Maine Delegation, Governor Mills Announce Lifeline for Maine’s Lobster Industry Secured in Government Funding Package

The regulatory pause was authored by Sens. Collins, King and Reps. Pingree, Golden and supported by Governor Mills

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, and Governor Janet Mills announced that they were successful in securing a regulatory pause for Maine’s lobster industry in the omnibus appropriations bill that is expected to pass the Senate and House this week.

“Maine’s lobstermen and women have long demonstrated their commitment to maintaining and protecting a sustainable fishery in the Gulf of Maine. They have invested in countless precautionary measures to protect right whales, including removing more than 30,000 miles of

Mike O’Neill, CEO of MedicaSoft has been chosen as a winner of the “Healthcare Leader of the Year Awards 2022”

Mike O'Neill of MedicaSoft wins Healthcare Leader of the Year Award 2022

The American College of Healthcare Trustees awards Mike O’Neill as the "2022 Healthcare Board Leader"

“Providing security to patient records is a concern for medical professionals and patients alike, Mr. O’Neill’s work with MedicaSoft is improving the data transfer,” said Dr. Levien, President and CEO”

— “Healthcare belongs to all of us.”

HOULTON, MAINE, UNITED STATES, December 20, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- This week, the American College of Healthcare Trustees (ACHT) went through submissions to their annual Healthcare Leader of the Year Award series in the categories of Inventor, Physician Leader, Healthcare Board Leader, Healthcare Executive Leader, Patient Advocate, and Program Director.

Mike O’Neill, CEO of MedicaSoft has

D&J Mechanical, LLC Expands Heat Pump Installation Service to Rockwood, Kokadjo, and Lily Bay

Dover-Foxcroft Heat Pump Installation Company Logo

D&J Mechanical, LLC Company Truck for Heat Pump Services

D&J Mechanical, LLC Company Trailer for Heat Pump Services

Efficiency Maine Residential Registered Vendor: D&J Mechanical, LLC

Homeowners and business owners in Rockwood, Kokadjo, and Lily Bay, Maine can rely on D&J Mechanical, LLC for trusted heat pump installation services.

We're proud to bring our heat pump installation service to Rockwood, Kokadjo, and Lily Bay. We only deal with the very best equipment, including Mitsubishi mini-splits.”

— Dan Hartford

ROCKWOOD, MAINE, UNITED STATES, December 19, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Respected local company D&J Mechanical, LLC announces the expansion of its heat pump installation service to towns near Greenville, Maine including

Governor Mills Thanks Senate President Jackson, Speaker Talbot Ross for Work to Advance Emergency Energy Relief Plan

As Legislature considers energy relief, Governor takes executive action to deliver heating aid to low-income, older Maine people 

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to Senate President Troy Jackson and House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross temporarily appointing an Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee for the

Strategies for the Snowy Season

How do you plan to spend the winter? Will you hunker down with some hot cocoa by the woodstove, get outside for some active snowy adventures, or head south until the warmth of spring returns?

Just like people, wildlife uses several strategies to make it through the cold

See a bird, report a bird! It's that easy

Any bird observed in Maine between December 14, 2022 and March 15, 2023, will help us complete the five-year Maine Bird Atlas project.

You don’t need to be a birding expert to provide valuable observations to this citizen science project. Every bird sighting helps, even the birds in your backyard or at your feeder. 

 

Sharing your sightings is easy!

Step 1: Go outside OR watch for birds in your yard from the comfort of your home

Step 2: Take note of:

• What species you see
• When (day and estimate of time)
• Where you see it

AND

• How many individuals of a species you see at any one time

Step 3: Create an account at ebird.org/me

Step 4: Log into your account at ebird.org/me and click “Submit.” Follow the prompts to enter your observations.

It’s that easy!  Thank you for sharing your sighting and participating in this project to help guide Maine's future bird conservation efforts.

 

MaineDOT Enhances Efforts to Recruit More Snowfighters

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is enhancing its efforts to hire more snowfighters as the height of the winter season approaches.

The department will be increasing hiring ads on social media in the coming weeks and months in an effort to improve staffing levels. This is in addition to increased pay stipends, competitive benefits, and on-the-job training that

Inauguration of Governor Janet T. Mills to Occur on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in Augusta

Inaugural Celebration to be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023

The Inauguration of Governor Janet T. Mills will take place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta.

The Maine Constitution prescribes that the inauguration of the governor occurs

Governor Mills Recognizes 2022 Recipients of the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence

December 12, 2022

During a ceremony held today at The Blaine House, Governor Janet Mills presented four Maine businesses with her Governor’s Award for Business Excellence.

Since 1991, the annual award has recognized and celebrated Maine businesses with a high level of commitment to their community and employees, as well as exemplary performance in the manufacturing or service profession.

“This year’s award recipients are creating innovative new technologies, strengthening our rural communities, creating new opportunities in our heritage industries, and helping

Literary Titan Award Winning Sci-FI Author & Rising Star J.S. Morang‘s New Book Release: The Atlantis Paradox (11.26.22)

The Atlantis Paradox

Literary Titan Award Winner Jeremy Morang releases Vol.2 in the acclaimed science fiction/space opera series The Guardian War Chronicles: The Atlantis Paradox.

I knew when I was quite young, seven…eight years old…I wanted to write in some capacity. I want to write books. I want to create something from literally, nothing. Manifesting thought into existence.”

— Jeremy Morang

RANDOLPH, MAINE, USA, December 12, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- When Amanda Fielder encountered Charre RaeAsha, the Truckstop One mystic, she never could have believed she’d become responsible for the future of the known universe. Forced to abide by the Oracle vision, she’ll make decisions which she believes is for the greater good and the survival of the human race.

“The timeline is broken, and it needs to

Two Maine Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Natalie Emmerson, a student at Morse High School, in Bath, and Shawn Jiminez, a student at Gardiner Area High School, in Gardiner, were both selected for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will each be attending USSYP’s Washington Week in Washington, D.C. during

Governor Mills Announces $2.25 Million Investment to Strengthen Health Care Workforce in Rural Communities

Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan initiative – matched with other Federal funding – will expand training and career opportunities for doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals

Governor Janet Mills announced today the award of $2.25 million to strengthen Maine’s health care workforce by expanding training opportunities for health care professionals in rural communities and establishing a new system to match people to those opportunities. 

“Rural Maine is my home. I care deeply about the people who live there, and I

Blue Marble Geographics, Developers of the Geographic Calculator, Joins The Open Group OSDU™ Forum

Geographic Calculator® is a powerful geodetic software for accurate coordinate conversion, datum transformation, and file translation.

We’re pleased to join The Open Group OSDU Forum and look forward to making our staff and software even more available to the energy industry through this collaboration.”

— Patrick Cunningham, CEO of Blue Marble Geographics

HALLOWELL, ME, UNITED STATES, December 13, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Blue Marble Geographics® (bluemarblegeo.com) is pleased to announce that it has officially joined The Open Group OSDU Forum.

The Open Group (opengroup.org) is leading the development of open, vendor-neutral technology standards and certifications. The OSDU Forum focuses on

Mills Administration Announces 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grants Program Funding

Augusta, ME - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced nearly $560,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Maine. This USDA grant will help the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) fund projects ranging from managing soilborne diseases in potato production through integrated soil improvement to drought stress management for wild blueberry growers.

Augusta, ME - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)

Governor Mills Celebrates Grand Opening of Newly Converted LP Houlton Mill in New Limerick

$150 million investment already resulting in the manufacture of new siding that will increase company’s consumption of local, sustainably sourced fiber

New Limerick, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today attended a celebration marking the grand opening of the newly converted LP Building Solutions facility in New Limerick.

LP Houlton recently began manufacturing LP’s flagship siding and trim

‘A Tapestry of Small Moments:’ A Story of Success at the Blueberry Harvest School

In the low bush wild blueberry fields of Washington County, there is important work to be done in the month of August. Families come from throughout the state, the country, and the continent to harvest the blueberries that make their way to grocery store shelves and kitchen refrigerators throughout the country. Once the harvest is done, they pack up and move once again, across school administrative unit (SAU), and sometimes country lines. The Maine Migrant Education Program (MEP) partners with the nonprofit organization Mano

300 Grams of Meth Seized After Traffic Stop

A traffic stop led to an arrest and more than 300 grams of Methamphetamine seized by Troopers.

On August 24, 2022, at approximately 7:15 P.M., Trooper Jordan Bragan conducted a traffic stop for an inspection violation at mile 175 northbound in Hermon.  After observing several indicators of criminal activity, Trooper Bragan went back to his cruiser and requested a K9 unit. The driver, 29-year-old Patrick Murico, of Lewiston, attempted to throw contraband out of the vehicle. Trooper Bragan witnessed the act and retrieved the contraband which was 300 grams of Methamphetamine.

As a result of this investigation, Murico was charged with class A Trafficking of Methamphetamine.  Murico was also charged with  Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs and Trafficking in Prison Contraband.

Under Law Signed by Governor Mills, Average Health Care Premiums for Maine Small Businesses to Drop for First Time Since At Least 2001

Maine successfully reverses trend of increasing health insurance premiums for many small businesses and reduces proposed increase in premiums in individual market as health insurers’ rates are finalized for 2023 plan year

Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine small businesses will see their first annual average reduction in health insurance premiums since at least 2001.

According to final weighted average rates (PDF) filed by health insurance carriers and approved by the Maine Bureau of Insurance for the 2023 plan

Department of Public Safety raises awareness about new Law aimed to keep Mainers safe

A new law that took effect on August 8, 2022, will help Mainers safely secure their prescription drugs and firearms, and other dangerous weapons. The law which was passed unanimously sponsored by Senator Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, and co-sponsored by Representative Richard Pickett, (R) Dixfield establishes the Safe Homes Program. It will educate people on the importance of safe prescription drug and weapons storage. It will also make storage devices more affordable.

Maine has the second highest firearm mortality rate in New England. In

Governor Mills Announces Nearly $2 Million to Expand Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Rural Maine

Federal funding is part of a slate of actions from the Mills Administration this summer and fall to support Maine people with SUD through strengthened Opioid Health Homes, support for parents, and naloxone distribution

Governor Janet Mills announced today a new $1.9 million initiative to expand treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) in rural Maine. The funding can be used by behavioral health providers to invest in start-up costs, such as staff training and development, that will allow them to increase the number of patients they serve in rural areas of the state.

This new initiative complements State funding for renovation and capital

Dream Local Digital Founder and Client Success Officer Shannon Kinney Elected as Corporator for Bangor Savings Bank

Thomaston, Maine, Aug. 10, 2022 -- Dream Local Digital’s Founder and Client Success Officer, Shannon Kinney, was elected to serve as a corporator for Bangor Savings Bank by its board. She holds this position as one of the few Midcoast Maine business owners voted in to represent the region.

 

"It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve as the voice of

75th Maine Lobster Festival Offering Free Admission

Rockland, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival offering free admission every day is just one of the exciting new changes coming to the Festival this year. The Festival will take place Aug. 3-7 at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine.

 

Enjoy fireworks over Rockland Harbor after the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 9:30 p.m., and again Saturday, Aug. 6 at 9:30 p.m. The best view will be on the Festival grounds at Harbor Park.

 

The popular Steins & Vines Tasting Event is back and bigger than ever, with two sessions on Thursday, Aug. 4 and two sessions Friday, Aug. 5. This event

Blue Marble Geographics Releases Version 2.3 of Global Mapper Mobile

Global Mapper Mobile is a user-friendly tool for capturing field data with portable iOS and Android mobile devices.

Global Mapper Mobile version 2.3 with the Pro Module expands GPS compatibility with TCP/IP communication and includes new field analysis tools.

Expanding field app functionality was the focus of this release with the Pro Module adding TCP/IP communication for external GNSS devices, and new tools for volume calculation and viewshed analysis.”

— Jeffrey Hatzel, Product Manager

HALLOWELL, ME, UNITED STATES, July 26, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Blue Marble Geographics (bluemarblegeo.com) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Global Mapper Mobile version 2.3. The mobile application allows users to take the Global Mapper functionality and

BREAKING: All Hands For Working Wrong Rd Naples Structure Fire

BREAKING: Naples, Maine - All Hands has been called this evening for a structure fire at 35 Wrong Rd. in Naples, Maine.

Second floor fully involved.

Everyone made it out.

Ferry Service to Resume Regular Schedule

ISLESBORO & VINALHAVEN | The Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) will continue its regular service schedule on Tuesday, 7-5-2022 and Wednesday, 7-6-2022. This service had previously been reduced to a hybrid schedule.

Air Quality Alert for coastal areas from Kittery through Acadia National Park on Friday, July 1 (Today)

AUGUSTA, June 30, 2022 — Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Friday, July 1, 2022, and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Ozone levels rose to unhealthy levels in upwind areas on Wednesday.  While most of New England is GOOD for ozone on Thursday, ozone in the Mid-Atlantic states was rising.  Winds turn on Friday and are expected to bring ozone into the Gulf of Maine where it is expected to impact coastal areas from Kittery through Acadia National Park.  

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and

Great weather, good friends, time on the boat... what could go wrong?

If there's alcohol on board, a lot actually.

NEVER DRINK AND BOAT.

As part of Operation Dry Water, Maine Game Wardens and Marine Patrol Officers will have an increased presence on Maine's waterways this holiday weekend, July 2-4, 2022.

 

Operation Dry Water helps reduce the number of alcohol and drug

Silver Alert: Heather Gendreau

The Old Town Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for Heather Gendreau, 39, of Old Town. She is described as a white female, 5’5”, 145 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a gray tank top and dark colored pants.  She was last seen at around 2 p.m. on June 29.

Ms. Gendreau has memory issues. She was seen leaving with an unknown white man described at 5’11”, 230 lbs.,  carrying a backpack. The male has a tattoo on his right arm of a fire with a skull and a pterodactyl and also has a tattoo on his chest.

Anyone with information should call 207-945-4636. Thank you for your assistance.

Update: Temporary Change in Ferry Service

Islesboro & Vinalhaven Service Tuesday and Wednesday 07/05 & 7/06

Due to crew shortages, the M/V Capt. E. Frank Thompson will be operating a Hybrid schedule on Vinalhaven on 07/05 and 07/06 to provide service to Islesboro. The Thompson will depart Vinalhaven at 7 a.m. to Rockland, and load at Rockland at 8:45 a.m. for Islesboro. (Islesboro traffic will need to purchase tickets on

Mills Administration Launches Comprehensive MaineCare Dental Coverage for Adults and Boosts Rates for Dental Providers

 Coverage for preventive and other dental care expands on July 1 as part of $45M investment in oral health

AUGUSTA- The Mills Administration announced today that it is expanding MaineCare dental coverage for adults and increasing reimbursement rates for dental providers on July 1, representing an estimated $45 million investment in oral health.

Governor Mills proposed the expansion of adult dental benefits in the 2022-2023 Biennial Budget following the Health and Human Services Committee's unanimous support of Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteaus bill, LD 996, An

25 local individuals to be honored during Midcoast Maine Veterans Memorial's 2022 Tile Dedication Ceremony

ROCKLAND — This year's Midcoast Maine Veterans Memorial tile dedication ceremony will dedicate 24 newly mounted tiles representing 25 individuals from the Midcoast area who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Among the tiles to be dedicated is one for a brave son of Rockland who was lost in the South Pacific during WW2 and another for 2 Rockland brothers who joined the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in WW2.

The ceremony, at Midcoast Maine Veterans Memorial, will take place at will

Governor Mills Announces More Than $15 Million in Grants Through Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to Support Seafood Dealers and Processors

Grants build on cost-relief actions taken by Governor last week to help Maine’s iconic seafood industry

Trenton, MAINE – Governor Mills announced today that her Administration is awarding more than $15 million to 107 Maine seafood dealers and processors to help increase the supply of Maine-harvested seafood, strengthen their ability to deliver to markets, and create and sustain jobs throughout Maine’s iconic seafood industry. Businesses in every coastal county received awards, with more than half the awards coming in at more than $115,000.

The funds were made available as competitive grants through the Seafood Dealer and Processor COVID-19 Response and Resilience Program (SDPP) that

Maine's Forestry Community Continues to Protect Water Quality During Timber Harvesting

AUGUSTA - Today, the results of a study on the use and effectiveness of forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) at timber harvests across the state from 2020-2021 were released by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS). BMPs are voluntary measures used to

Rockland Public Library: 5 week Ocean STEM program for kids

Wednesdays from 3-4:30 PM, July 13-August 10^th at Rockland Public Library

4H SPIN Club- Changing Oceans

Rockland, Maine Librarian and 4H positive youth development volunteer Jessie Blanchard joins local STEM expert and educator Carney McCrae to bring you “oceans” of summer science fun! “Changing Oceans” is a five-part program designed for youth 8 and up

Falmouth News: Holiday Closures & Services

Fireworks Reminder from Public Safety

Holiday Closures

Please note, Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Services

The Transfer Station will be open regular hours on Friday, July 1 (7am-5pm) and Saturday, July 2 (9am-5pm).

Garbage collection in Falmouth will not be impacted by the July 4 holiday.

Fourth of July Fireworks Reminder

With the health and safety of residents in mind this Fourth of July, Falmouth Public Safety Officers would like to remind residents that fireworks are prohibited in Falmouth at all times per Falmouth's Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Section 10-4. Please enjoy the holiday and celebrate safely.

Maine island doctor talk with Dr. Chuck Radis

Rockland, Maine - The Rockland Public Library presents Dr. Chuck Radis, Thursday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all.

 

Dr. Chuck Radis was drawn to a career in medicine after meeting an osteopathic family practice bush pilot in Baja, Mexico. Following an internal medicine residency, the young doctor moved his family to Peaks Island off the coast of Maine and traveled by boat to the four year-round islands in Casco Bay,

Maine Marine Patrol to Focus on Boating Under the Influence and Boating Safety During 4th of July Weekend

Augusta - The Maine Marine Patrol will once again be looking out for anyone violating Maine’s boating under the influence laws and sharing safety information during the national Operation Dry Water weekend, July 2-July 4.

Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) that focuses on deterring boaters from boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol.

“Marine Patrol Officers will be conducting patrols along the coast from

Maine Lobster Festival Announces 2022 Sea Princesses and Coronation Judges

Rockland, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival is pleased to announce that five young ladies have been selected as Sea Princesses to compete for the title of 2022 Maine Sea Goddess at the 75th Maine Lobster Festival.

 

The coronation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 pm on the Maine stage on the Festival grounds at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine. Also crowned will be the Crown Princess and Miss Congeniality.

 

2022 Sea Princesses

Elsbeth Bates, 18, of Litchfield, is a 2022

Documentary about artist and author Ashley Bryan at the Strand on July 17

Ashley Bryan on Great Cranberry Island

ROCKLAND - The documentary film “I Know a Man... Ashley Bryan” by Sedgwick filmmaker Richard Kane and Brooksville political artist Robert Shetterly will be presented at the Strand Theatre on Sunday, July 17 at 2pm. This screening follows the Farnsworth Museum’s Community Open House Honoring Ashley Bryan.

 

A distinguished artist, author, storyteller and teacher, Bryan’s artistic work

Strand announces Metropolitan Opera Live In HD 2022-23 Season: Tickets on Sale Soon

Kelli O'Hara as Laura Brown, Joyce DiDonato as Virginia Woolf, and Renée Fleming as Clarissa Vaughan in Kevin Puts's "The Hours." Photo: Paola Kudacki / Met Opera

ROCKLAND - The Strand Theatre will present the 2022-23 season of The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live high-definition cinema simulcasts from New York City. The Met’s 16th Live-In-HD season opens on October 22 with a live transmission of Cherubini’s Medea, a Met-premiere production starring soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role.

 

In addition to Medea, the season will feature two more company premieres,

Rockland Public Library - Sea Life Touch Tank, July 8th

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022 2 PM – 4 PMSea Life Touch Tank with Herring Gutat Rockland Public Library

 

Drop by the Rockland Public Library to visit with the great people from Herring Gut Learning Center and meet some sea creatures. Herring Gut will be bringing their touch tank to the library for families to meet lobsters, crabs, hermit crabs, urchins, sea stars, anemones, and more.

After visiting the sea creatures, join Miss Katie in the Children’s Room for an ocean craft.

This program is free and for all ages. 

To learn more about Herring Gut Learning Center: https://herringgutlearningcenter.org/

For more events, follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockland-Public-Library-60836427783 

Or contact us:  (207) 594-0310, refdesk@rocklandmaine.gov, 80 Union St, Rockland, ME 04841

Governor Mills Announces Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative to Provide Maine Students Hands On, Outdoor Coastal Learning Experiences this Summer

Delivering on a promise from her State of the State Address, Governor Mills will provide more than 1,000 middle and high school students with the opportunity for outdoor learning experiences this summer

Augusta, MAINE – Delivering on a promise from her State of the State Address, Governor Janet Mills announced today the launch of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative to provide Maine students with hands-on, outdoor learning experiences this summer.

The Initiative, developed by the Maine Department of Education using Federal funding, will give middle and high school students the opportunity to

U.S. Department of Education Special Event: Reimagining Our Investments for Strengthening Educator Effectiveness

Many teachers in the U.S. are feeling stretched beyond their limits. In fact, one in four American teachers reported considering leaving their jobs by the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Overall staffing levels in schools are down across the nation, often forcing remaining teachers to “do double duty” to address student well-being and overcome the impact of lost instructional time. School systems are finding new and innovative ways to encourage, invest in, and lift up teachers across America by pursuing strategies to increase teacher collaboration, reduce teacher workload, attend to dimensions of teacher wellness, and enact inclusive practices to attract and retain high-quality teachers.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Effective Educator Development (EED)

SMCC names Jeff Schools as new communications director

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is pleased to announce it has hired Jeff Schools as its new Director of Communications.

Schools is a seasoned digital media director with years of experience as a

Mills Administration Delivers More Than $100 Million for Child Care During Pandemic; Announces Grants to Incentivize Recreational Programs to Become Licensed Child Care Facilities

The Mills Administration announced today that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has provided more than $100 million in Federal funding for child care during the pandemic, a milestone that represents more than three times the funding provided before COVID-19. As a result of these investments, child care providers have been able to maintain, and even build, capacity despite the pandemic – from 47,819 licensed slots in February 2020 to 48,940 licensed slots in June 2022.

Additionally, the Administration announced today that it will provide $10,000 in

Temporary Change in Ferry Service

Islesboro | The M/V Captain Richard G. Spear will be replacing the M/V Margaret Chase Smith on Islesboro this Wednesday at 1120 am. Captain Richard G. Spear will serve Islesboro until the Smith completes its United States Coast Guard (USCG) hull inspection and shipyard period. The Spear is a 23-vehicle ferry and will not have the same capacity as the Margaret Chase Smith at 30 vehicles. This change of service is expected through the first three weeks of July.

Rockland Public Library : Signs of Kindness

Wednesday, July 13 at 9 AM

Signs of Kindness

 

July 5-July 12- Sign Making at the Library

 

Rockland, Maine - People of all ages are invited to participate in "Signs of Kindness." On Wednesday, June 13 at 9:00 AM,  we'll hold up positive and affirmative signs on the Union St. lawn to share joy with those driving and walking by.   Signs can be made at home, or between July 5-12, during the Library’s regular open hours, participants can come in and create one. Supplies (poster board and markers) are provided. The Library requests that signs be neither political or religious in nature.

 

Let's spread some kindness! Part of the Kindness Counts Initiative at the Library. 

 

For more information or with questions, call 594-0310 or email: pking@rocklandmaine.gov. Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

Rockland Public Library : Ukulele Series to Continue

Rockland, Maine - Adults and young adults of all skill levels are invited to learn the ukulele with experienced music educator Heather Beers in the Rockland Public Library’s Community Room on Saturdays from 1-2 PM, ongoing, beginning July 9. The workshops are interactive, so bring a concert or soprano ukulele, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and get ready for a fun and engaging musical

In Belfast, Governor Mills Tours New Senior Housing Development Built Using Housing Bond She Signed in 2019

Bond signed by Governor helps to nearly triples construction of new affordable housing units for Maine people

Belfast, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today toured Penobscot Landing in Belfast, a new 25-unit senior housing development that was built utilizing funding from the senior housing bond the Governor signed in January 2019.

The bond has helped jumpstart the construction of new, affordable homes for

Great Schooner Race Sails In July 8th

Rockland, Maine - Sailing in July 8th is the 45th annual Great Schooner Race which starts and finishes at the Rockland Breakwater in Rockland, Maine.

Great Schooner Race is the largest gathering of traditional schooners in America.

Full Schedule:

Thursday, July 7

Late afternoon (by 5 pm) sail into Rockland Harbor in a parade of sail past the

The Maine DEP issues an Air Quality Alert for portions of Maine on Sunday, June 26, 2022

AUGUSTA, June 25, 2022 — Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Sunday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  On Saturday Ozone levels are expected to be unhealthy in Southern New England. Ozone and its precursors would then be transported to Maine on Sunday.  The Unhealthy levels are expected along the coast from Kittery through Acadia NP with Moderate levels of ozone for the Downeast Coastal region and the Western Interior & Eastern Interior regions.  In addition, Particle pollution levels are expected to be in the low end of the Moderate range on the Air Quality Index for much of the state as well.

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and

60th Annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Sails In Tomorrow June 26th-July 2nd

Boothbay Harbor, Maine - The 60th annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days sails in tomorrow from June 26th - July 2nd, 2022, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Windjammer Days marks the kickoff to summer in the Boothbay region and is

Concerts in the Park Kick off on June 27

Falmouth Community Programs Concerts in the Park series kicks off on Monday, June 27!  Join your neighbors for free musical entertainment in Village Park (behind Wal-Mart next to Casco Bay Ice Arena) beginning at 6:30pm. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and picnic! The summer lineup includes: 

• June 27--Delta Knights--R&B, classic rock, and swing (Plus, a special sendoff for Denise Macaronas, Senior Program Coordinator, upon her retirement from Falmouth Community Programs after 34+ years of service! Come out and wish her well!)
• July 11--Cumberland Community Band--marches, showtunes, and classics
• July 25--12OC--contemporary country
• August 8--Andi Fawcett--pop, country, and blues

In case of inclement weather, contact the FCP office at 699-5302 or check our social media pages. Rain decisions will be made by 2pm.

Mills Administration Begins Issuing $15.4 Million in Latest Round of State Funding to Bolster Behavioral Health Services

Governor Mills delivers on March proposal to tackle immediate behavioral health needs in Maine communities

AUGUSTA— The Mills Administration announced today that it has begun issuing one-time payments to eligible Maine behavioral health providers totaling $15.4 million in State funding to address immediate needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor proposed this initiative in March and the Maine State Legislature passed it in its bipartisan budget.

The policy, which was developed in collaboration with behavioral health and