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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Texas Hospital Confirms Ebola Case

A Texas hospital patient has tested positive for Ebola, making the patient the first case diagnosed in the United States. The test was conducted at the state public health laboratory in Austin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the positive result.

The patient is an adult with a recent history of travel to West Africa. The patient developed symptoms days after returning to Texas from West Africa and was admitted into isolation on Sunday at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with the CDC, the local health department and the hospital to investigate the case and work to prevent transmission of the disease. The hospital has implemented infection control measures to help ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease. Early symptoms of Ebola include sudden fever, fatigue and

Camden International Film Festival Announces 2014 Festival and Points North Documentary Forum Awards

Camden, Maine  The Camden International Film Festival announced the award winning films from its tenth edition, which marked the end of a four-day weekend that included the screening of over 70 films from dozens of countries, as well as the 6th Points North Documentary Forum. The festival hosted over 150 filmmakers and industry leaders, with filmmakers in attendance for almost every public screening and an increased number of passes sold, despite the beautiful autumnal Maine weather.
This year’s Harrell Award for Best Documentary Feature went to CIFF’s Opening Night film VIRUNGA directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, who attended the festival to present his film and went on to accept the award via Skype. The Jury, consisting of Susan Margolin(President, Docurama), Banker White (Filmmaker, THE GENIUS OF MARIAN) and Cecily Pingree (Filmmaker, BETTING THE FARM) awarded their Special Jury Mention to J.P. Sniadecki’s THE IRON MINISTRY which had its US Premiere at CIFF and continues on to play the New York Film Festival later this week.
This year’s Emerging Cinematic Vision Award sponsored by Vimeo went to APPROACHING

Eastern Maine Community College Students to Partner with Orono Police Department to Stage Traffic Stops

BANGOR, Maine – Students in Eastern Maine Community College’s new criminal justice program will be participating in mock traffic stops with the Orono Police Department.

These exercises will take place on Wednesday, October 1st from 1:00-1:50pm and Thursday, October 2nd from 9:30-10:45am in the parking lot located on the east side of Penobscot Hall on the EMCC campus in Bangor.

Students will role-play as police officers and react to a mock-scenario that warrants pulling over a vehicle. These scenarios can range from a basic stop sign violation, to travelling at excessive speed, to swerving over the center line. According to Cornel Plebani, instructor for the criminal justice program, this will enable students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to changeable factors and scenarios.

“These experiential exercises will test students’ ability to navigate a stop scenario,” says Plebani.

Portland's Parks Commission to Host 5th Annual Green Space Gathering

WHO: The City of Portland's Parks Commission members; Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Vizza, Executive Director, Friends of the Public Garden, Boston Common; Special Guest Speaker Wolfe Tone, Maine State Director, The Trust for Public Land.

WHAT: An annual gathering to discuss the past, present and future of Portland's parks and open spaces.

WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

WHERE: Ocean Gateway, Portland.

City’s Façade Improvement Program Gives Facelift to Three Buildings & Six Storefronts on Congress Street

Portland, Maine - Thanks in part to the City of Portland’s Façade Improvement Program, three buildings and six storefronts on Congress Street have been, or are in the process of, getting a facelift. The City’s Economic Development Department created the program, and collaborates with the Planning & Urban Development to administer it. The funding, which helps to leverage private investment, comes from the City’s Community Development Block Grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

”The Façade Program produces such tangible results,” said Greg Mitchell, Portland’s Economic Developer Director. “This is an effective program to stimulate private sector investment. Thanks to the many property and business owners who have partnered with the City to rehab their storefronts, the experience of Congress Street continues to get better and better.”

Once this second round of the Façade Program on Congress Street has been completed, the public

Sadie Robertson & Mark Ballas Dances The 'Waltz'

Hollywood, California - Seventeen year old actress Sadie Robertson looked stunning as she danced the 'Waltz' with her partner Mark Ballas on the September 29th performance episode of Dancing With The Stars. They danced to a song from the movie UP! entitled "Married Life".

Watch their performance below:

Janel Parrish & Val Chmerkovskiy Danced A Perfect 'Jazz' Routine

Hollywood, California - Twenty five year old actress Janel Parrish and her dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy danced a perfect 'Jazz' routine. Their dance earned them a perfect 40 points during the September 29th performance night from the judges. All the dancers danced to their favorite movie songs.

Watch their dance below:

Collins, King Announce Nearly $2.5 Million to Support Job Training Programs for Displaced Workers in Maine


WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King September 29th announced that Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) will receive $2,499,977 in federal funding from the Department of Labor (DOL) to support and expand ongoing efforts to train displaced workers, including those eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The KVCC project, titled “Advancing Healthcare and Construction Careers in Mid-Maine,” will support job training programs in the construction, healthcare and social assistance industries.

“This grant represents an important investment in the development of Maine’s workforce,” said

Collins, King Announce More Than $400,000 in Grant Funding to Assist Maine Families Living in Public Housing


WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and U.S. Senator Angus King September 29th announced that several housing authorities and municipalities in Maine will receive a total of $401,658 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The grant funding will come through HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) and will be used to help public housing residents and individuals participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to increase their education and gain marketable skills that will allow them to find employment and advance in their current work.

“Public Housing Authorities in Maine play an indispensable role in helping some of our most

Sens. Collins, King Announce nearly $250,000 in Grant Funding to Maine to Benefit Disabled Veterans and Service Members


WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King on September 29th announced that three organizations in New Gloucester will receive a total of $249,497 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide adaptive sports opportunities—at the local, regional, and national level—for disabled veterans and disabled service members of the Armed Forces.

Adaptive sports are those sports that have been created or modified for persons with disabilities.  Funding may be used for such things as training, program development, recreation therapists, coaches, sports equipment, supplies, program evaluation and other activities related to program implementation and operation.

“Adaptive sports are a fantastic platform for our nation’s courageous wounded warriors and disabled

'Happyland' Series Premiere Tonight September 30th

MTV fans are you ready for an all new series? If so, you're in luck as 'Happyland', a new series from MTV premieres tonight, September 30th at 11pm ET/PT. This series stars Bianca Santos ("The Fosters"), Camille Guaty ("Prison Break"), Shane Harper ("Awkward"), Katherine McNamara ("Contest"), Cameron Moulene ("Raising Hope"), Ryan Rottman ("90210") and was created by Ben Epstein.

"Happyland" is a soapy teen dramedy​ exploring the underbelly of one of the country's most popular theme parks, going behind the scenes to reveal the not so magical reality of the park workers. The series centers on Lucy (Bianca Santos), the cynical teenage daughter of idealistic park princess mom, Elena (Camille Guaty).  Having grown up in a world of manufactured happiness her whole life, Lucy wants to get out and experience something real. When Ian (Shane Harper), the new park owner's son, arrives and sweeps her off her feet, Lucy is left wondering if fairy tale endings do exist after all. But when a scandalous secret turns her life upside down, she learns Happyland is far from a walk in the park.

Tune in at 11pm ET/PT on September 30th to see this all new series from MTV.

Sabrina Carpenter - Sydney Trip Part 1 & 2

Sixteen year old 'Girl Meets World' star Sabrina Carpenter shared part 1 and 2 of her adventure to Austraila recently.

Check out her trip video part 1 below.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Heavy is the Head" Airs Tonight September 30th

Photo Credit: ABC
Tonight at 8pm ET/PT, Tuesday, September 30th, fans will be able to watch an all new episode of 'Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' entitled "Heavy is the Head". Hunted and running out of solutions, Coulson puts his team right in the line of fire in the hopes of saving them all. But with General Talbot, Hydra and Creel all on the attack, can they possibly survive? Meanwhile, a mysterious Doctor (Kyle MacLachlan) harbors some dangerous secrets that could destroy one of our core team members.

'Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' stars Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, Ming-Na Wen as Agent

Ashley Argota Hits 'Annabelle' Los Angeles Screening

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Hollywood, California - Twenty one year old 'The Fosters' star Ashley Argota looked simply beautiful wearing a plaid dress and red heels as she hits the Los Angeles special screening of New Line Cinema's 'Annabelle' held at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 29, 2014, in Hollywood, California.

Ashley Spencer Argota born January 9, 1993 is a Filipino-American actress, singer, and student. She is best known for role as Lulu in the Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP. She also co-starred as Kelly Peckinpaw in Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures on Nickelodeon.

Currently, Ashley guest stars on the ABC Family series 'The Fosters'.
Photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

"The Harvey Gamage" The Maine Windjammer Project

"The Harvey Gamage" by Doug Mills
The Harvey Gamage visits Rockland Maine for a gathering of tall ships.[07-13-2012]



"Let your dreams take flight."


Katherine McNamara Hits 'Annabelle' Los Angeles Screening

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Hollywood, California - Eighteen year old 'Happyland' star Katherine McNamara looked simply beautiful wearing a black dress and heels as she hits the Los Angeles special screening of New Line Cinema's 'Annabelle' held at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 29, 2014, in Hollywood, California.

Katherine McNamara is an American actress and singer. She is best known for playing the role of Myra Santelli in the Disney Channel original movie Girl vs. Monster. She will star in the upcoming MTV series 'Happyland' which premieres tonight at 11pm ET/PT on MTV, September 30th.
Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage

Monday, September 29, 2014

Warren Crash Claims Life of Blanche Foss

Warren, Maine - Just before 3 p.m. today, Knox County Deputies responded to a report of a two vehicle head-on crash on Rt. 1 in Warren, just south of the intersection of Rt. 90.  Warren Fire and Rescue were dispatched along with Thomaston and Waldoboro Ambulances.

Witnesses stated that a 2008 Jeep driven by Blanche Foss, 72, of Belfast was driving north on Rt. 1 and for an unknown reason crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a 2005 Chevy truck operated by John Orne, 51, of

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Multi Talented Lauren Suthers

Photo Credit: Steven Wetherbee
Los Angeles, California - Lauren Suthers was born to perform! This 14 year old 'Triple Threat' has performed at some of the hottest venues throughout Southern California from; The Avalon Hollywood, House of Blues Anaheim to Dodger Stadium. She was lead in short films such as; “Hide & Seek”, “Monster”, and featured in “Operation Terror”, and has appeared in numerous print ads and on TV shows. Lauren also has trained with some of the hottest choreographers in the country like: Todd Flanagan, tWitch and Bobby Newberry to name a few.

Lauren was named Rising Star of the Year 2012 on the Jenni20 Countdown Radio & TV Show, featured on 1st Fam FM Radio, TweenPop Radio, as well as, International Australia's FM Radio Stations 2RDJ 88.1 & 100.1 and was named "Stars of Tomorrow Top 5" four times. Look out for her debut EP coming soon!

Her inspiration for music is drawn by experiences in life and through artists like; Adele, Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Her music is about believing in yourself, having fun and never giving up! Dreams do come true if you work hard!


Represented by Actors & Artists Agency, Lasting Legacy PR and is an independent recording artist. Endorsed by Epic Boards.

We recently had the honor to interview this adorable young triple threat about herself and music. Here is what she had to say to us.

When did you start singing?

UPDATED: Warren Crash Victim Dies

Warren, Maine - At 3pm today, Monday, September 29th was a head on crash involving a truck with camper in front of Lewis Farm Equipment. Fire and EMS units from Waldoboro, Warren and Waldoboro rushed to the scene.

According to reports, a 70 year old woman died in crash, unknown of cause at this time.

RCN America Network will update our readers on this story as more information becomes available.

BREAKING NEWS: Fire & EMS Units Respond To Head On Crash In Warren

BREAKING NEWS; Warren, Maine - Fire and EMS Units from Warren, Waldoboro and Thomaston are on scene of a head on crash Monday afternoon, September 29th by Lewis Farm Equipment involving Truck with camper and vehicle. Knox county sheriff is also there. The crash happened around 3pm

Lifeflight is in route with a landing zone at Odd Fellows, State police reconstructionist is in route to the scene from Vassalboro.

One female patient is unconscious with head injuries around 70 years of age. Another patient was transported to Miles by Thomaston EMS. No word if there are any other injuries,

Avoid that area if possible as traffic is being rerouted.

More details to come.

Three Bigelow Laboratory scientists in international ocean acidification research effort in Gran Canaria

Nine mesocosms frames on the dock about to b
e deployed off Gran Canaria in the Atlantic Ocean.
Credit: Kerstin Suffrian, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.
Investigating how plankton responds to changing ocean conditions
East Boothbay, Maine – Three scientists from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences are in Gran Canaria, the second most populated island of the Canary Islands, for a re-run of an experiment that was thwarted by a severe storm there earlier this year. Senior Research Scientist Steve Archer, post doc Kerstin Suffrian and research techician Kevin Posman, will spend the next ten weeks working with a large German-led team from GEOMAR, Kiel, to test how marine plankton respond to changes in acidity and carbon dioxide concentrations in the Atlantic Ocean.
The experiment, KOSMOS GC, involves deploying nine large floating mesocosms, experimental water enclosures, in the ocean. The mesocosms, which hold the equivalent of 45 cubic meters or 45 tons each, will be adjusted to varying levels of acidity in an attempt to simulate ocean acidification over the next 100 years.  The team will monitor how planktonic microbial communities in the mesocosms respond to the changing conditions. At one point they will also add nutrient-rich water from deep in the ocean to the mesocosms, to simulate the upwelling events common around the Canary Islands. Bigelow Laboratory’s team will focus on how the microbial plankton response influences trace gases emissions in the ocean that play a role in atmospheric chemistry and climate.
 “We’ve carried out similar experiments in the Arctic and North Sea and have observed significant

October Programs for Job Seekers at the Wilton CareerCenter

Wilton, Maine - For those who are looking to make a change in careers or get a new job, the Wilton CareerCenter will be offering a variety of programs for job seekers in October. All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. 

"CareerCenters provide the tools to help Mainers find good paying jobs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Looking for a job can be a long process, but you don't have to go it alone. The career counselors at the the centers have helped thousands. It just takes that first step to ask for the help that can make your search shorter and more successful."

Workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To learn more, like the Wilton CareerCenter on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WiltonCareercenter . Maine Veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 645-5800.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation: Thursday, October 2, 9 a.m. to noon.

This orientation is for people with disabilities, who are considering Vocational Rehabilitation

October Programs for Job Seekers at the Machias and Calais CareerCenters

Machias/Calais, Maine - areerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O'Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

"CareerCenters provide the tools to help Mainers find good paying jobs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Looking for a job can be a long process, but you don't have to go it alone. The career counselors at the the centers have helped thousands. It just takes that first step to ask for the help that can make your search shorter and more successful."

To learn more, like the Washington County CareerCenters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-County-CareerCenters/606111642755982 . The following workshops and programs will be held at the indicated CareerCenters. All events require pre-registration in person or by phone.

GATEways to Employment: Group Access to Employment Session October 1, 2 p.m., Calais

October Programs at the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter

Brunswick, Maine - The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, part of the Maine Department of Labor, and its partners offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills and employers to find qualified workers.

"CareerCenters provide the tools to help Mainers find good paying jobs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Looking for a job can be a long process, but you don't have to go it alone. The career counselors at the the centers have helped thousands. It just takes that first step to ask for the help that can make your search shorter and more successful."

The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter in Brunswick continues its series of workshops and programs for job seekers and those considering training to upgrade their skills and increase their employability. For more information on any of the CareerCenters programs, visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com or call 207-373-4000.

The following workshops and programs are free to the public and will be held at the CareerCenter in

Governor LePage Highlights New Jobs and Investment at Jotul

Gorham, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage visited Jøtul’s plant in Gorham this afternoon to welcome jobs back to Maine.

Jotul is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-efficient cast iron wood and gas stoves, and has been a fixture in Maine since the 1970s. The addition of wood stove assembly will double production at the company’s Gorham facility and will create about eight jobs. Jøtul currently employs 75 people in Maine.

“It is a testament to our Maine workers that this international company is moving the manufacturing of all of its North America-sold Jøtul wood and gas stoves, inserts and fireplaces to Gorham,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Jøtul has taken advantage of several of the business-friendly programs our departments offer, including the WorkShare program and our safety programs. These programs have helped Jøtul keep its competitive edge and benefited our workers.”

“Additionally, I have been proud to advocate in support of businesses like Jøtul regarding the EPA’s

October Workshops at the Skowhegan CareerCenter

Skowhegan, Maine - Maine CareerCenters bring job seekers and employers together. For those who are looking to make a change in careers or get a new job, the Skowhegan CareerCenter will be offering a variety of programs for job seekers in October.

"CareerCenters provide the tools to help Mainers find good paying jobs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Looking for a job can be a long process, but you don't have to go it alone. The career counselors at the the centers have helped thousands. It just takes that first step to ask for the help that can make your search shorter and more successful."

Workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To learn more, like the Skowhegan CareerCenter on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SkowheganCareercenter . Maine Veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 474-4950.

GATEway to Employment: Monday, October 6 and 20, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

This workshop will provide you more information about the resources that the CareerCenter has to

October Programs at the Rockland CareerCenter

Rockland, Maine - The Rockland CareerCenter, part of the Maine Department of Labor, and its partners offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills and employers to find qualified workers.

"CareerCenters provide the tools to help Mainers find good paying jobs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Looking for a job can be a long process, but you don't have to go it alone. The career counselors at the the centers have helped thousands. It just takes that first step to ask for the help that can make your search shorter and more successful."

The Rockland CareerCenter continues its series of workshops and programs for job seekers and those considering training to upgrade their skills and increase their employability. For more information, like the Rockland CareerCenter on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RocklandCareerCenter or call 596-2600.

The following workshops and programs are free to the public and will be held at the CareerCenter in

Dozens Turn Out For Karen's 5k Cancer Run/Walk

Rockland, Maine - Under a mainly clear, sunny day, dozens turned out for the Karen's Cancer Run/Walk 5k - Energy 4 Life on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 at Trackside in Rockland, Maine. This walk is in memory of Karen Ware.

Proceeds of this event goes to The Maine Cancer Foundation directed towards clinical research which is what is needed for cures to be discovered and to the "Energy 4 Life" program which helps those locally dealing with cancer in memory of Karen Ware. The money stays in the State of Maine.

There were awards for the top three male & female finishers and for these divisions for both men & women: 14 & under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70+.

Girl Meets World "Girl Meets World: Of Terror" Airs Thursday October 2nd

This Thursday fans of the Disney Channel series 'Girl Meets World' will be able to watch an Halloween themed episode entitled "Girl Meets World: Of Terror". The kids face a trilogy of terror when Riley has a sleepover at Maya's with her Gammy Hart and pet ferret, Auggie confronts the monster under his bed and Farkle tackles his most terrifying fear yet - playing softball.

'Girl Meets World' series stars Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews, Sabrina Carpenter as Maya, Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar, August Maturo as Auggie Matthews, Danielle Fishel and Ben Savage reprising the "Cory and Topanga" roles they made famous in ABC's hugely-popular sitcom "Boy Meets World" (1993-2000).

Maine Salon Owners Join Call for DEP Action

Maine Salon Owners Join Call for DEP Action on Chemicals called Phthalates
Today’s comment deadline starts clock ticking on DEP response to citizen-led rule-making

(PORTLAND)  Over two dozen salon owners and stylists have added their voices to the growing call for disclosure of hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates in consumer products, including lotions, cosmetics, and shampoos.  They announced their support at a Portland salon on Monday, saying the citizen-led rule being considered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would help them protect their customers and their employees, and help build market pressure for safer alternatives.

“Stylists know better than most the dangers of chemicals in personal care products,” said Thomas Leighton, co-owner of Parlour, a new salon on Kennebec Street in Portland. “In order to do our job we are coming in contact with hundreds of products every day.  And just like parents, we generally have almost no information about what’s in them, what’s hidden behind the term ‘fragrance’, and what impact they will have on our health - now and in the future.  It’s incredibly frustrating.”

Today marked the deadline for public comment on Chapter 888, the citizen-initiated proposal to elevate four phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) to “priority chemical” status under Maine’s Kid-Safe Products Act and require manufacturers to report their use in products sold in Maine.  The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine delivered over 400 new public comments to the DEP in Augusta immediately following today’s press conference, including a letter signed by 26 salon owners, stylists, and barbers in Maine.

With the end of the comment period, the clock starts ticking Tuesday on the DEP’s 120-day window to approve or ignore the rule.  Kathy Kilrain del Rio, Director of Programs for the Maine Women’s Policy Center said, “Will the DEP follow the science and stand up for the health of Maine children and pregnant women?  Or will they put their heads in the sand, ignore the pleas of Maine parents and medical professionals, and let this simple right-to-know opportunity pass by without action?  For the sake of our kids and grandkids, let’s hope the DEP says “yes” to collecting information on these four dangerous chemicals.”

Phthalates are toxic chemicals that disrupt testosterone and thyroid hormones, threatening early childhood development and reproductive health.  Human health studies show that exposure causes birth defects of male sex organs, sperm damage, learning and behavior problems, and asthma and allergies.

First developed in the 1920’s and produced in large quantities since the commercialization of PVC plastic, phthalates are commonly used in consumer products found in the home.  They are used in soft vinyl plastics, such as lunch boxes, kids’ backpacks, school supplies, shower curtains, rain jackets, packaging, table cloths, and flooring. They are also hidden behind the word “fragrance”, where they end up in cosmetics, lotions, and other personal care products.

“I’ve got customers with severe allergies; customers whose children have learning disabilities; customers who are struggling to get pregnant and are wondering why,” said Brenda Broder, owner of Amore Styles in Portland.  “It’s on everyone’s minds, but there are too many questions, and not enough answers.  As business owners, we want and need good information.  And when that information is low-cost and easy to come by, as in this case, it’s hard to understand why the DEP would wait one more day to take action.”

Earlier this year 25 Mainers had their bodies tested for the presence of seven different phthalates.  The results, published in “Hormones Disrupted: Toxic Phthalates in Maine People”, revealed that every one of the participants had phthalates in their bodies, some at very high levels.  The information in the report ignited parents across the state, who undertook the citizen-initiated petition effort in order to find out more about which everyday products contain the dangerous chemicals. 

In May, study participants and other activists gathered and submitted the signatures of 2,071 Maine people to the DEP - more than 13 times the number needed to start the rule-making process.  Petition signers came from 168 towns representing every county in Maine.  Signers included 125 legislators – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – many of whom were the first to sign from their towns. 

At July’s public hearing, over 70 people spoke in favor of the rule, no one spoke against, and the Maine Small Business Coalition submitted a letter of support signed by 126 small business owners. 

“Small steps like this are what lead to big changes is the market,” said Broder.  “Think about BPA – today you’d struggle to find a hard plastic product that contains BPA on store shelves.  Here in Maine we work together and lead by example.  We take small steps and we make a big difference.  It’s why I’m proud to be from here and why I started my business here.  I hope the DEP takes this opportunity to stand up for Maine families and businesses by approving this rule and helping us get good information about these dangerous chemicals.”

“Starting tomorrow, the DEP has the chance to take meaningful action to protect children and adults from these hormone disruptors,” added Kilrain del Rio.  “No more delays; no more excuses that there are other priorities.  We’re looking for information we can’t get anywhere else about a chemical that we are all exposed to and is truly one of the worst-of-the-worst.  Will the DEP let the clock run out on Maine kids, parents, and salon workers?”

The draft rule can be found on the DEP website under Chapter 888. 


THE LEAKY BOOT JUG BAND

THE LEAKY BOOT JUG BAND performing at the 
Sail, Power and Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, 
Saturday, October 4th at 7:30 PM . 
They are great fun, full of energy and good musicians to "boot."
Phone#: 207-701-7627
Reserve seats or at the door: $12.00
Featuring the  LEAKY BOOT JUG BAND


The Goldbergs "Mama Drama" Airs Wednesday October 1st

In the upcoming episode "Mama Drama", Adam’s desire to be the lead in the school musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” goes unfulfilled when he’s cast in something other than the leading role. Insistent her son is a star, Beverly casts Adam in a rival show, but when he becomes too self-obsessed for the rest of the cast, Beverly makes a drastic decision. Meanwhile, Murray’s disdain for traffic results in leaving every sporting event early much to Barry’s dismay, including a Flyers game that ends with an unprecedented event, on “The Goldbergs,” Wednesday, October 1st (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“The Goldbergs” stars Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Bridesmaids”) as Beverly Goldberg, Patton