The Clock is Running on a New Era of Confidence

By Magen Petit
Staff Columnist
YORK COUNTY —
A few days have passed since the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th President of the United States of America and most people are interested in what Pres. Obama has in store for the next four years.
As a country, we wanted change. As a country, we voted for Obama. As a country, we want to see relief from this horrific recession and depressing economic times. We want the country to turn itself around. We want something positive shed upon us. We want everything yesterday, but as with most everything else, time will tell all.
After arriving to the White House around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 after all the celebrations from the previous day, Pres. Obama was reportedly in the Oval Office around 8:30 a.m.
Pres. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attended a prayer service at the National Cathedral. Following that, reports show Pres. Obama met with advisers to “discuss the variety of problems facing his administration and the country.”
Already, the President sought a suspension of the trial proceedings in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
According to reports from the Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. and the Associated Press, Pres. Obama is putting a freeze on the pay of White House employees who make more than $100,000 a year.
“The freeze would hold salaries at their current levels for about a hundred employees,” reported IBS and AP. “It was part of a presidential memorandum that was issued Wednesday when Obama attended a swearing-in for staff at the White House.”
Pres. Obama has begun supporting statements he made during his inaugural address.
The report goes on to say, “In a statement, Obama said ‘families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington.’”
Part of Pres. Obama’s speech read, “…the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
And so, we shall see what the future and Pres. Obama has in store for us as a nation, afterall we’re looking for a new era of peace and confidence.
Be sure to visit the special section of the historic 44th inauguration in this edition of The Weekly Sentinel.

2009 Chocolate Extravaganza in Kennebunk

KENNEBUNK —
There’s only one place to be Sunday, Feb. 1, the Kennebunk’s 2009 Chocolate Extravaganza held at the Kennebunk Town Hall from 12 to 4 p.m. It’s been an annual event since 2001 and with free admission for everyone and with everyone receiving chocolate giveaways, it’s the ‘can’t miss’ winter event in Maine.
“February brings “cabin fever at its finest,” according to event organizer Danie Connolly. “We figured everyone loves chocolate so what better excuse to face the winter elements than to sample every kind of chocolate there is!”
Every year the event features a chocolate sculpture. In the past the sculptures have been a chocolate covered heart, a sand castle with an edible top, and a chocolate dipped man. Last year an eight-foot lobster was built and then covered in chocolate. This year is a 10-foot tall white and dark chocolate lighthouse with a working light!
Although the main purpose of the event is to beat cabin fever, two charities also benefit from the fun. The Art of Kindness is a fuel assistance fund that supports the local fuel fund and will be selling winter prints of the area for anyone that might like to purchase one for the charity.
In addition to them, Ever After Mustang Rescue will be bringing their horses to the event. This charity provides a haven for wild horses from all over the U.S. There will be a table selling “hot dogs for a cool cause” and all profits will be donated to the mustang rescue program.
The day is filled with many other sights and sounds. Miss Maine United States 2008, RaeAnne Seubert and Miss Maine Teen United States, Christina Morse will be making a special appearance at the Kennebunk Town Hall from noon to 4 p.m. Recently crowned, they have been guest hosting a numerous events including www.winafreewedding.com, a year-long event that will be giving away a free wedding for a lucky couple wanting to be married in the Kennebunks. They will be signing autographs and having their pictures taken with the public. The town’s fire department has been collecting their 8x10 glossies every year adding to their collection!
Lucy and Ethel and their Chocolate Conveyor belt will be there along side the crazy Sugar Plump Fairies who make the annual trek to Maine’s favorite chocolate city! Straight Lace, Maine’s favorite band returns for their umpteenth performance playing the crowds favorite tunes as venders compete to give away the best free chocolate.
“It’s very important to our community that everyone is invited… whether you’re two years old or 102, this day appeals to everyone, plus, it’s handicap accessible at the Kennebunk Town Hall which makes it terrific for everyone. Local Kennebunk businesses join in the frenzy in addition to door prizes during the event. It is amazing what some of the businesses tables come up with,” Connolly said.
Some ideas that have been presented in the past are chocolate nachos, chocolate coffee, and a chocolate kiss bustier. They have also had attractions such as a five-foot chocolate fountain with strawberries that the On The Marsh restaurant featured last year as ‘On the Marshmallow’ while Federal Jack’s creates mini hot fudge sundaes as their special giveaways.
FMI call Danie Connolly at (207) 985-8888 or e-mail danie.connolly@yahoo.com.
Photos: Top - Miss Maine United States 2008, RaeAnne Seubert. Bottom - Miss Maine Teen United States, Christina Morse. (Courtesy photos)