Auction in Belfast features dozens of experiences that money can’t buy

BELFAST, Maine — Have you ever wanted to turn on the Christmas lights that illuminate High Street in Belfast?

Dreamed of striking a pose as a lingerie model for City Drawers on Main Street?

Longed to score a four-hour sail in a cruising sloop with one of the best sailors around?

Desired to dine with a noted mystery author?

This Saturday, these fantasies and others can come true for the highest bidders at the inaugural “Money Can’t Buy It” fundraising auction for Our Town Belfast.

Dorothy Havey, executive director of the nonprofit agency that supports community and creativity in downtown Belfast, said that dozens of folks have come forward with interesting items to donate to the auction. As the name implies, the majority of them are experiences that can’t be bought in shops.

“People have really been amazing with the things they’ve come up with,” she said Tuesday. “It’s about those unique experiences you can only have in Belfast. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be the lingerie model at City Drawers?”

The inspiration for the unusual premise came from the University of Maine Alumni Association, which does its own fundraising auction, as do many area nonprofit organizations. Havey, who used to work at the association, said that two of the donated items that generated the most buzz were the chance to check on black bear cubs with Maine Game Wardens and the opportunity to accompany University of Maine alum Bill Green for his show, Bill Green’s Maine.

“I’ve learned that the more unique the experience became, the more interesting it was,” Havey said. “When you make it so it’s different, it really excites people.”

Although the list of items and experiences is continuing to grow, some of the more unique ones include:

• Going for a leisurely kayak tour of the Passagassawakeag River with Registered Maine Guide (and Belfast City Manager) Joe Slocum.

• Getting three hours of expert historic research guidance with Megan Pinette at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum.

• Sharing lunch with Gerry Boyle, author of such popular page-turners as “Damaged Goods” and “Port City Shakedown.”

• Having the chance to put a message of your choosing on the marquee for the Colonial Theatre.

• Becoming “immortalized” in ice cream by creating a treat that will be named for you at The Cool Spot on Main Street.

• Sailing with Front Street Shipyard’s president, J.B. Turner, on his sloop.

All proceeds from the auction will be used to support Our Town Belfast programs, including the upcoming Old Fashioned Christmas festivities.

“I think that’s why the community’s been so excited about it. We are turning around and re-investing into the community right here,” Havey said.

The preview for the auction and the silent auction will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Belfast Boat House. Music, light refreshments and a cash bar will be provided.

The live auction, featuring auctioneer and Belfast City Councilor Eric Sanders, will begin around 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for a person and $15 for a couple.

For more information, visit www.ourtownbelfast.org.

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Pregnancy Wear: Choosing A Maternity Wardrobe

Pregnancy wear is always heavy on your pockets as you will be wearing them only for a few months. So choosing a maternity wardrobe requires smart thinking to shop wisely and get the most for the money spent. Take a look.

Pregnancy is the most joyful phase for every woman and maternity apparels need to be comfortable, stretchable and durable. Choosing a pregnancy wardrobe means making way for new loose fit clothes for mother and the newborn. From maternity apparels to shoes to lingerie to baby care goods, everything needs to fit your wardrobe and make it an affordable maternity.

Pregnancy Wear: Choosing A Maternity Wardrobe

1. Prefer discount sales, fleet markets, bargain and freebies to buy these clothes. You will definitely find interesting and fashionable apparels that too for less expense. Borrowing a few dresses from friends and relatives who became mommies will cut down your costs even better.

2. Pick Your Own Clothes For Pregnancy Wardrobe – Some loose fit clothes you had shopped long back may come to use now. The wrap around skirts, frilly elastic dresses, ponchos and sarong dresses may be used now. Your yoga pants, lycra leggings, stretch pants and sweaters can be used even now.

3. Pregnancy Lingerie Wear – Purchasing a set of bikini underwear is the right thing to do. They can be re-sized and worn even after baby delivery. A comfortable granny underwear is also a good choice.
While selecting bras, you can go for stretchable sports bras and then buy maternity bras that is easy to nurse the baby. Shop early to get adjusted to these maternity apparels.

4. Pregnancy Footwear – Flat and low heeled shoes is always better as it will maintain the body balance. Open slippers, sandals, slip shoes are comfortable, simple as well as trendy.

5. Pregnancy Party Wear – Wearing blacks and browns will reasonably hide the baby bump. A thigh high stockings will make the legs long slender and neat.

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