"Maine's online news and entertainment magazine."
VisionPoint Marketing is working with UMA to conduct a Brand Messaging Workshop, and all UMA stakeholders are invited to participate. VisionPoint Marketing will facilitate a 4-hour virtual session on Friday, December 17 beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. This workshop is an INCREDIBLY important part of an INCREDIBLY important initiative, and it cannot be done without your focused participation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today (Nov. 29th) voted to open debate on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Moments later, the motion failed to reach the sixty-vote threshold, threatening a 60-year streak of passing this essential bipartisan legislation and invest in America’s national defense. The Senate has passed this annual legislation for decades, typically on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, to bolster America’s national security, support our men and women in uniform, and strengthen Maine communities. This year’s NDAA was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee by a vote of 23-3.
Prior to today’s vote, Senator King took to the Senate floor to urge his
“David has been a leading force behind Maine’s technology revolution and a dedicated champion for public service,” said
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Brickman’s composition recently received its first live performance in the U.S. since COVID began. On November 9, 2021, the Western Colorado University Percussion Ensemble premiered Brickman’s Saule (2020) as part of their “Rain or Shine” concert on the campus of Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. Additionally, the first movement of his Symphony #5 released on the Navona label (NV 6369) of Parma recordings, based in New Hampshire, on October 22.
Saule, for 6 percussionists is based on two rather antithetical types of materials,
FARMINGTON, ME (November 29, 2021)—The New Commons Project at the University of Maine at Farmington is featuring Arthur Miller’s award-winning drama, “Death of a Salesman.” The performance will take place at the UMF Emery Community Arts Center, Dec. 9-11, at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
The show is free and open to the public, however, reservations are strongly
The Wabanaki Winter Market, a celebration of art created by Wabanaki artists, will return with in-person shopping and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the University of Maine Collins Center for the Arts.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of this signature holiday event,
Washington, D.C. – As ongoing supply chain disruptions impact businesses and consumers, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that seven meat and poultry processors across Maine have received a total of $1,345,000 to help strengthen and streamline their operations. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Program.
“Significant supply chain disruptions have placed financial pressure on Maine’s
The Robin’s Nest’s new space at 173 Main Street is four times larger than the previous location, allowing for expanded offerings, including a larger selection of fresh-cut flowers, plants, and gifts, as well as a daily selection of fresh bouquets, seasonal wreaths, and custom floral arrangements for any event or occasion.
“We quickly outgrew our current shop and were literally working in nearly every empty
Governor Janet Mills today released the following statement regarding the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant:
“I have asked the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to closely track the new Omicron variant, particularly its severity, transmissibility, and its potential impact on Maine people and our health care systems.
“Omicron has not been detected in Maine or the United States as of now. Our
Falmouth, Maine - Volunteers are needed this Saturday, December 4 from 8:00-10:00am to assist with the Ugly Sweater 5K & Merry Mile to benefit Falmouth Memorial Library, all part of Very Merry Falmouth. We need your help to keep our runners safe! It takes 35 race volunteers stationed along the race route to direct runners and maintain a safe course. Can you lend a hand for a couple of hours and help support a great community event?
Sign up to volunteer at: https://www.signupgenius.com/
According to Rockland's Fire Chief, It is with great pride that the City of Rockland announces the following promotions:
Patrick Lowe to the position of Assistant Fire Chief, assigned to C-Shift.
Thomas Shook to the position of Lieutenant, assigned to B-Shift.
Both have shown outstanding leadership in their existing roles and we all wish them the best of luck in their new positions.
The Rockland Public Library presents Jack Flowers, Thursday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all.
Based on a true story, Rat Six centers on the character of Clifford Price, who, like thousands of other young men in the 1960s, is drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He serves as a “Tunnel Rat,” one of many volunteers of slight build who ferret out soldiers on the opposing side from a series of underground labyrinths. Price lives through a series of breathtaking missions and experiences interpersonal clashes with others in his team in this extraordinary tale.
Jack Flowers grew up in Indiana and was drafted in 1967. While stationed as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers stationed near Saigon, he volunteered as a Tunnel Rat; he wrote Rat Six as an act of catharsis many decades later. He has lived with his family in Maine since 2002.
The presentation will take place in the library’s Community Room, with limited seating. For more information, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union Street.
PRESUMPSCOT RIVER (WINDHAM) – Governor Janet Mills and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso Nov. 23rd stocked a portion of the Presumpscot River in Windham with brook trout to highlight Maine’s fall recreational angling opportunities and encourage Maine people to enjoy the outdoors.
“Fall in Maine is a beautiful time of year and a great time to fish,” said Governor Janet Mills. “As an avid angler, I know there’s nothing better for the heart and soul than a little fishing. That’s why I encourage all Maine people to take advantage of the great work that Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does to make one of Maine’s favorite outdoor traditions easy and fun for all of us.”
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) stocks more than
The Mills Administration today announced next steps in the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative’s effort to prepare Maine’s commercial seaports to advance the University of Maine’s patented floating offshore wind technology and attract offshore wind industry investment in Maine.
Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement:
“The Gulf of Maine has some of the strongest winds in the world,
Mills Administration’s plan provides an estimated $126 million for new-hire and retention bonuses for home- and community-based employees
Governor Janet Mills announced Nov. 23rd that the Federal government has approved Maine’s plan to allocate an estimated $126 million in MaineCare funds available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for bonuses for new and existing home- and
New philanthropic gifts to The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have established three new endowed chairs focused on cancer research, innovation and scientific leadership.
Endowed chairs represent the highest accolade an organization can bestow upon
In December 2019, Professor Se-Jin Lee, M.D., Ph.D. and his co-investigator and wife, Dr. Emily Germain-Lee, M.D., professor of
UNE North: The Institute for North Atlantic Studies recently hosted the 2021 fall meeting of the New England Arctic Network (NEAN).
NEAN combines the wealth of academic expertise in Arctic research across New England with researchers, stakeholders, and external partners concerned with environmental, economic, and social impacts. The network provides an ideal community
READ MORE ABOUT SIMULATION AND UNE'S M.S.O.T. PROGRAM
Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced many health professions programs at the University of New England to make changes to the way students completed their clinical studies.
In the fall of 2020, the pandemic forced students in UNE’s Master of Science in
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $200,000 grant to a small, family run meat processing business in Kennebunk. The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) will help Nest & Mullen LLC, a five-generation farm and butcher shop, rebuild their meat processing plant that was destroyed in a September 2020 fire.
“After what was already a challenging and stressful year for so many hardworking
Washington, D.C. – Following a bipartisan push co-led by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), 314 Maine health care providers received a total of $129,052,464 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funding was awarded through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), which assists health care providers facing
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with representatives from United Way of Southern Maine to discuss the importance of childcare services. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins recently secured $95,000 in the draft Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Services Appropriations bill to help the organization expand access to quality child care. The bill must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House.
“As a longtime leader in strengthening community services, United Way of
Washington, D.C.—As home heating prices skyrocket and winter approaches, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent a letter to President Biden today to urge his administration to quickly release funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last week
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Bolstering Infectious Outbreak (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act to address retention and recruitment issues facing vital clinicians and public health professionals and better prepare the American
Washington, D.C. – In order to address the shortage of medical professionals in Maine and across the United States, which has been underscored most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) co-sponsored theRural Physician Workforce Production Act to attract more doctors to rural areas.
“This legislation would extend an important program to address the
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is awarding the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Penquis Community Action Agency a total of $2,302,864 to combat the opioid crisis and confront substance abuse disorders in Maine youth. This life-saving funding comes as the state sees a spike in overdose fatalities due to challenges created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“For years, the opioid epidemic has devastated our communities and robbed
PORTLAND, Maine – Maria Hadjiyane, vice president of ambulatory services at Maine Behavioral Healthcare, announced today that Caroline Raymond has been appointed Senior Director of Community Services for the state’s leading behavioral health provider.
In her new role at MBH, Raymond oversees Behavioral Health Home (BHH), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST) community-based services, which, together, provide care and treatment for more than 2,700 patients and clients annually in MBH’s 12 outpatient clinic locations spread across southern, central and western Maine.
Raymond brings nearly 25 years of leadership and direct service experience to the new role. Prior to joining MBH, Raymond held several positions of progressive leadership at the Maine Department of Corrections’ Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, including screening and assessment counselor, substance abuse counselor, program manager and, from October 2017 to September 2021, superintendent.
Prior to serving as superintendent of the state’s 164-bed secure juvenile facility that provides education, behavioral health, medical and recreational services to offenders ages 11 to 21 throughout Maine, Raymond held several leadership roles at DayOne, a southern Maine-based provider of outpatient and residential substance use and mental health services. At DayOne, Raymond was Director of Youth Development Services, Director of Corrections and Residential Services, interim executive director and CEO.
“As a person with both executive and clinical social work experience as well as extensive relationships within Maine’s behavioral health provider community, Caroline is well positioned to lead our community services programs and ensure the populations we serve receive the care they need and deserve,” Hadjiyane said.
“The opportunity to lead MBH’s community-based services is really a chance to focus on what I’m most passionate about – helping people overcome significant behavioral health challenges,” Raymond said. “I am especially excited to focus on this in
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Medical Center (MMC) announced today it plans to modify its Malone Family Tower construction project to address access to care and capacity challenges and to achieve additional operating efficiencies.
Construction of the 265,000-square-foot building is underway on Congress Street, currently consisting of mainly excavation and foundation work. This new cardiovascular medical tower is the final piece of MMC’s Master Facilities Plan, and will reorient the hospital to Congress Street, expand availability of private rooms and provide state-of-the-art procedure rooms centered on cardiovascular care.
MMC plans to seek city and state approval for the following modifications to the Malone Family Tower project:
Prudent fiscal management, Federal pandemic relief, and rising prices are expected to increase receipts to the State’s General Fund even in the face of flat tax rates
Following its meeting today, Maine’s nonpartisan Revenue Forecasting Committee (RFC) is expected to upgrade the State’s General Fund revenue forecast by approximately $822 million for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, representing approximately a 9.7 percent increase over previous projections for the current fiscal year and next.
“Throughout my time in office, my Administration has responsibly managed Maine’s finances and budget, and this projected increase in revenues
Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is now accepting applications for Phase 1 of the Forestry Recovery Initiative, a multi-phase grant program to support Maine’s forest products industry and the people it employs, create and sustain jobs in rural Maine, and strengthen the state’s economy.
The Governor announced the creation of the
AUGUSTA - The Mills Administration announced today that nearly $38,000 will be utilized by a Maine organization to continue its efforts to reduce food waste by providing food to food pantries to feed Maine people. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has been
Also on the panel will be Afghan Community leaders Sara Jafari, Rona Sayed, Zahid
Normal business hours for the Belfast Transfer Station and the Belfast Free Library will resume Saturday morning, 11/27/2021. Regular business hours for City Hall and all other impacted non-emergency facilities will resume Monday, 11/29/2021 at 7:00 AM.
City of Belfast Emergency Facilities such as the Belfast Police Department and Belfast Fire and Ambulance Department will remain open as usual.
Town Offices
Public Works will close at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 24. All Town offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please note that Town Hall is always closed to the public on Fridays.
Transfer Station
The Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26, but will reopen on Saturday, November 27 for its usual hours of 9:00am-5:00pm.
Holiday Trash & Recycling Collection
Curbside trash and recycling collection for Thursday, November 25 will be postponed until Saturday, November 27. If your garbage and recycling is normally collected on Thursdays, please place your bins curbside by 7:00am on Saturday, November 27 for pick up.
Trash and recycling collection on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will not be impacted by the Thanksgiving holiday and will occur as usual. There is no collection on Mondays in Falmouth. Bins should be placed curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection.
Governor also sends letter to NECEC urging them to voluntarily halt construction of power line until the DEP and the Court reach their independent conclusions
Pursuant to Article IV, Part Third, Section 19 of the Maine Constitution, Governor Janet Mills today signed proclamations certifying the results of the November 2, 2021 election, including:
With the Governor’s signature, these questions are now adopted and set to become law in 30 days.
Having certified the election results, Governor Mills also sent a letter to Thorn Dickinson (PDF), CEO and President of NECEC Transmission LLC, calling on NECEC to voluntarily halt construction of the project:
“I support the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project because it will usher in substantial environmental and economic benefits for Maine, including reducing carbon emissions driven by fossil fuels and suppressing increases in electric rates. But more than any single policy or project, I support the rule of law that governs our society and the will of the people that informs it,” wrote Governor Mills. “While these matters are being considered by the DEP and the Court, I believe CMP should give deference to the will of the voters. On behalf of Maine people, I am asking you to honor their will by immediately halting any further construction on NECEC until the DEP and the Court reach their independent conclusions. While you are not legally obligated to do so at this point, immediately halting construction in a voluntary manner will send a clear message to the people of Maine that you respect their will. I strongly urge you to do so.”
Copies of the signed proclamations:
In the first two weeks of Open Enrollment, over 8,000 Mainers selected plans for affordable 2022 health coverage
AUGUSTA— The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) announced today that 8,278 Mainers have selected plans for affordable health coverage in 2022 through CoverME.gov, Maine’s new Health Insurance Marketplace, during the first two weeks of Open Enrollment from November 1-13. This includes 862 new and 7,416 returning consumers.
At CoverME.gov, Maine people can compare plans, apply for financial
Augusta - Today, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal announced Julie-Marie Bickford as Maine Milk Commission Executive Director effective December 1. Bickford is assuming the role previously held by Tim Drake, who retired after 13 years of service. Bickford will be responsible for the administration of the Commission and be DACF's primary liaison to the dairy industry.
"The Department is excited to have Julie-Marie join the Commission
Governor Mills and Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher issued the following statements today on the U.S. Court of Appeals’ decision to reinstate a 967 square mile fisheries closure off the Maine coast. The closure had been temporarily suspended by U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker in October as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Maine Lobster Union.
“This is a deeply disappointing result. This sudden closure will cause significant economic hardship for Maine’s lobster industry, will cost hundreds of fishermen millions of dollars, and will have a profound impact on businesses that rely on landings during the lucrative late fall and winter months,” said Governor Mills. “We will continue to do all we can in the coming weeks and months to defend Maine lobstermen.”
With the support of Governor Mills, DMR’s science staff deployed seven archival sound traps in October throughout the Gulf of Maine, including one in the LMA1 Restricted Area, to listen for right whales. These sound traps will provide data to better understand right whale habitat use in the Gulf of Maine and ensure that management measures are based on sound science.
“Improved science will mean better outcomes for right whales and for Maine’s vital lobster industry,”continued Governor Mills.
Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher noted the operational and safety challenges posed by the recent court decisions.
“This industry is suffering from whiplash, trying to change plans based on these rapidly evolving court decisions,” said Commissioner Keliher. “Moving gear around 30 miles off-shore at this time of the year also poses a serious safety risk for fishermen. Fishermen’s lives are at stake and NOAA and the courts have an obligation to take fisherman safety into concern when they make these decisions.”
Commissioner Keliher also emphasized the need for the state to remain focused
In partnership with the York County Mental Health Docket, the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services is hosting a three module CLE on December 1, 8, and 15th focusing on mental health. There is no registration fee, but you must register for each module individually. Each program has been MCILS and BBO approved for the listed credits.
**MODULE 1: Introducing the York County Mental Health Docket**
Governor Janet Mills announced today that, effective immediately, all Maine adults age 18 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, regardless of underlying medical condition. Expanding booster eligibility will protect the health of Maine people, limit transmission of the deadly Delta variant, and preserve our health care system's capacity now overburdened because of a sustained surge of COVID-19 cases. Because of this surge, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that all Maine residents live or work in high-risk settings, justifying the expansion of booster eligibility.
“Vaccines are saving the lives of Maine people and keeping them
Farmingdale, MAINE – During a visit to a community solar site in Farmingdale today, Governor Janet Mills declared this week, November 15-21, as National Apprenticeship Week in Maine and underscored the value of Maine’s apprenticeship program in strengthening Maine’s workforce.
The community solar site, which is under construction, is owned-and-operated
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, students and teachers from King Middle School will join leaders from Portland Parks, Maine Audubon, and others to unveil a new interpretive sign about a collaborative “living laboratory” environmental project in Deering Oaks park.
PORTLAND, Maine – Students and teachers from King Middle School will join leaders from Portland Parks, Maine Audubon, and others to unveil a new interpretive sign about an ongoing, collaborative, environmental stewardship project in Deering Oaks park. A short ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 17, at 8:30 a.m. near the Deering Street entrance to the park. It will include remarks from various partners about the “living laboratory” project and its importance, as well as a ribbon cutting to present the site to the community.
The school and several partners adopted an area in Deering Oaks in 2019
PORTLAND, Maine -- The City of Portland’s Arborist, Jeff Tarling, reports that this year’s tree – which is scheduled to be delivered to Monument Square on Thursday, November 18 – was found yet again by coincidence. The 40' Balsam Fir, located on Epping Street in the Riverton area of Portland, is being donated by Patricia Olsen.
“City staff noticed the tree last summer while doing tree work in the area,” said Tarling. “The tree was originally dug up in Pownal, Maine and transplanted in the backyard of the donor along with two others. Richard Olsen, the late husband of the donor,
Kittery, Maine - November is here, and snow is inevitably around the corner; which means the Town of Kittery winter parking ban is currently in effect.
Per Kittery Town Code Chapter 10.3.1.6, from November 1 through April 15, no vehicles shall be parked on any Town way between the hours of midnight - 6:00 AM, regardless of the weather conditions. Violations of the parking ban could result in a fine and the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.
Stay informed and receive storm updates throughout the winter, by subscribing to the Town of Kittery’s E-Alerts. To sign-up, visit our website by clicking here, select “Urgent Alert - Town Alerts” and enter your email.
As the days get shorter and cooler, we know that fall is here, and inevitably winter will follow. Though that means cold and snow, it also means the holidays! Start the season off with the annual Festival of Lights Craft Show hosted by Pope Memorial Humane Society. Two thousand twenty-one marks this Midcoast Maine tradition’s 41st year! On Saturday, November 27th, the show takes place at the Rockland Elks Lodge (210 Rankin St in Rockland) from 9 am to 3 pm.
Admission is $2, and children under 12 are free. The Elks Lodge’s kitchen will be open and serving lunch for purchase. Over 40 artists from all over the state of Maine will showcase unique one-of-a-kind products such as ornaments, jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, holiday-themed items, and so much more. Additionally, there will be a silent
