, and we want to cover the whole spectrum of contemporary art. ‘Living Windows’ is more experimental, it involves a video and sound for a complete picture.” 

One of 12 exhibitions each year, “Living Windows” includes new media work that is centered around micro and macro algae in aquatic ecosystems throughout Maine, California and North Carolina. The immersive experience includes video and sound for viewers to watch and listen as bodies of water flow into Earth’s oceans. The artists included in the exhibition are Gene A Felice II, who provided the visual multimedia artwork and video, and Kimathi Moore who collaborated with Felice to create accompanying sounds for her media display. 

“When you enter the space, there are elements that are always changing at various points, making it very engaging for the viewer to witness,” Kinghorn said. “The space transforms because of the light projected on the objects. You are immersed in this moving piece through video and it is an installation piece where different components are coming together in one experience of art.”

Felice and Moore created this work specifically for the exhibition, in order to respond to the gallery space and design the project for the concept and theme. Felice’s work involves video pieces and projections mapped on the walls with 3D printed objects that are inspired by algae. Felice is a former University of Maine professor who teaches at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Kimathi Moore is an electronic artist in Asheville, North Carolina. 

“We wanted to present a video exhibition, and we haven’t done a lot of new media and digital work in the past so we wanted to give people a full picture of contemporary art,” Kinghorn said. “I wanted something that could be up for a long period of time because it’s labor intensive. We contacted Gene Felice and began working on an idea for the show, going through a number of revisions for the concept, agreeing on one, and producing it.” 

The museum hosts 12 exhibitions annually which feature contemporary artists from all over the country, and the exhibitions are changed out every four months with new shows. There are five galleries in total at the museum, and “Living Windows” is currently located in the Zillman Gallery. 

“There is an environmental aspect to the show,” Kinghorn said. “The work explores the intersection of science and technology, of art research and science. The video is a form of digital storytelling and is viewed in the space of the exhibition.” 

The Zillman Museum focuses on displaying contemporary art in their galleries that can leave a lasting impression. Kinghorn’s as curator involves to finding new artists, planning exhibitions, creating floor plans and scheduling each show. Most of the exhibitions put on by the museum are planned up to three years in advance, requiring time for creating the art, practicing and finding a strategic layout for the work to be displayed.

“Experiencing works of art sometimes cannot be translated into electronic means or reproductions,” Kinghorn said. “Subtleties like the scale or surface treatment of art are hard to capture without seeing the work face to face, which is why we are so grateful that we are open again. We want people to have the opportunity to add brightness during this challenging time and experience art live and directly.”

The museum is adhering to state guidelines and is only allowing a limited number of guests in the museum at a time to ensure the safety of others. It was reopened on Aug. 4 after the pandemic shutdown, and visitors from over 30 states have come to experience the art since. 

“Not only are we serving the local and university community, but we are also reaching a wider audience because we are the only art museum in the region,” Kinghorn said. “People are coming from all over to visit Maine, [and] they want to spend time in a place with a lower number of COVID-19 cases and experience enriching things.” 

The museum is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 40 Harlow Street in Bangor. To learn more information about the exhibit or guidelines for visiting, please go to www.zam.umaine.edu.

Released on Oct. 2, 2020, Netflix’s newest comedy-drama series, “Emily in Paris” has rom-com fans buzzing. Starring actress Lily Collins, the series brings a fresh and binge-worthy romantic comedy to the streaming service. Created by Darren Star, the show features one 10-episode season which includes episodes that range from 20-40 minutes long. Each episode is titled by a catchphrase that accurately prepares fans for what they can expect during the episode.

The series revolves around a hard-working and fashionable young woman named Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, who gets an opportunity to work for a marketing firm in Paris. Her boss in America finds out she is pregnant, and Emily gets the chance to move her life from Chicago to France and work in Europe for one year. Emily’s journey is met with many trials and struggles, but it is also a rewarding and eye-opening experience for a woman who has never traveled abroad. 

With punchy comedic lines and sass, the show never has a dull moment and makes sure to keep its audience on their toes. Emily’s French coworkers at the marketing firm give her a hard time which takes Emily some time adjusting to as a woman who is used to the ways of America. 

The cast includes Lucas Bravo, who plays Emily’s downstairs neighbor Gabriel, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, as Emily’s new French boss, Sylvie and Camille Razat as Camille, Gabriel’s girlfriend and Emily’s friend. Each actor is dressed in fashionable French clothing that well reflects their character’s personality and style, including Emily who always shows up to work in the most daring, bold and colorful choices. 

The first episode of the series introduces viewers to Emily’s character and story, while also setting up the plot with the background information needed going forward. The characters who are playing roles in America behave much differently than the ones Emily encounters once she moves to France. This makes it hard for Emily to adjust to her new surroundings, which is a relatable experience for any American traveling abroad to a new place with a different culture.

The setting of Paris where Emily lives and works is vibrant and romantic. It well reflects the adventurous and spontaneous side of her personality that she is being forced to embrace during this time of change. Her small apartment overlooks a beautiful view of the city and always keeps her on her toes with its quirks, broken showers and vintage charm. The setting adds depth and romance to the show and allows viewers to fall in love with the city and see it with fresh eyes, just as Emily’s character does. 

Collins’ French co-star Bravo plays Emily’s acquaintance and eventual love interest in the show, who happens to be a well-respected chef and her downstairs neighbor. As a large part of each episode, Bravo’s character is realistic, charming and down to earth. Collins and Bravo have immaculate on-screen chemistry, making their interactions as tense and refreshing as one needs from a rom-com. 

The soundtrack to the series is a mixture of contemporary pop music as well as French love songs that help create the atmosphere of romance in each episode. The actors are mostly French and blend seamlessly into the world that the producers have been created for Emily in Paris. Emily’s strong and quirky personality is the star of the show, and the thing that I look forward to most every time I watch it.

The University of Maine is a school that prides itself on the celebration of diversity and each individual that is a part of it. Sitting on a piece of land that once belonged to the Penobscot Nation, the university pays tribute to the Penobscot tribe and makes sure they are represented in the community. 

On Oct. 15 at 12:30 p.m., the Social and Marxist Studies Series hosted a webinar titled, “The Doctrine of Christian Discovery and Domination, Colonizing Indigenous Peoples, and the State of Maine,” virtually over Zoom.

This public event was free and hosted by Michael Swacha, a lecturer of English and philosophy, who organized and moderated the virtual discussion. This is the second program in the series, and it is available to listen to on the Socialist and Marxist Series website. 

Retired Professor of Philosophy Doug Allen introduced the topic for discussion and gave a brief overview of what the audience could expect during the program. Three panelists were given time to present their findings and thoughts, and then the floor was opened up for discussion via the chat function on Zoom. 

Chair of the Episcopal Committee on Indian Relations and former Executive Director of Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission John Dieffenbacher-Krall was the first panelist in the discussion. Krall is also an activist and volunteer who has held the position of executive director for 12 years. 

Krall presented his findings on the Doctrine of Christian Discovery and Domination and gave an overview of its meaning and significance. The doctrine promoted the moral justification of taking control of non-Christian lands, and formed the basis for the annexation of land belonging to the Wabanaki land other Indigenous groups. Krall also appeared as a speaker in the series 27 years ago in 1993, when he was speaking on the topic of addressing healthcare in the state of Maine. 

Chair of Native American Programs and Associate Professor of Anthropology Darren Ranco, was the second panelist in the program and is a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. He further discussed the doctrine, highlighting its connection and relevance to the state of Maine. Ranco also presented on Maine’s Constitution and explained its relation to the doctrine.

One aspect of the presentation dealt with unpacking the consequences of creating doctrines such as this one, and how “otherness” quickly became a part of domination and superiority when dealing with the rights of Indigenous people, especially in the Maine Supreme Court. This “otherness” has led to racialization, and for some, it creates both rationale and opportunities for the appropriation of land and water sacred to Indigenous communities. 

Chelsea Fairbank was the third speaker in the panel and is a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology and environmental policy. Fairbank gave a presentation about the more specific effects of the doctrine and shared facts surrounding its use and ramifications. Fairbank unpacked a specific ongoing court case in which the state of Maine is claiming exclusive jurisdiction: Penobscot Nation v. Frey/Mills. This case began in 2015 and is still ongoing and awaiting the verdict. The Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, enacted by Congress, is the basis for this case.

Fairbank discussed this case’s connection to the Penobscot River and drew in other panelists’ points about racial dominance through territorial takings. Sacred rivers and lands that Indigenous people inhabit hold a historical and cultural significance that is often lost and forgotten when they are taken, a point Fairbank and the other speakers stressed the importance of. 

Many professors and audience members who attended the program asked questions about the doctrine and the court case as mentioned by Fairbanks as they engaged in discussions with the panelists. The panelists provided updates on the case of Penobscot Nation v. Frey/Mills and further explained the current specific research they are doing that is relevant to the field. 

The Socialist and Marxist Studies Series has two more upcoming virtual programs for the fall 2020 semester. These include a panel on Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m. titled “Karl Marx in 2020,” and one called “The Humanities as Activism in Chicago” which takes place on Nov.12. 

To learn more about upcoming events or the Socialist and Marxist Study Series, please visit https://umaine.edu/socialistandmarxiststudiesseries/.

4/5 Stars

On Oct. 7, 2020, Netflix released its newest Halloween original movie, “Hubie Halloween.” Starring well-known comedic actor Adam Sandler, this fall favorite didn’t fail to impress.

With a run time of 1 hour and 42 minutes and a rating of PG-13, the film has already hit No. 1 on Netflix’s charts and has fans on social media talking. Sandler’s unique personality brought the movie to life and made it something to love. The movie was full of punch lines and funny phrases only an actor as esteemed as Sandler could execute flawlessly. 

The plot centered around a man named Hubie Dubois who both has a love for his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts and a love for all decorations and activities related to Halloween. Although his spirit is admired, he usually finds himself being the brunt of every joke and mocked by both parents and kids in the town. As a good-natured citizen of the community, Hubie is shocked to learn of a real crime committed in his town and vows to get to the bottom of it. With help along the way and support from his high school crush and his mom, Hubie’s underappreciated humor and love for the town starts to get noticed by those he loves.

Members of the cast include Sandler as Hubie Dubois, Noah Schnapp who plays Tommy Valentine, Paris Berelc as Megan and Kevin James who plays Sergeant Steve Downey. The film also includes appearances by many well-known supporting actors who are seen in many Sandler films. These stars include Jackie Sandler as Tracy Phillips, Rob Schneider as Richie Hartman, Maya Rudolph as Mrs. Hennessey, Tim Meadows who plays Mr. Hennessey and Ben Stiller who plays Orderly Hal. 

Sandler and Tim Herlihy wrote and produced the film. It was directed by Steven Brill, who is known for directing the 2018 Netflix Original titled, “Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh.” Sandler and the rest of the cast were dressed in fashionable fall clothing, and on the night of Halloween many of the actors wore colorful costumes that are staples of the festive season. Some were dressed as characters like Harley Quinn, the Headless Horseman, the Tin Man, Scream, Freddy Mercury and Red Riding Hood. 

Sandler’s character Hubie also sported a large red swiss army thermos that had hundreds of uses and helped shapeshift into whatever he needed to get out of sticky situations. The thermos transformed into functional tools like an umbrella, a screwdriver, a flashlight and dozens of others as he needed them, and he carried it with him in every scene of the movie.

The acting of the cast was realistic and full of humor, and even the minor characters in the film had their time to shine and held a lasting impression. Every character developed their own distinct personality and was seen growing and adapting to each situation the plot put them in. This, along with the festive music score and the Halloween decorations set all around the town of Salem made for an exciting and enjoyable movie to watch.

Overall, “Hubie Halloween” is a festive favorite that helps to get you in the fall spirit and take your mind off of everything else going on in the world. Although it includes many adult jokes and a few inappropriate innuendos, this movie is one of a kind and suitable for most families and for any college student looking for a fun movie to watch on a night off.

On Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., the University of Maine Lobster Institute hosted its first of a series of webinars titled “Collaborative Chats: Successful Research Partnerships in the Lobster Industry.” The event was hosted virtually over Zoom and included an hour long slideshow presentation and a Q&A after. The webinar was focused on discussing collaborative research efforts in the lobster industry, and brainstorming ways to strategize how collaborative research can be made a priority.

The Lobster Institute developed the series to help inspire new research partnerships across the state by connecting and hearing from both old and new participants in related research. Amalia Harrington from Maine Sea Grant co-hosted the event with Jessica Waller from the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), and both also served as moderators for the discussion. The talk was sponsored by Maine Sea Grant, Maine Department of Marine Resources and The Lobster Institute.

Carl Wilson, director of the bureau of marine science, and a member of Maine DMR began the webinar with his presentation titled, “Lessons from a Collaborative Trapping Experiment in Tenants Harbor.” Wilson discussed how he got involved with the project, and his previous experience working on a science experiment in Monhegan, Maine. Wilson was collaborating on a controlled experiment in an un-fished area and worked with fishermen to collect data. He later worked in Tenants Harbor, where he had the opportunity to test impacts for trap density on catch in a heavily-fished area. 

The Lobster Research Collaborative started in 2018, created by the Maine DMR in order to help encourage project collaboration in the lobster industry. The program helps to fund different experiments and collaborative projects relevant to the field, while also keeping people informed and updated on current findings and research opportunities. The collaborative meets quarterly and shares research and finding updates, suggestions, support and news for collaboration moving forward.

Wilson included a slideshow presentation during his discussion that showcased his time working in collaborative experiments in connection to the DMR. Tenants Harbor and Monhegan were two of his completed research collaborations, and Wilson shared stories of his success, failures and findings while doing this research. His presentation was followed by a short discussion with Josh Miller, a lobsterman on the fishing vessel Dorcas Anne in Tenants Harbor who worked with Wilson during the collaboration.

“The experience with the collaboration was definitely long lasting for me. Tenants Harbor is a pretty friendly collaborative research harbor,” Miller said. “For myself, that was the beginning of collaborative research for me, and I have done a lot since then. I love it, and it’s a great way to scratch the science itch. It was a great experience overall, and we learned a lot from it.”

Members of the audience were encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback and offer their own stories from personal experience working in collaborative environments. One participant, Richard Wahle, a research professor at the school for marine sciences and director of the Lobster Institute, offered further insight into the work that Wilson was doing and on the lobster industry.

The Lobster Institute is hosting three remaining webinars as a part of this series, all ranging in topic and featuring different professors and researchers in the industry. The first will be on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., where Dr. Bob Steneck, a professor in the school of marine sciences at UMaine, and Dave Cousens, a lobsterman from South Thomaston, Maine, will be co-hosting their presentation, “A Retrospective Look at Collaborative Research in Maine.” 

The next webinar following will take place on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. and will feature marine science graduate student Cassy Leeman, Ready Seafood employee Curt Brown and Eric Payne from Inland Seafood. The last webinar of the semester will take place on Dec. 2 and discuss the relationship between scientists and lobstermen. All webinars will be recorded and shared online following each event. 

To see a list of upcoming webinars, learn about Maine Sea Grant, or to find out more information on any of the projects, please visit seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/american-lobster-initiative/. To get in contact with the Lobster Institute or find out about upcoming research opportunities, please email lobsterinstitute@maine.edu.

5/5 Stars

To many, organizing closets is a daunting task often avoided like the plague. However, there are a select number of people in the world who get enjoyment out of cleaning and organizing and have made it into a career. In the new Netflix series “Get Organized with The Home Edit,” Hosts Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer show us a glimpse into their lives as professional organizers. 

Released on Sept. 9, 2020, the reality TV show already has a large fan base and social media following. Featuring stars like Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Zoe, Eva Longoria, Neil Patrick Harris, Kane Brown and Khloe Kardashian, the series revolves around Teplin and Shearer’s journey around the country as they tackle some of the messiest, biggest closets they can get their hands on. 

The organizers have a team of helpers who work with them on each case, and the team meets in the client’s house and sets a plan for the place they are going to organize. They provide labels, hangers, clothing bags, storage boxes and anything else the space needs in order to come to life and to be as functional, organized and beautiful as possible. The team not only focuses on making the space look tidy and put-together, but they also take notice of the color scheme and try to make the space aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching.

Perfect for a night-in or a show to watch with friends, this series is current, laid-back and fun to watch. Teplin and Shearer fill every episode with equal amounts of work and play, making sure to enjoy all of the fun moments and laugh with their team as they make the most out of the hard work they are doing. This show is perfect to watch when you need a few minutes to relax, destress and not have to follow the serious and complex plotline of a chronological show like Game of Thrones. 

In the first episode of the series, Teplin and Shearer reunite with star and friend Reese Witherspoon as she attempts to organize all of her film and work memorabilia in her new home. The girls organize each of Witherspoon’s things in a large white closet that is dedicated solely to the costumes and memorabilia from acting roles Witherspoon has played. The team also makes a designated section for her award show gowns, shoes and organizes each part of the closet by movie title or event. 

The show has one season on Netflix, and each of the eight episodes runs about 40 to 50 minutes long. The professional organization company, known as The Home Edit, is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has over 1 million followers on Instagram and social media. The company has a website where they include a blog, list of services, books, videos, a biography and more. They even offer an online store where they sell organizational items such as custom labels, canvas storage bins, acrylic organizers and links to the clothes that have been worn by Teplin and Shearer on the show. Many of the other members of the team often wear The Home Edit merchandise on the show, which is also available to buy on the site. To visit The Home Edit website or to learn more about professional organization and the Netflix series, go to thehomeedit.com.

The fall semester on the University of Maine’s campus has brought many adjustments for students and faculty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With all of the new guidelines and precautions in place to keep students safe, groups and organizations have been brainstorming creative ways to welcome students back and keep them involved.

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) has been working to provide engaging activities for students who still wish to stay connected to the university and meet new people. Members of the CSI Benjamin Evans, coordinator for campus activities and Mackenzie Bumpus, graduate assistant for campus activities, collaborated with the Office of Admissions to host Fall Welcome Week and plan upcoming activities for students. 

“We spent time looking at what other colleges were doing for their back to school events, brainstormed with colleagues at other institutions, and figured out how to best support our students,” Evans said. “We also evaluated the spaces which we were programming in, and changed them to allow for social distancing.” 

Fall Welcome Week was a week-long program that ran from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30 and allowed new students to get accustomed to university life and interact with returning students in new ways. The week included events such as residence hall move-in, welcome tabling, Reality U, self-guided tours, a magician, drive-thru kits, mask making, and many other opportunities for students and their families to learn what UMaine is all about. 

“Due to the pandemic, we wanted to offer events that students could attend from the comfort of their room, which is when our Drive Thru Kits were born! Each kit contained all the materials needed for the event, a Zoom code, and directions,” Evans said. “Our slogan is ‘if it’s free, it’s for me!’, and with this in mind, we knew that all of our events needed to be free and fun for our students.” 

One event that took place on Monday, Aug. 31 was the Center for Student Involvement’s own mask making activity. 

“With face coverings being required on campus, we wanted students to at least have fun while wearing them,” Bumpus said. “We designed different styles for students to choose from and ironed them on, after they were cut from the Cricut machine. We definitely will be doing this event again!”

CSI is an office within the Division of Student Life that serves to create a connection among students on campus by hosting events and activities that provide new opportunities. The center also allows students the chance to host and plan their own events on campus as a part of the Campus Activities Board. One new aspect of CSI’s website is the inclusion of dozens of virtual activities and events that students can watch and participate in. 

“The university as a whole has been making sure that there are plenty of activities and events for students to enjoy while social distancing and remaining as safe as possible,” third-year anthropology student Autumn Rogers said. “It still feels like home here, and places like the [CSI]  have helped to make this scary transition to remote learning and social distancing much more fun and enjoyable.”

CSI is currently planning to host their Late Night at the U series throughout the rest of the academic year. They host events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and they will be offered as both virtual and in-person opportunities for students to attend. Their next event is on Monday, Sept. 7 and is called Virtual Labor Day Monday Mingo.

To learn more about CSI and for a schedule of upcoming events and activities, please contact um.getinvolved@maine.edu, check them out on social media @um.getinvolved, visit in person at Room 145 of the Memorial Union, or check out their website at umaine.edu/studentinvolvement.