Cody Chattin auditioned for and was accepted into Maine All-State Jazz on guitar. He will be attending the three-day long festival and workshop at the brand-new USM Crewe Center for the Arts January 15-17, culminating in a public performance at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Saturday January 17th at 2pm. Cody will perform alongside the best young musicians in the state in this exciting and rigorous opportunity. Wish him luck!

UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS: 

1.  All-State Jazz Festival at USM Crewe Center for the Arts, Jan 15-17.  Cody Chattin attending on guitar with Mr. Gallagher.

2. GSA Honors Combo at Parker Ridge.  Jan 26th 1pm.

3.  Blue Hill Peninsula Stories presents: Back to the Land.  Jan 27th, 6:30pm.  A panel discussion and film screening hosted by the Blue Hill Public Library and recorded by GSA Audio Production students.  

4.  Jazz Districts at Ellsworth High School:  Feb 12 (snow date 2/13).

5. Maine State Jazz Festival at Hampden Academy, March 14-15.

- Mr. Gallagher

The GSA Twinkie made the news this week when it hit fifty years old! Read the full article here.

SOURCE: BANGOR DAILY NEWS

We are currently finalizing plans for the Blue Hill Peninsula Stories project this Spring in the Audio Production I class.  This year will be another collaboration with the Blue Hill Public Library, Galen Koch and Maine Sound & Story.

The topic this year will be 'Back to the Land Movement' of the 1970's and the impact on the peninsula community.  We will have an opening event panel discussion Tuesday January 27th, featuring local legends of the movement, hosted by the Blue Hill Public Library, and recorded by Audio production students.

In the Spring, students will conduct interviews and produce oral history audio interviews that will be edited and archived permanently on the Maine Sound and Story website.  There will be a culminating event at the Blue Hill Public Library (tentatively scheduled for April1) that features the students' work and celebrates the completion of the project.

Stay tuned for more info about this exciting GSA project!

-MR. GALLAGHER

Staying Healthy and Safe This Winter

Welcome back! Here are some key health reminders for the chilly months ahead:

Preventing Colds and Flu:

• Practice Good Hygiene: The best defense against winter germs is frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.

• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your inner elbow to contain respiratory droplets, then wash your hands immediately.

• Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, fatigue), staying home prevents spreading the illness to others and aids a faster recovery.

Avoiding Slips and Falls on the Ice:

• Watch Your Step: Be aware of potentially slick areas like shaded sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that may not appear icy.

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose boots or shoes with good traction and non-skid soles. Avoid wearing footwear with smooth soles when walking on snow or ice.

• Walk Like a Penguin: Take short, slow steps, keep your center of gravity over your feet, and walk with bent knees to maintain balance and reduce the risk of a fall.

Importance of Layering in Cold Weather:

• Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap warm air close to your body.

• Inner Layer: Start with materials that wick moisture away from the skin, such as synthetic fabrics or wool. Avoid cotton next to the skin as it stays wet and can make you colder.

• Middle Layer: This is your insulation layer (fleece, down, or wool) to retain heat.

• Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket or shell is essential to protect against the elements.

• Don't Forget Extremities: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks are vital to prevent frostbite, as significant heat is lost through the head, hands, and feet.