O cto b er 2 0 0 9
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10
CENTRAL MAINE
Business NEWS A Monthly Lifestyle Community Publication
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Mailed to Businesses of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec & Oxford Counties
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A Maine Owned Company
Consolidated Fire Fighters Present Awards
Bowling Chairperson Scott Holst, Kenn Wehrle, Brett Mason, Charlene Wehrle, Troy Mason, Erika Thayer, Chris Spenard, Carol Pelletier, Gene Richards, Mike Folsom, Rick Stubbert, Sue Morrissette, Tracy Frost and Chief Mike Tracey
Top Civilian Team and 1st place winners: Kenn Wehrle, Brett Mason Charity: Caring Friends - Charlene Wehrle, Prize: $1,000 Top Business Team and 2nd place winners: Mike Folsom, Ware Butler Waterville Charity: Multiple Sclerosis - Sue Morrissette, Prize: $6003rd place winners: Carol Pelletier Charity: Humane Society, Prize: $300 Top Fire Department Team: Troy Mason, Chris Spenard Top EMS Team: Erika Thayer Top Police Team: Gene Richards, Rick
Stubbert, Tracy Frost, Chief Mike Tracey Prize donations were made by: GHM Insurance of Waterville, Johnny’s Selective Seeds, Holst’s Lawn Care, Corpus Christi Parish, Fortin’s Home Furnishings, Sparetime Recreation, Harry J Smith, Valley Distributors, Consolidated Firefighters of Waterville, Home Depot, Kennebec Fire Equipment, Big G’s Sandwich Shop, and Huhtamaki. Team sponsors: Ware Butler of Waterville, Fortin’s Home Furnishings, Joseph’s Market, The Powder Room, and Delta Ambulance. n
Oxford Federal Credit Union celebrated its new building and location in Norway at 54 Fair Street with a grand open ribbon cutting on Wednesday September 23rd. OFCU is marking its 71st year of providing Credit Union products and services to its members. Oxford Federal Credit Union serves members who live, work, worship, or attend school in Oxford County, Maine. Stop in today to open a new account and take your changes in the OFCU Money Booth to win FREE money! Kenn Wehrle, Charlene Wehrle, and Brett Mason representing Caring Friends Charity in Oakland. Caring Friends charity is a group of around 15 women who assist in helping needy families who struggle with everyday high cost of much needed necessities, like food, oil, and gas. Caring Friends also helps with transportation to doctor appointments and shopping. The charity raises their money through many different fundraisers, the biggest being a huge lawn sale. This organization is based out of Oakland, Maine.
The Local Inside Scoop Page 2 -
MaineGeneral Health names director of Gift Planning
Page 3 -
New cardiothoracitic surgeon joins CMMC staff
Page 4 -
EEE disease FACs
Page 5 -
Maine Whistleblower Protection Act
Page 8 -
L/A Arts plans Winter Light exhibit
Pages 9 - State Chamber of Commerce Strictly Social Photos Page 11 -
john McDonald column
Page 12 -
New Officers for Maine Pellet Fuels Association
Page 15 -
The Public Theatre to present Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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October 2009
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
O’Halloran Named Health’s Director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts tion, according to MaineGeneral Vice President of Philanthropy Lisa Hallee. “She is an extraordinarily talented leader and we are fortunate she has chosen to join us in our quest to make our proposed regional hospital a
reality,” Hallee said. Most importantly, as a Waterville native with strong family ties to MaineGeneral Health and the region, O’Halloran brings with her a deep and abiding commitment to making the Kennebec Valley a great place to live and
Gray Joins Franklin Chrysler
Steve Gray
Wally Backus, owner of Franklin Chrysler, announces that Steve Gray has joined Franklin Chrysler, Inc. as general manager. Gray will oversee all aspects of the dealership’s day-to-day business. Gray brings with him over 21 years in the automobile business and most recently eight years
in the banking and insurance field. Many will remember Gray from the former Gray Ford Sales of Farmington and Knapp Brothers of Kingfield. Backus states, “It is with great pleasure that I have appointed Steve Gray to the position of general manager of Franklin Chrysler. Steve
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Business NEWS Turner Publishing, Inc., PO Box 70, No. Turner, ME 04266
Mailed to Businesses of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec & Oxford Counties
PO Box 214 Turner, ME 04282-0214 email: ads@turnerpublishing.net articles@turnerpublishing.net Publisher Steven Cornelio General Manager Dan Smiley Copy Editor Bob Tymoczko Writer/Photographer Bill Van Tassel Advertising: Jess Small, Sara Larson, Joy Ribisi, Kristen Guay
will make a wonderful addition to the Franklin family.” Gray said, “It feels like I have returned home, to be back in the automobile business and to be working with such a great organization. After eight years I have realized the old quote is true, you can take the boy out of the automobile but you can’t take the automobile out of the boy. Recently it has been a pleasure to reunite with many of my previous customers.” Gray would like to invite all his past customers to stop in and say hello or call with any automotive needs or questions they may have. Gray resides in Farmington with his wife Jill and college-age daughter Tory. For more information or to reach Gray, call Franklin Chrysler at (207) 778-9500. n
Controller Jodi Cornelio Operations Manager Tamara Clark Office/Financial Administrator Melissa L’Heureux Graphic Design Sherron Wildes Kyra Darling
Web/ Marketing: Duane Huard
Distribution: Direct mailed to the business community of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec and Oxford Counties. If your business is not getting this publication free of charge, please call and ask to be added to our mailing list. Central Maine Business News assumes no responsibility for typographical errors, but will reprint at no additional charge that part of any advertisement in which the error occurs. Central Maine Business News reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising and to edit stories and articles submitted for publication.
Works! Call 225-2076 See what we can
work, Hallee noted. O’Halloran, who lives in Fairfield, graduated from Brown University in Providence, R.I. with a bachelor’s degree in economics and organizational behavior and management. She also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., where she went on to serve as associate director of the Blank Center for Entrepreneurship. For the past five years, she has worked at Colby College, first as the as-
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Certified Public Accountants
MaineGeneral Health’s Office of Philanthropy, call (207) 626-1809 or visit www.mainegeneral. org/philanthropy. n
Kate O’Halloran
pass rate for test-takers Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, is typically 55 percent CFP® of Uhl-Melanson to 60 percent. Investor Services at 319 Unlike many credenMain Street Waterville, tials in the financial Maine has been authoservices industry that rized by the Certified Firepresent educational nancial Planner Board achievements, the of Standards to use the CFP® certification is certification marks in accordance with CFP Board not an entry level descertification and renewal ignation for financial requirements. Ms. Uhlplanners just out of Suzanne Uhl-Melanson Melanson specializes in school, but one awardinvestment portfolio maned only to financial agement along with financial and es- planners with verifiable experience. tate planning. Applicants must hold a qualified bachTo attain CFP® certification, a can- elor’s degree and have spent at least didate must first complete a course of three years delivering all or part of the study covering nearly 100 financial personal financial planning process to planning topics. The topic list is up- clients. Just as the CFP® exam redated every 5 years based on a survey quires practical application of financial of the knowledge and skills that prac- planning knowledge, the CFP Board’s ticing financial planners actually use experience requirement ensures that with their clients. The curriculum for those authorized to display the CFP® CFP® certification is widely accepted marks have demonstrated experience as covering all the topics that allow a working with clients. Suzanne Uhl-Melanson celebrates financial planner to practice financial planning in a competent and compre- her 10th year as a licensed financial hensive manner. professional and celebrates her 5th year After completing the educational as owner of an independent practice, component, the applicant must pass Uhl-Melanson Investor Services, spethe rigorous CFP® Certification Ex- cializing in the financial welfare of her amination. This 10-hour, two day clients. She has provided professional comprehensive examination assesses financial advice to over 1,000 clients the applicant’s ability to integrate their during the past 10 years. Her CFP® knowledge of CFP Board’s specified designation will enhance her role as a topic areas and apply it to “real life” fi- financial consultant. n nancial planning situations. This exam is no walk in the park: The
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Austin A usti tin
sociate director of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement and most recently as associate director for gift planning. O’Halloran is active on many local boards including the Central Maine Youth Hockey Association, Waterville Main Street, Hardy Girls/ Healthy Women and the Mid-Maine Global Forum. She also serves on an advisory board for Barrels Community Market and Kennebec Savings Bank. To learn more about
Uhl-Melanson Attains Financial Planning Certification
Accounting - Tax Preparation & Planning Bookkeeping - QuickBooks ProAdvisors Financial Statement Preparation - Auditing Business Valuation - Business Setup Generational Transfers - Forecasts Business Consulting - Cash Flow Analysis
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Serving Maine Businesses and Individuals Since 1950.
Kate O’Halloran has been named MaineGeneral Health’s director of Gift Planning and Major Gifts. She began her work for the organization Sept. 8. O’Halloran brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the posi-
Small Business
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
October 2009
B Street Health Center Welcomes New Practitioner
Tracey Toner
Tracey Toner, FNP, joins B Street Health Center in Lewiston. Ms. Toner is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has advanced training in providing primary care services for people of all ages. This includes caring for young infants, providing well-child physicals, seeing adults for acute care visits, along with all the other medical issues
that may arise during the course of a person's lifetime. A nurse practitioner provides care in collaboration with a licensed physician and can prescribe medicines, order tests, and make medical diagnoses. Most recently, Ms. Toner performed health assessments for clients on the skilled nursing unit at Seaside Rehabilitation
and Healthcare Center in Portland. Her responsibilities also included managing medications, treating wounds, and providing support to patients and their families. Ms. Toner earned her undergraduate degree in Classics at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts and her Master’s in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association. B Street Health Center is a Community Clinical Services practice, an affiliate of St. Mary’s Health System. It is located at 57 Birch Street in Lewiston. To make an appointment with Tracey Toner, please call 753-5400. For more information please visit www.stmarysmaine.com. n
CMMC’s New Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Steven Levin, M.D., a cardiothoracic and endovascular surgeon, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery at 60 High Street in Lewiston. Prior to beginning his work at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a clinical division of Central Steven Levin, M.D Maine Medical Center, Levin worked as direc- cal training with James tor of cardiovascular and B. Williams, M.D., a thoracic surgery in West nationally-recognized endovascular surgeon. Monroe, La. He is a member of A graduate of Boston University in Boston, several professional orLevin earned his medical ganizations, including: degree at Hahnemann Society of Thoracic SurUniversity School of geons, Alpha Omega AlMedicine in Philadel- pha Honor Medical Sophia. He completed a ciety, American Medical cardiothoracic surgery Association, Internationresidency at the Uni- al Society Endovascular versity of Massachu- Surgery, and Internasetts Medical Center in tional Society Minimally Worcester, Mass. His Invasive Cardiothoracic professional training also Surgery. He is a fellow includes a general surgi- of the American College cal residency at the Uni- of Chest Physicians and versity of Medicine and the American College of Dentistry of New Jersey/ Surgeons. He has coauthored artiRobert Wood Johnson Medical School in Cam- cles published in various den, N.J. He served as scholarly publications, American senior resident in pedi- including atric cardiac surgery at Heart Journal, Journal Boston Children¹s Hos- of Investigative Surgery, pital in Boston, and re- Journal of Vascular Surcently completed surgi- gery, and Critical Care
Medicine. He has made numerous presentations on topics related to chest and vascular surgery. Levin is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He lives in Auburn with his wife and children. Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery is a department of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute with offices at 60 High Street, Lewiston. The practice is also comprised of cardiothoracic surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., and vascular surgeons Allan M. Ingraham, M.D., and Pamela R. Rietschel, M.D. The practice can be reached at 795-8260. n
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CMMC Faculty Degrees
From left, Heather Poulin and Julie Branagan recently joined Judy Ripley and Michael Hawkes as master¹s-prepared healthcare educators.
The entire faculty of Central Maine Medical Center’s Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology and School of Nuclear Medicine Technology have attained master’s degrees. Poulin and Branagan were awarded master’s degrees in health ad-
ministration in August from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. Ripley completed her master’s degree studies in 2008. Hawkes, who recently joined the faculty, also holds a master¹s degree. Poulin is program director of the School of
Nuclear Medicine Technology. Branagan is clinical coordinator of the School of Radiologic Technology. Ripley is director of Allied Health Education. Hawkes is an instructor at the School of Radiologic Technology. n
Holly Lake Morris Joins Kitchen Solutions Holly Lake Morris has returned to her hometown of Livermore, Maine, to join the team at Kitchen Solutions. Holly brings 20 years of design experience to the experts at Kitchen Solutions. She previously designed for two different businesses in Central Maine, covering Franklin, Somerset, Androscoggin and Kennebec Counties. She is currently residing in Peru with her husband, Dan. Kitchen Solutions has two locations. She will be based in their location at 1766 Federal Road in Livermore. The
second location is 1822 Lisbon Road in Lewiston. Kitchen Solutions boasts two beautiful, modern showrooms, flexible hours, jobsite visits and the latest technology in computer design. Holly is excited to serve past clients as well as new clients. Stop in to see Holly today at the Livermore location, or call her at 897-3400. She can also be reached via e-mail, holly@kitchensolutionsmaine. com. “Let’s make your new kitchen dreams come true.” n
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AgriNEWS Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Maine 2009: Frequently Asked Questions Anne Lichtenwalner, DVM PhD, University of Maine Extension Donald E. Hoenig, VMD, State Veterinarian, Maine Department of Agriculture Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a preventable, but fatal, disease in horses. Unfortunately, this disease can also affect humans -- if they are bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus. The mosquitoes are infected by feeding on infected birds, in which the virus replicates and which act as natural “reservoirs” for the disease. During early August 2009, a horse in Troy, Maine died of EEE. By early September, additional horses in Unity, Stetson, Thorndike, Berwick and Gorham had died and had been confirmed positive for infection with EEE. Previous to this year, the last fatal equine case of EEE in Maine was during September 2008, in Lebanon. Public and animal health officials in Maine are extremely concerned with the current situation because of the large geographic jump the disease has made from far southern
Maine to central Waldo County, a distance of more than 150 miles. Frequently asked questions • What are the signs of EEE in horses? Horses will show central nervous system symptoms, such as appearing to have poor balance, behaving strangely, or becoming severely lethargic. Head pressing circling, tremors and eventual coma and seizures are also frequently seen. If you suspect EEE, contact your veterinarian, the local extension office or the state veterinarian (Dr. Don Hoenig, (207) 2873701). This is a reportable disease in Maine. • Is EEE preventable with routine vaccination? Yes. Many are available, and often can be purchased at feed or pet stores for owner administration to their own horses. Often EEE vaccination can be given in combination with Tetanus, another important equine vaccination. This makes it a very available, affordable option. Generally, vaccination for EEE is carried out annually but horse owners should consult with their practicing veterinarian to decide whether a booster is needed due to the current increased risk. • Is EEE harbored in
October 2009
birds? Yes. Mosquitoes bite infected birds, and become carriers. The mosquitoes then bite humans or other animals, infecting them. Horses
been reported to cause human fatalities in the Northeast. Last year, one individual in Massachusetts died of EEE, which may have been contract-
are sensitive to the virus, but don't "concentrate" it as do birds or mosquitoes, so are not considered a risk for transmitting infections into mosquitoes or for directly infecting humans. Thus, they are considered to be a “dead end” host for the disease. • Should we be concerned about EEE in humans? This disease is most commonly reported in people in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, but has
ed while vacationing in Maine. The same mosquito vector that passes the virus to horses may transmit it to humans. When human infections are seen, they generally occur approximately two weeks after an outbreak of the disease in equines. It is critical to follow good mosquito control, including personal protection: • Use an effective insect repellent on skin and clothing (DEET or other EPA-registered re-
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
pellent). • Cover up with longsleeve shirts, pants and socks when outdoors. • Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors with infants. • Be aware that mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. • Clean up unnecessary standing water around the yard to reduce mosquito habitats. • Vaccinate horses. • Are other animals affected by EEE? Although dogs, pigs, and alpacas have been shown to become antibody-positive to EEE (seroconversion), they are not in general considered to be susceptible to the virus. With the possible exception of pet birds, companion animals are not expected to get this disease. Though chickens and quail can be infected under experimental conditions, they are not expected to become infected under field conditions. In contrast, pheasants, pigeons, chukar partridges, turkeys and ducks have been reported to contract EEE and to exhibit paralysis, depression, reduction in egg laying and mortality in young birds. You should consult with your
veterinarian about using any vaccine in a species for which it is not labeled. • Will EEE simply go away? Usually encephalitis viruses such as EEE are less of a problem once the first frost has occurred. You may wish to consider getting advice from a mosquito control company (a list is available through your local Extension office). You may wish to plan ahead for next year by discussing the use of larvicides (which are used in spring) or adulticides (which are used in summer and fall) with the department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Department of Agriculture. Other information sites Maine Center for Disease Control EEE: www.maine.gov/dhhs/ boh/ddc/epi/vectorborne/index.shtml US Centers for Disease Control EEE www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ dvbid/arbor/eeefact.htm This site discusses symptoms and onset of the disease in humans. Maine Department of Agriculture Animal Health www.maine.gov/ agriculture/ahi/index. html n
Conant Named Distinguished Breeder At a young age, Duane Conant of Conant Acres, Inc., Canton, Maine, developed a great love for registered Holstein cattle and a belief that these animals could be marketed for profit. It was this desire that led Conant to be one of the first dairy producers to participate in the global embryo market in the early 1980s. "Duane had a major role in developing the embryo export market in its infancy stage," explains David Rama of the Cattle Exchange. "It all came about for three reasons. First, Conant Acres had a great herd for years. Second, Duane Conant was happy and eager to build a contact and develop a bridge, and third, the Conants have always treated every visitor with first class." For these and many other accomplishments, National Dairy Shrine honors Duane W. Conant of Conant Acres, Canton, Maine, as the 2009 Distinguished Dairy Cattle
Breeder. Conant is the 37th award winner to receive the dairy industry's highest honor bestowed to a dairy cattle breeder. The formal presentation will take place October 1 during the National Dairy Shrine awards banquet at World Dairy Expo. After graduating from high school in 1960, Conant married his high school sweetheart, Betty. He then began his long history with dairy cattle by working on his oldest brother's registered Holstein farm until 1970 when a barn fire forced his brother to sell his cows. At that point, Conant returned to his home farm and developed Conant Acres, Inc., a familyowned-and-operated dairy farm in Canton, Maine. Today, Conant Acres consists of Conant, his wife, Betty, his son Dennis and their daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Steve Keene. Currently, Conant Acres milks 75 registered Hol-
stein cows in a tie stall barn. With 52 cows classified Excellent and 45 Very Good, Conant Acres has an overall BAA of 112.5 percent, ranking near the top in the country for herds of their size. Since 1988, Conant Acres has bred or developed 42 animals that classified VG 89 in their first lactation. "Duane has consistently had one of the best ‘barn of cows’ you will see anywhere in the country," says Tim Abbott, general manager of St. Jacobs ABC. "Year after year and generation after generation, the herd has had great type and fantastic udders." One of the cornerstone cows in the Conant Acres herd was Swampy Hollow Elevation Sweet. Sweet and her daughters produced a large number of the embryos that Conant Acres marketed worldwide. In fact, one of Sweet's daughters, Conant-Acres-JY Sweetness-ET, is considered
by some to be the cow with the most influence on European genetics as a result of the hundreds of embryos exported over the years. Today, Conant Acres continues to have an extensive embryo transfer program. Elite cows are flushed to fill A.I. and embryo transfer contracts. The farm also flushes its top cows based on conformation, pedigree, and production to add more offspring to the herd. The extra animals gained from these flushes allow Conant Acres to market a large number of live animals each year. Part of Conant Acres' continued success is the influence that their breeding has had on the world of A.I. "The bull that is synonymous with Conant-Acres is ConantAcres-JY Broker-ET," Abbott explains. "Numerous All-American and All-Canadian winners have this great bull in their pedigree." Along with Broker,
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several other bulls from Conant's herd that have influenced dairy genetics include 528 Southland Marker-ET, a result of an embryo that Conant exported to Holland, Conant-Acres-JY MK Champ (Conan), ConantAcres BWM GrangerET, and Conant-AcresJYC W Abe-ET. Conant Acres continually strives to breed good cows. To date, they have 35 Gold Medal Dams and 71 Dams of Merit. In addition, 181 cows have a lifetime production of over 100,000 pounds of milk, 162 cows have over 4,000 pounds of lifetime fat, and 149 cows have over 3,000 pounds of lifetime protein. To promote their herd, one of Conant Acres' favorite forms of advertising is farm tours. Each year, Duane and his family host hundreds of guests: international visitors, fellow breeders, and school children. One of Duane's beliefs is that "anytime someone wants
to look at your animals, you should accommodate them with your cattle looking their best." Richard Chichester, retired general manager of Select Sires, Inc., has been a guest at Conant Acres several times. "Conant Acres is the kind of place that readily attracts visitors. It is a neat, wellkept farm and dairy facility, with the cows clean and attractive on display in the barn," Chichester explains. "Duane and his friendly family make any and all visitors feel very welcome and comfortable." A personal approach is something Conant has strived for his entire life. Each year, Conant Acres maintains a list of contacts with interest in particular cow families. Then, Conant personally contacts potential customers prior to sales and conducts a follow-up call afterwards. "Duane is one of those See Conant on page 6
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
October 2009
Page 5
Ask the Experts A column for general guidance on employment issues
By Rebecca Webber, Esq.
Whistleblower and Retaliation Claims Prior notice to an employer is not required if the em- VII, the law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of ployee has specific reason to believe that reports to the gender and race on a national level. That federal law reads employer will not result in promptly correcting the viola- as follows: tion, condition or practice. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3 3. Reports of suspected abuse. An employee required to (a) Discrimination for making charges, testifying, asreport suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation under Title 22, section 3477 or 4011-A, shall follow the requirements sisting, or participating in enforcement proceedings. It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an emof those sections under those circumstances. No employer may discharge, threaten or otherwise discriminate against ployer to discriminate against any of his employees or an employee regarding the employee’s compensation, applicants for employment, for an employment agency, or That law reads as follows: terms, conditions, location or privileges of employment joint labor -management committee controlling appren26 M.R.S.A. § 833, Discrimination against certain because the employee followed the requirements of those ticeship or other training or retraining, including on-thejob training programs, to discriminate against any indiemployees prohibited sections. 1. Discrimination prohibited. No employer may disSeparate from the Whistleblower Protection Act are the vidual, or for a labor organization to discriminate against charge, threaten or otherwise discriminate against an provisions of the Maine Human Rights Act that prohibit any member thereof or applicant for membership, because employee regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, retaliation against any individual who opposes conduct he has opposed any practice made an unlawful employconditions, location or privileges of employment because: that violates the Maine Human Rights Act or who partici- ment practice by this subchapter, or because he has made A. The employee, acting in good faith, or a person act- pates in any investigation or hearing on conduct covered a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any maning on behalf of the employee, reports orally or in writing by that Act. This provision applies to non-employees and ner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this to the employer or a public body what the employee has non-employers. For example, on a work site, if a worker subchapter. reasonable cause to believe Finally, there is a separate provision of the Maine Hureports illegal conduct by is a violation of a law or another contractor and that man Rights Act that makes illegal causing or coercing anrule adopted under the laws contractor gets the employee other to violate the Act. For example, a contractor on a of this State, a political subfired, that contractor may be big work site might through economic pressure try to force division of this State or the liable for violating the Maine another company to fire an employee who had reported That law also protects employees who United States; unsafe work practices by that contractor. The employee Human Rights Act. refuse to take action themselves that they B. The employee, acting in Also, the United States may well have a claim against the unsafe contractor for good faith, or a person acting Supreme Court has ruled coercing the employee’s company to fire him. reasonably believe is a violation of state on behalf of the employee, The provision of the Act that speaks to that type of conthat employees participating reports to the employer or a in internal investigations of duct is found in the definitions section of the Maine Huor federal law. public body, orally or in writdiscrimination are protected, man Rights Act and includes in the definition of “unlawful ing, what the employee has not just employees who par- discrimination” the following language: reasonable cause to believe ticipate in an agency investiis a condition or practice that 5 M.R.S.A. § 4553 gation of discrimination (the would put at risk the health or safety of that employee or Maine Human Rights Commission on the state level and 10. Unlawful discrimination. “Unlawful discriminaany other individual. The protection from discrimination the EEOC on the federal level). For example, if someone tion” includes: provided in this section specifically includes school per- reports they are being sexually harassed to management, D. Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing ansonnel who report safety concerns to school officials with management interviews another employee who corrobo- other to do any of such types of unlawful discrimination; regard to a violent or disruptive student; rates that harassment occurred, and management then fires obstructing or preventing any person from complying with C. The employee is requested to participate in an inves- that employee who corroborated the harassment, that fired this Act or any order issued in this subsection; attempting tigation, hearing or inquiry held by that public body, or in employee would be protected and would have a potential to do any act of unlawful discrimination; and punishing or a court action; penalizing, or attempting to punish or penalize, any person claim for retaliation. D. The employee acting in good faith has refused to The language under Maine law that prohibits retaliation for seeking to exercise any of the civil rights declared by carry out a directive to engage in activity that would be reads as follows: this Act or for complaining of a violation of this Act or for a violation of a law or rule adopted under the laws of this testifying in any proceeding brought in this subsection; State, a political subdivision of this State or the United The above legal provisions deal with whistleblowing 5 M.R.S.A. § 4633, Prohibition States or that would expose the employee or any individual generally in Maine and retaliation in the area of discrimiagainst retaliation and coercion to a condition that would result in serious injury or death, 1. Retaliation. A person may not discriminate against nation. There are also a number of laws that come with after having sought and been unable to obtain a correc- any individual because that individual has opposed any act their own individual whistleblower type protections, such tion of the illegal activity or dangerous condition from the or practice that is unlawful under this Act or because that as OSHA. Those laws will be discussed in next month’s employer; or individual made a charge, testified, assisted or participated issue. E. The employee, acting in good faith and consistent in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing This article is not legal advice but should be considered with state and federal privacy laws, reports to the employ- under this Act. er, to the patient involved or to the appropriate licensing, 2. Interference, coercion or intimidation. It is unlaw- as general guidance in the area of whistleblower claims regulating or credentialing authority, orally or in writ- ful for a person to coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere and retaliation. Rebecca Webber focuses her practice on ing, what the employee has reasonable cause to believe with any individual in the exercise or enjoyment of the employment law, commercial litigation, and trial work. is an act or omission that constitutes a deviation from the rights granted or protected by this Act or because that in- You can contact her at 784-4563. Linnell, Choate & Webapplicable standard of care for a patient by an employer dividual has exercised or enjoyed, or has aided or encour- ber is a full service law firm providing legal services to charged with the care of that patient. For purposes of this aged another individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, individuals, companies, and municipalities throughout Maine. It has been in operation since its founding in 1931. paragraph, “employer” means a health care provider, those rights. health care practitioner or health care entity as defined in Federal law contains a similar provision prohibiting re- You can learn more about the firm’s services by going to its Title 24, section 2502. taliation against those who exercise their rights under Title website at www.lcwlaw.com. n 2. Initial report to employer required; exception. Subsection 1 does not apply to an employee who has reported HOW TURNER PUBLISHING, INC. STACKS UP TO MAINE’S DAILY PAPERS or caused to be reported a violation, or unsafe condition 200,000 or practice to a public body, unless the employee has first Turner Publishing, Inc. offers tailored solutions to your marketing needs. 182,000+ brought the alleged violation, condition or practice to the 190,000 Affordable - Targeted - (Branding / Direct Response) attention of a person having supervisory authority with the 180,000 employer and has allowed the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct that violation, condition or practice. 170,000 Androscoggin: Reaching 99.9% - 5 Newspapers reaching over 62,000 homes. Maine has a general whistleblower protection act that protects employees who report to their employers issues they believe are violations of state or federal law or issues that pose a significant safety risk. That law also protects employees who refuse to take action themselves that they reasonably believe is a violation of state or federal law. The Whistleblower Protection Act is enforced through the Maine Human Rights Commission process. It applies only to employees and employers.
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160,000 Franklin County: Reaching 99.9% - 1 Newspaper reaching over 14,000 homes. 150,000 Kennebec County: Reaching 96.2% - 4 Newspapers reaching over 54,000 homes. 140,000 Total Market Saturation in parts of Sagadahoc, Somerset & Cumberland Counties. 130,000 Business Sector: Reaching nearly 5,000 business professionals in central Maine. Real Estate: Central & Western Maine’s Hometown Real Estate Publication. 120,000 110,000 Find out more at 100,000 Click on Rates & Circulation 90,000 Turner Publishing, Inc. 80,000 65,000+/Reaching MORE homes for LESS money. 70,000 207-225-2076 56,000+/60,000 50,000 33,000+/40,000 30,000 18,000+/+/20,000 9,900+/- 11,000+/- 13,000 10,000 0 All circulations listed above come from publications own rate cards or last know ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations Audit, Monday-Friday) or Verified United States Postal Inspection. Also note that most weekly papers are not even half the circulation of the Times Record listed above with some central Maine weekly papers distributing less than 3000 copies per week.
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October 2009
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
Earth Talk: Upgrading Older Appliances Dear EarthTalk: I am considering upgrading some older appliances in my home. Where can I find information on which models are the most energy efficient? -- Jonathan Duda, Olivebridge, NY There has never been a better time to upgrade some of those older creaky appliances that are gobbling up much more energy (or water) than they need to in your home. Fortunately, most of the sifting-through to find the best values has already been done for
ing as well as or better, according to EnergyStar. With clothes washers, EnergyStar models can cut energy use by over a third and water use by half. EnergyStar-rated refrigerators will cut electrical use in half, compared to older machines made before 1993. With air conditioners, the savings is there, too, though at a more modest 10 percent over conventional models. EnergyStar, which began in 1992 and first evaluated only computers and monitors, is a great jumping off point
website (address below) and immerse yourself. Another way to help sort through the thousands of appliances out there that are EnergyStar-compliant is by checking out the Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports magazine) free Greener Choices website, which compares a wide range of merchandise according to their relative environmental impact. Greener Choices provides detailed informa-
"Step one when shopping for new appliances is to look for models emblazoned with the blue EnergyStar logo. This helps you zero in on those that have been determined by the federal government to be at least 10 to 25 percent more energyefficient than conventional models.” (Photo credit to EnergyStar.)
you. The first thing to do when shopping for new equipment is to look for models emblazoned with the blue EnergyStar logo. This helps you zero in on those models that have been determined by the federal government—EnergyStar is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy—to be at least 10 to 25 percent more energy-efficient (and often much more) than conventional models. For dishwashers, for example, EnergyStar qualified models use 31 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than conventional machines while perform-
tion on dishwashers, washers and dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners. Each appliance is assessed in comparison to other models via the website’s Green Buying Guides, which can help consumers decide how green they should go. It also offers up a series of calculators to determine the energy use of your
Conant, from page 4
rare people whom you will never forget. He is jovial, outspoken, and sometimes opinionated, but he is usually dead-on accurate and always the first one there to offer assistance to his friends and neighbors in need, and he thrives on seeing people succeed," Rama says. In addition to managing the farm, Conant has been very active in the dairy industry. After working as a ringman at many sales, Conant, along with
for evaluating everything from major appliances to home heating and cooling, lighting, home electronics, office equipment and more. The EPA recently extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings. After first zeroing in on EnergyStar models, be sure to check out the accompanying yellow EnergyGuide sticker, which gets down to the nitty-gritty and estimates how much energy the appliance uses, compares its energy use to similar products and lists approximate annual operating costs. EnergyGuide labels also appear on appliances not EnergyStar compliant. Visit the EnergyStar www.centralmainetoday.com
current appliances, new or old. By providing the efficiency and price of various models, the site helps consumers decide how much green “bang” they want for a specific amount of bucks. CONTACTS: Energy Star, www.energystar. gov; Greener Choices, www.greenerchoices. org.
two other people, developed "The Masters" sales force, managing one of the highest averaging sales in the country for four years in a row. Conant has also served on numerous committees and boards of directors, including director of the Pine Tree Holstein Association, Maine DHI president for four years, PCA Advisory board member, and Holstein Association USA Type Advisory committee member. Overall, Conant has the rare talent of combining a great herd of
SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/ earthtalk/archives.php. EarthTalk® is now a book! Details and order information at: www. emagazine.com/earthtalkbook. n
cows and a strong marketing program with a hard work ethic and strong family values. "In the 25 years I have been visiting Conant Acres, it has always been the same: excellent husbandry practices, a love of the breed, and total dedication to the entire dairy industry," Rama states. "I guarantee anyone who visits Conant Acres will remember the herd and the people forever, and that's the real touch of a rare master breeder." n
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
October 2009
EYE on
Page 7
ugusta
A
New Census Data Shows that Maine Held Its Own In 2008 Even As the Nation Struggled While the Census Bureau newly released report shows the nation lost substantial ground in 2008 on poverty, median income, and the number of people who are uninsured, in Maine we held our own. The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that nationally the number of people living in poverty jumped by 2.6 million to 39.8 million - the highest since 1960. The poverty rate the percentage of people living in poverty - also rose, to 13.2 percent, which is its highest level since 1997. They also reported that real median household income in the United States fell 3.6 percent between 2007 and 2008, from $52,163 to $50,303. Findings Suggest that the Safety nets in Maine were Working Many Maine household experienced hardship but median incomes did not
lose significant ground. Our poverty rate continues to hover above 11% and median household income rose from $45,888 to $48,481 between 2007 and 2008. The percentage of people without health insurance in 2008 grew from 9% to 9.5% which is unfortunate but better than the national average of 15.4%. Nationally the number of uninsured jumped by 682,000 to 46.3 million. Gains in public health insurance programs, especially for children, helped to offset continued declines in employer health coverage but with states cutting services in 2009 that trend will not likely hold. In Maine 137,000 people lacked health care coverage in 2008, according to Census Bureau data released today, and employer-provided health insurance continued to decline nation-
wide. The percentage of Mainers with employer-provided coverage declined by 44,000 between 2001 and 2008 and is likely to fall further in 2009 as unemployment grew. "While Maine is in better shape than many other states, far too many Mainers lack adequate health coverage or are at risk of losing coverage. It is also the case that today's numbers don't reflect the full impact of the recession. The severity of job loss we've seen and the continued fiscal crisis in our state suggest we'll see bad news in the numbers for 2009," said Nicole Witherbee of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. "Maine's safety net may have helped our state stave off some of the worst effects in 2008 but we made cuts to critical services in an effort reduce our budget from 2008. We may be in a far
worse place in 2009 when there is less of a safety net," said Witherbee. Maine policymakers are likely to continue to face tough decisions about how to fill mid-year budget shortfalls in 2010 and larger shortfalls in 2011. Raising revenues to minimize cuts in public health insurance programs will be critical to helping hard-pressed families stay afloat. The Maine Center for Economic Policy advances public policies that help Maine people prosper in a strong, fair and sustainable economy. We advance this mission through high-quality research, analysis, citizen education, and coalition building. MECEP is an independent, nonpartisan organization. To learn more about what we do, visit www.mecep.org. n
Reps. Announce Property Tax and Rent Refund Program Applications Available Reps. Anna Blodgett and Patsy Crockett, both DAugusta, have announced that Property Tax and Rent Refund applications are now available for property tax and rent paid in 2008. According to Blodgett and Crockett, Maine homeowners and renters may be eligible for a refund of up to $1,600 through the program, which is commonly known as the “Circuit Breaker” program. The refund is available to homeowners and renters who meet the income requirements. Families earning up to $81,850 and individuals earning up to $61,400 are eligible.
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“I encourage everyone who is eligible to fill out an application,” said Blodgett. “This is a valuable program that offers real tax relief.” In order to qualify for a refund, residents’ 2008 property taxes must be more than 4 percent of household income, or their yearly rent must be more than 20 percent of household income. According to Blodgett and Crockett, seniors may
qualify under both the senior and general portion of the program. Maine Revenue Services will calculate the benefit for senior applicants under both the senior program and general program, and seniors will receive the larger of the two rebates. “Many people who are eligible never fill out an application,” said Crockett. “The process is easy and there is help available for those who need assistance completing it.” Mainers can access the application in a variety of ways. Applications are available online at www. maine.gov/revenue and can be printed out and mailed or submitted electronically. Applicants can also have a paper copy of the application sent to them by contacting Rep. Blodgett at 622-3967, Rep. Crockett at 623-3641 or Maine Revenue Services at 624-7894. Maine Revenue Services began accepting applications on a rolling basis Aug. 1 and all applications Get great service on your commercial insurance at Nationwide.® must be filed by June 1, 2010. Beginning next year with the 2010 Property Tax and Rent Refund Program, the Circuit Breaker application form and instructions are expected to be Brougham Insurance included with the individual income tax booklets Agency mailed each year. This will make it easier for tens of CASEY BROUGHAM thousands of moderate- and lower-income Mainers 675 Main Street to apply for this refund. The Marketplace Mall This enhanced accessibility is a result of the reLewiston, ME 04240 cently enacted tax reform package, which was (207)-795-7674 passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. John broughc@nationwide.com Baldacci. If the tax reform law, which is currently Call me today for a quote. subject to a potential people’s veto referendum, were to be repealed, the Circuit Breaker provision of the law would not go into effect, leaving the curProducts underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated rent system in place. n Companies. Life insurance issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Home Office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220.
DON’T BE A COUCH POTATO WITH YOUR MARKETING If you only went to the gym once or twice a year, how healthy would you be? If you’re sporadic with your marketing, how healthy do you expect your business to be? Three Simple Steps For Effective Marketing & Advertising 1. Create a plan and stick to it. 2. Be consisistent. Frequency builds name recognition. 3. Focus on your problem areas... Good marketing solves problems. If you need help, call one of our marketing personal trainers. They have the expertise to get your business up off the couch.
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October 2009
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
L/A Arts Winter Light Holiday Art Exhibit
M E Woodward-Ice Forest (Photo by ME Woodward)
L/A Arts invites area artists to submit up to 4 pieces of artwork, fine craft, or jewelry to the upcoming Winter Light exhibit, an art show and sale that will celebrate the approaching holiday season. December is a month of limited daylight, with the Winter Solstice being the shortest day of the year. While the lack of sunlight during these short days is linked to the “winter blues” for some, ways can be found
to revitalize the spirit: art can be one of the most powerful cures for a low spirit. December is also a traditional time of cultural gatherings and gift sharing, a time to look forward to during the dark days of winter, when connections with family and friends are reinforced. Creativity is a light that can illuminate the world around us. Making works of art, and appreciating the art of others, are ways to create our
Richard field-pears with apple painting by Richard Field
Maineartglass fused glass (Photo by Rachel Nutting)
own light which can be shared. Traditional midwinter celebrations incorporate bright light and fires, dancing, singing, and feasting as a way of combating winter gloom or celebrating this special season. By turning to outlets which let us express creative energy, we can bring brilliance to the
darkest days of the year. Once again this holiday exhibit will feature in both L/A Arts Gallery 5 (49 Lisbon Street, Lewiston) and Community Gallery (221 Lisbon Street, Lewiston). The exhibit will run from Friday, November 6 through Saturday, December 19, with special open hous-
es and holiday hours to make purchasing art as convenient as possible. Participating artists are encouraged to take a turn staffing one of the spaces and make connections with those who would share in their artistic creations. The deadline for submission is Sunday, October 11. Work must be submitted as JPEG images on a CD, to be delivered to the L/A Arts of-
fice at 221 Lisbon Street, Lewiston. This exhibit will be juried and artists will be notified of selections. A submission form and guidelines is available on L/A Arts website, www.laarts.org, for artists interested in participating and more information can be obtained by contacting L/A Arts at 782-7228 or Gallery Curator Jeanelle Demers at gallery5@laarts.org. n
Atypical Entertainment’s Early Evening Show
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Direct from their home base at Buckfield’s Oddfellow Theatre, Atypical Entertainment will present their well-known and wildly popular, Early Evening Show live at King's Bridge Theatre for one night only, Saturday, October 24th at The Vineyard Auditorium, located at 12 Foss Rd. in Lewiston! Rooted in the classic late night talk show genre of Carson and Letterman, The Early Evening Show breaks down the traditional wall between audience and performers so that everyone feels like they're a part of the show! With its blend of wild improvisations, hilarious commercials, comic sketches, and spectacular finales, this hysterical late-night talk-show spoof is a live experience like no other! Hosted by Mike Miclon, Jason Tardy and Mat-
thew Tardy, this familyfriendly show is guaranteed to generate laughter in abundance. Tickets for this spectacular event are $6.00 for children 12 and under and $8.00 for adults, and are on sale now and can be purchased at Pathway Vineyard Church, 9 Foss Rd. in Lewiston and the Lewiston Pawn Shop at 379 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of the show. Seating for The Early Evening Show is unreserved, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. King's Bridge Theatre’s coffee/dessert bar opens at 6:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. More information is available by calling the King's Bridge Theatre Box Office at 784-9500 or online at www.kingsbridgetheatre.org. n
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October 2009
Page 9
Maine State Chamber of Commerce Strictly Social
Carlene Trembley Of Sen. Susan Collins’ office and Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, discuss the hot topics affecting Maine and the Nation.
Mark Look of Sunday River, Joyce LaRoche of the Maine State Chamber, Robin Zinchuk of the Bethel Chamber and Janice Davis of the Oxford Hills Chamber have a meeting of the minds at the recent Strictly Social held at the Crosstone Conference Center in Woodstock, Maine.
Dempsey Center Launches New Web Site The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center has launched a newly redesigned Web site - www.dempseycenter. org - aimed at providing visitors with interactive features and up-to-date information. Interactive features include a blog where visitors are encouraged to share their comments and feelings on a variety of topics. A video library is located on the home page along with a cancer video atlas, which provides over 50 videos on cancer related topics categorized by cancer type, diagnostic test, side effect and treatment. There are forms available for volunteer
sign-up and “Profiles of Courage, Caring and Commitment” nomination. Visitors are also encouraged to register for the Center’s new e-Newsletter, which will provide weekly updates on Dempsey Center news and offerings via e-mail. Detailed information on the Center’s support, education and wellness services along with staff and volunteer bios and various donation opportunities, financial and non-financial, are also available. Founded in March of 2008 by actor and Maine native, Patrick Dempsey,
Making YOUR Dollar Count We began our business from scratch and had to make every dollar count. Advertising with Jess Small of Turner Publishing our first year was the best advertising decision we made. Jess is great to work with and our ads have shown results. Our business doubled in just that first year! Last year, Jess suggested we branch out in the Oxford Hills Observer and the Western Maine Foothills and our business grew again. She also suggested we ‘write up an article’ and the results far exceeded our expectations with many new clients. When we think of advertising we think of Jess at Turner Publishing.
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Page 10
October 2009
Don’t Bank on It
John McDonald I remember the days when you had to go to the bank to do your banking. What ever happened to those days? The other day I had some banking matters to settle, but instead of driving to the bank I made the mistake of trying to call my contemporary bank – my international, impersonal, computerized, digitalized, recorded, security-cameraed, monitored for quality assurance, new-age bank. Even though this global bank of mine still has a charming little branch here on Main Street, there was no local number in the phone book, so I had to dial their toll-free number, which immediately put me in close personal contact with a new-age computerized answering center in Fond du Lac, Wis. Banking experts say you haven't banked until you've banked with 'help' from a warm, fuzzy computerized answering system in friendly Fond du Lac. How did I know I was talking to an answering machine in Fond du Lac, Wis. – I hear you asking. Because after an hour of listening to a dizzying array of recorded instructions and banking 'options' and selecting all kinds of options on my phone pad – "If you're looking for something to do while we waste more of your time, please punch in your three favorite numbers, now." As I sat there holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder while waiting for a live human being to come along and rescue me from the bank's voice-mail gulag, I was also trying to read my newspaper. What eventually caught my eye was an article about how passenger train service in Maine had once again done better than expected. Soon I went from reminiscing about the friendly
banks of the good old days to the equally affable trains of days gone by. Back home our neighbor Carlton Butler used to tell me great stories about riding the train to Boston and back. His only complaint was that the conductors – who were all from the big city – all talked and moved much faster than necessary. On one of his last train trips to Boston, Carlton went into the train station there in Bangor and said to the ticket clerk, "I'd like a round-trip train ticket, please." All in a huff, the frazzled ticket clerk snapped at Carlton, "You like a round-trip train ticket TO WHERE? Without skipping a beat or raising his voice, Carlton said, "Well, now, figure it out. If it's a round trip train ticket, I hope it'll bring me right back here!" On another occasion Carlton was sitting in his seat when the conductor came by, stopped beside Carlton's
fifteen minutes. But this time, when he stopped at Carlton's seat, he didn't say a word. All in a huff, the conductor reached down with both hands, grabbed the offending bag, walked to the door of the train, opened it, and heaved the bag out into the puckerbrush. Passengers on that side of the train, including Carlton, watched as the bag broke open and its contents were soon spread for fifty yards along the tracks. The conductor then walked casually back to Carlton's seat and said, "There! What do you think of that?" Carlton looked at the conductor, then turned and glanced out the window and said, quietly, "I probably wouldn't think much of it - if it were my bag." Just then the computerized answering system said, "If you'd like to have these instructions repeated, just push a number, any num-
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seat and said, "Can't leave your bag in the aisle, it's got to be stowed above!" The conductor then stepped lively toward the back of the train. As was his custom, Carlton said nothing. He just sat quietly in his seat looking out the window. Fifteen minutes later the same fast-moving conductor was back. Again, he stopped beside Carlton's seat, and again snapped, "I said you can't leave your bag in the aisle, you've got to stow it above." Again, Carlton said nothing. He just sat there in his seat, looking out the window, as the conductor moved quickly toward the front of the train. Like clockwork the conductor was back in another
ber, we don't care." I quietly hung up the phone, because at that point I didn't care either. John McDonald is a humorist and storyteller who performs regularly throughout New England. He is the author of several best selling books including: Down the Road a piece: A Storyteller’s Guide to Maine, A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar, The Maine Dictionary (a humorous look at Maine’s words and phrases) and his CD, Ain’t He Some Funny! The Best of John McDonald is available at (www.islandportpress.com). John’s e-mail address is mainestoryteller@yahoo.com. Call 899.1868 for bookings. n
John McDonald Maine Storyteller All seriousness aside... For your next event, consider adding John McDonald's "A taste of Maine humor" to the program. John has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years and he gets funnier every year. When not telling funny stories, John writes a weekly syndicated column and hosts Portland's #1 rated weekend radio talk show. He has also written three books, including the best sellers: "A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar" and "The Maine Dictionary." For booking information call: 899.1868 or email: mainestoryteller@yahoo.com As Downeaster Tink Billings says: "Ain't he some funny!"
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Central Maine Business NEWS
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October 2009
Page 11
Share with Others While You're Still Around You've probably already thought about how you'd like to share your assets with relatives, friends and favorite charities when you're gone, whether it's money you've saved, your home, or family heirlooms you want to pass along to the next generation. But you needn't wait to begin making a difference in people's lives. Plus, you can reap significant tax advantages by distributing a portion of your assets now. First, make sure you're on track to fund your own retirement, have adequate health insurance, can pay off your mortgage and are otherwise debtfree. You wouldn't want to deplete your resources and then become a financial burden on others. If your finances are in good shape, consider these options: Avoid gift tax. You can give cash or property worth up to $13,000 a year, per individual, before the federal gift tax kicks in. This limit doesn't apply if you're paying someone's tuition or medical expenses, or for gifts to your
spouse, charities or political organizations. Read Publication 950 at www. irs.gov for more details. Pay for education. If college is still far off for your children, grandchildren or others, consider funding 529 Qualified State Tuition Plans for them. Account interest earned is not subject to federal (and in most cases, state) income taxes; plus, many states offer tax deductions for contributions made to their own 529 Plans. To learn more about the intricacies of 529 Plans, read FinAid's comprehensive overview at www.finaid.org/ savings/529plans.phtml. Another good resource for information on the different types of financial aid, grants and loans available to college students is Practical Money Skills for Life, Visa Inc.'s free personal financial management program (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/college). Roth IRAs for kids. If your minor children or grandchildren earn income, you may fund a Roth IRA on their behalf up to the lesser of $5,000 or the
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amount of their taxable earnings. You contribute on an after-tax basis, but the earnings grow, tax-free, until the account is tapped at retirement. For young people, these earnings can compound tremendously over time. For example, if you made only a one-time $1,000 contribution for your 16-yearold granddaughter, at 6 percent interest the account would be worth nearly $20,000 – tax-free – at age 66. If she contributed an additional $50 a month going forward, it would grow to more than $210,000 at 66. Fund someone's benefits. Many people cannot afford health insurance and so forego coverage, putting themselves just one serious illness or accident away from financial disaster. Many also cannot afford to fully fund their 401(k) plan or IRA. Consider applying your tax-exempt gifts mentioned above to help loved ones pay for these critical benefits, greatly increasing their financial self-sufficiency. Charitable contributions. If you're planning to leave money or property to charities in your will, consider beginning to share those assets now, if you can afford to. You'll be able to enjoy watching your contributions at work – and deduct them from your income taxes. Read IRS Publication 526 for
By Jason Alderman details (www.irs.gov). Before taking any of these actions, consult your financial advisor to make sure your own bases are covered. If you don't have an advisor, visit www. fpaforfinancialplanning.org for help locating one. Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter. n
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Norway Savings Bank has received one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for financial marketing by winning two American Bankers Association’s 2009 Financial Marketing Awards on September 14, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. Norway Savings Bank earned the Financial Marketing Excellence Award, which is given to the bank with the best campaign overall and was also awarded for its branding campaign, Colorful Solutions, in the Brand Campaign category among banks of similar size. The Colorful Solutions campaign consists of a series of six television, five radio and six print advertisements showcasing Norway customers. Each customer represented a color throughout the campaign, creating a consistent point of view throughout all campaign collateral. The campaign was created by Leslie Evans Design Associates in Portland, Maine with creative credits going to creative and art director Leslie Evans, copywriter Geoff Currier, director and print photographer David McLain. The campaign featured the following Norway customers: • Mike Skillin – Skillins Greenhouse, Falmouth (Green) • Jill McGowan – Jill McGowan, Inc., Portland (White) • Andy Charles – Havens Candies, Westbrook (Brown)
• Debi Irons – Art Moves Dance Studio, Norway (Red) • Peter McAleney – New Meadows Lobster, Portland (Orange) • Gail and Terry Bragg, Falmouth (Blue) A panel of financial service marketers and advertising professional across the country judged each entry based on execution of the communications strategy, message and positioning, as well as the campaign’s overall results. Entries were divided into 6 categories including annual report, brand, customer acquisition and retention, financial education, humor and impact. Each category was judged according to banks’ asset levels. Entrants included banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, brokerage firms, investment firms, and credit card companies. “This is a wonderful honor to receive the top overall award for our brand advertising efforts,” said Karen Hakala, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Norway Savings Bank. “We are thrilled to be recognized for the creativity and ingenuity that went into this campaign.” The ABA Financial Marketing Awards were established in 1972 to recognize bank marketing professionals and their agencies for creative excellence. n
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~ Dr. Bill Maynard & Tom Champoux Heart
www.centralmainetoday.com
Page 12
October 2009
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
Maine Energy Systems Announces New Distributorship Agreement
OkeFEN (Herbert and Elfriede Ortner) and Maine Energy Systems (Les Otten & Dr. Harry "Dutch" Dresser).
Les Otten, Dutch Dresser and Bill Strauss of Maine Energy Systems, LLC, and Herbert and Elfriede Ortner, of Maine Eco Pellet Heating, LLC, have finalized a Distributorship Agreement that makes Maine Energy Systems the first U.S. distributor of OkoFEN licensed products. Maine Energy Systems will also be the sole distributor of these products in the Northeastern United States. OkoFEN, located in Niederkappel, Austria, produces a broad range of solar and wood pellet heating products, including the world's most sophisticated and environmentally-friendly pellet boiler systems. Approximately 30,000 of these systems are in-
stalled throughout Western Europe. Maine Eco Pellet Heating boilers, manufactured under license from OkoFEN, will be marketed by Maine Energy Systems as AutoPellet systems in capacities ranging from 27,000 BTU/hr to 191,000 BTU/hr. Staged systems will be available for larger applications in configurations with capacities up to 765,000 BTU/hr. Under the terms of the contract, the boiler systems will be produced in the U.S. as soon as is practically possible. Today, the systems are manufactured in Austria by Maine Eco Pellet Heating LLC, with its principal place of business in Bethel, Maine. Maine Energy Systems effectively created a new industry for Maine and the U.S. when it pioneered the introduction of automatic wood pellet boiler systems and bulk pellet distribution to the U.S. beginning in June 2008. Maine Energy Systems was motivated by New Englanders' extraordinary dependence on #2 oil for home heating. Since that time, Maine Energy Systems has trained over 200 regional heating con-
tractors to install and service wood pellet boilers. Maine Energy Systems has also worked to foster the development of a robust bulk pellet delivery infrastructure. Heutz Oil of Lewiston, Maine, and Jesse E. Lyman Co., of Conway, N.H., have become Maine Energy Systems partners in the bulk pellet distribution business. Other contracts for bulk pellet distribution using Maine Energy Systems engineered products are pending. Training sessions for the installation of OkoFENlicensed products were taught to sold-out sessions by Herbert Ortner, founder of OkoFEN, and Maine Eco Pellet Heating, LLC at the Maine Energy Systems headquarters in Bethel during August and September. Contact Les Otten or Mike Broderick at 207.824.6749 for further information or visit the Maine Energy Systems website at www.maineenergysystems.com. n
Maine Pellet Fuels Association Elects New Officers At their Second Annual Meeting, the Maine Pellet Fuels Association recognized the new industry’s many accomplishments and challenges, while electing directors and officers for the coming two years. Association Co-Founder Les Otten, who is the owner of Maine Energy Systems, stepped down as president and was succeeded by George Soffron, CEO of Corinth Wood Pellets. Dutch Dresser of Maine Energy Systems was elected vice president; Jonathan Kahn of Geneva Wood Fuels in Strong, Maine, continues as the Association’s secretary-treasurer. The increased use of wood pellets for heating fuel in Maine was symbolized by the election of Tim Heutz, of Heutz Premium Pellets in Lewiston, to the MPFA Board of Directors. Heutz is part of the 75-year-old Heutz Oil family business in Lewiston, and also serves as a board member of the Maine Oil Dealers Association. Matt Bell of Northeast Pellets in Ashland was also elected as a new director of the Maine Pellet Fuels
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Association. Past-President Les Otten will continue on the Board of Directors to spearhead the industry’s efforts to secure for pellet fuels the same tax treatment as that presently accorded wind and solar energy residential installations. Senator Susan Collins has led successful passage of a consumer tax credit for installation of wood and pellet-burning stoves, and Senator Olympia Snowe has introduced legislation which will apply to pellet-fueled boilers and furnaces. Another example of increased use of pellet fuel in Maine was the interest of the Association’s equipment-installation members, including ReVision Energy (Portland), New England Energy Solutions (Dexter), and Thayer Corporation (Auburn), along with Maine Energy Systems (Bethel) in achieving a strong voice on the new Maine Fuel Board, which was established by the Legislature earlier this year through a merger of the Maine Oil and Solid Fuel Board with the Propane and Natural Gas Board.
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Following the formal meeting, the manufacturers held an informational session with Steve Walker, founder and CEO of New England Wood Pellet Co of Jaffrey, N.H. who set forth the safety and fire prevention lessons learned from his firm’s 19 years of operations. Also contributing to the discussion was John Arsenault, manager of the Energex pellet manufacturing firm in Lac Megantic, Canada, who noted that the Canadian industry has developed extensive codes and materials which he will be sharing with the Maine manufacturers. n
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
October 2009
Page 13
Support for Children Who Are Overweight
Joan Lippert, in a recent article entitled Downsizing the American Child, noted that one out three children in the United States is overweight or obese. If that doesn’t get your attention, 45% of diabetes diagnosed in children is type 2 diabetes, which is the adult, maturity onset variety. Thirty years ago it was very rare to find maturity onset diabetes in children. Today that is not the case. Through research and support from many organizations, processes and toolkits have been designed to help parents, children and medical practices understand and address this growing concern. Being overweight as a child impacts self-esteem and confidence; it also has a negative impact on every organ in our bodies. Being overweight as a child plants a seed for serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gall bladder and kidney failure and opens the door to various types of cancers. I am not trying to scare you; I am just trying to help spread the word that this issue not only impacts our families and loved ones but it also impacts our future healthcare system and the future of our country. With this much disease on the rise in this country, our healthcare systems will not be able to support the demands it will face. I am part of a Central Maine Medical Center team that is trying to help parents and children learn about healthy lifestyles in a positive manner and guide the parent and child through a step-by-step approach to success when dealing with weight issues within the family. The tool that is used to measure whether or not your child is at risk for obesity or is overweight is call basal
mass index (BMI). Due to the fact that children of various ages can be of different height, weight and gender, BMI is a tool that factors in those differences. BMI is considered a reliable indicator of body fat. If your child appears to look heavy, your pediatrician may check their BMI. If the child’s BMI is above the 85th percentile, your pediatrician may measure any one or all of the following – blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol, blood sugar and liver enzymes – to see whether the excess weight has impacted your child’s overall health. At that point they may choose to refer you to a program such as ours at CMMC, called Youthfit, “Move and Learn,” or they may leave it up to you to work with your child at home. In any event, if you are reading this article, you are a concerned parent and it is only fair that I give you some tools that you can use to help address these weight issues and improve your family’s health. It is better to focus on health versus weight. Long term overall health is what we all are looking for and so is your child. Focusing on weight will only make the child self-conscious. In Youthfit we focus on Healthy Lifestyle habits. This brings me to the next point. It is always best to talk about behaviors that lead to overweight and behaviors that lead to better health rather then weight itself or the act of eating. We coach the parents to control the home environment and set realistic and achievable goals, “behavior goals,” and we teach the parent and child to expect slow but steady progress. The toolkit that we used is based on the keepMEhealthy 5 2 1 0 guidelines. KeepMEhealthy 5 2 10 is used in our school systems and in our healthcare practices across the state of Maine. It is a simple recipe for success for a future of better health. I believe 5210 is not going away until we conquer this healthcare issue and it becomes a way of life for all of us, not only the children at risk. KeepMEhealthy was developed by Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative (MYOC). MYOC was established through a partnership between Maine Harvard Prevention Research Center, The Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Maine Center for Public Health (MCPH).
One of the many recipients, Dr. Torah Tamasi, MD with Central Maine Pediatrics, receives a certificate of appreciation from Joan Orr, CHES, project director, Maine Center for Public Health at the keepMEhealthy 5 2 1 0 Summit & Celebration at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. The celebration was held in honor of the many supporters and participants of the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative (MYOC).
Over the past five years MYOC has been sharing what they have learned and supporting and improving the system of care to assess the problem of youth overweight. The principles of KeepME healthy are based on better health and 5210 stands for the following: 5 Eating 5 fruits and vegetables every day. 2 Watching less then 2 hours of TV per day. 1 Getting at least one hour of exercise every day. 0 Consuming zero sugary drinks. If you are not in a position to join a support program such as ours, here are some things you can do to improve your child and your family’s health. • First of all follow the 5 2 1 0 principles. • Introduce healthier elements into the foods you already eat. Add blueberries to your pancakes and fruit slices on your wholegrain (low sugared) cereals. • Read labels, and pick cereals that have less then 4gm. of sugar in them. • Move towards a reduced fat milk. (By the way, there is a lot of sugar in chocolate milk, I would rather not see that as a reduced fat choice.) • Involve your child in grocery shopping for healthy foods and involve them in food preparation. Children are more likely to eat what they helped create. • Stock the refrigerator with healthy foods, fruits, veggies, nuts. Kids love finger foods and they are easy to grab when after-school hunger hits. • For treats, think moderation, not deprivation or supersize me. A scoop of ice cream or a favorite treat once in a while is ok, we just should not promote sweets and treats like that every day. Desserts should be fresh fruits.
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A family trip to the Dairy Queen for a small cone once a week is great after a day of hiking. • Scope out the school lunch program in advance and help your child choose healthier foods. • Encourage your kids to eat their colors, bright yellows and greens, which provide greater nutrients. Remember you are their role models and if you will not try spinach and new vegetables, neither will they. If you tell them they can only watch 2 hours of TV a day and you routinely plop your butt on the sofa after work and don’t move till it’s time to go to bed, what kind of message does that send? That it’s ok to watch hours of TV when I get older? Ugh, no. • Repeal the clean plate club. Forcing a child to eat is not encouraged. They need to learn the signals their bodies give them when they are hungry and the signals they give them when they are full. I hope some of these tips help you and your family. Feel free to inquire about CMMC’s Youthfit Program, “Move and Learn” or investigate the learning tools and Maine resources through the following websites: www. healthymainekids.org, Healthy Policy Partners, www.mcd.org/HPP, Healthy Maine Partnerships, www.healthymaineparteners.org, Lets Go, www. letsgo.org, Maine center for public Health, www.mcph.org, Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Activity, www.mainephysicalactivity.org. Live Long, Live Well Jodi Cornelio Nutritionist Personal Trainer corneljo@cmhc.org n Drywall and Plaster Repairs Refinish: Floors, Stairs & Woodwork Specialty Spray Coatings
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October 2009
RPH, Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary It is rare these days to find a local business that has continued to grow and succeed for 4 decades. RPH, Incorporated, based in Jay, Maine, has done just that. RPH describes themselves as a “mechanical contractor that specializes in air conditioning, plumbing, heating and ventilation for commercial and residential.â€? Their customers describe them a little differently. Words like, expert, professional, friendly and dependable are frequently used by the people that have utilized RPH for their home or business. Arthur and Michelle Leavitt of Four Seasons Property Management said this, “We could not recommend RPH any higher. They have always been dependable, knowledgeable and professional throughout our years of association. We can depend on their quick response for our emergencies. Not only are they an integral part of our business they have also become our great friends!â€? The Veilleuxs went into business in September of 1969. They based their business on quality service and installation of plumbing and heating equipment. Over the years the company has expanded its versatility to include cooling, sheetmetal and Control work, along with their proven expertise in plumbing and heating. The technicians at RPH have a broad range of knowledge on all aspects of plumbing and HVAC equipment that is available in today’s market. RPH services most of Central Maine including Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Kennebec Counties and beyond! Wherever you are, you can count on RPH to provide the absolute best in quality and service. Sometimes, people aren’t sure what they need. The experts at RPH will provide honest advice and recommendations. RPH prides itself on integrity and quality‌the biggest reason for their continued success and exceptional reputation. RPH can be reached at their headquarters in Jay, 897-4282, or by emailing office@rph.com. Happy Anniversary, RPH! Congratulations and continued success for years to come! n
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
Kelly Services The Market: Founded more than 60 years ago, the staffing industry has grown into a $345 billion global business. Contingent labor and the strategiesformanaging it now play a key role in most large companies' business plans. As the industry founder, Kelly Services has evolvedfrom aprovider of traditional office/ clerical help to a talent management partner offering innovative human resource solutions that spanthe entirespectrum of staffing, outsourcing, and consulting. Achievements: As a Fortune 500 industry leader, KellyŽ has won numerous awards from many wellknown global companies that haverecognized its excellence in corporate citizenship, supplier diversity, customer service, and quality. However, the companycounts its proudest achievements as those that make a difference in people’s lives. Kelly provides employment to more than 750,000people annually across thousands of skill areas, putting an employee to work every 30 seconds. In 2007 alone, Kellyplaced 9,000 engineers and 11,000 scientists, and on any given day during the U.S. school year, provided substitute teachersto more than 4,000 classrooms. Kelly also partners with employees looking to tran-
sition into the full-time workforce more than 50,000 Kelly temporary employeesare hired by customers annually. Connecting talented people with rewarding work is considered the company’s most meaningful achievement. History: In 1946, with the postwar economic boom just beginning, William Russell “Russ� Kelly started Russell Kelly Office Service,which offered to pick up typing work from customers and complete it at his office. It wasn’t long before one of Russ’s customers called indesperate need, not for work to be picked up, but for a worker to fill in for his secretary who hadn’t shown up that day. Followinghis serviceoriented instincts, Russ offered to loan the customer his own secretary for the day. Then a steel company called. They needed help with payroll, but were reluctant to send sensitive company records over to Russ’soffice. They asked if he’d consider sending one of his typists to their office to do the work. These customer requests gave Russ an idea. He realized that booming Detroit-based businesses wanted clerical help to come to their See Kelly on page 16
Reminders Are Great...
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Octobers issue features these Advertisers and more!
Castlenorth Real Estate, White Pine Properties , Regency Mortgage, Lewiston For Sale By Owner, Coldwell Banker Lakes Region Properties, Franklin Savings Bank, Stanley’s Furniture Mart, Camp in Eustis, Twin Town Homes, Village Square Realty, Kersey Real Estate, JRA Sealmaster, Century 21 Advantage - Linda Taylor, Hammond Lumber, Basement Technologies, Village Realty Inc., Berner Real Estate, Amnet Realty, Moose Creek Log Homes, Riverside Realty, Leavitt Realty - Tony Koris, Oxford Federal Credit Union, Wilton Comfort Inn and Suites , Schiavi Home Builders, and Lakepoint Real Estate.
To list your real estate agency or for more information, call (207) 225-2076 www.centralmainetoday.com
Central Maine Business NEWS
www.centralmainetoday.com
October 2009
Page 15
Maine Professionals Lead Cast In ‘God Touches’ Tickets Now On Sale for World Premiere
Dennis St. Pierre
Andrew Harris
Indulge Your Dark Side with Jekyll and Hyde This Halloween season, indulge your dark side with a theatrically thrilling production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, playing October 16-25 at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/ Auburn’s Professional Theatre. This mesmerizing tale of inner demons comes to life in a way you’ve never imagined in this fiendishly clever adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of horror. Journey to a secret room in London, where Dr Jekyll’s experiments with exotic powders have brought forth his other self—Edward Hyde, a villain free to commit the sins Dr. Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. Featuring one actor portraying Dr. Jekyll and four actors portraying Hyde, each Hyde reveals the many faces of evil that lurk within the hearts of men. “We all have an inner demon of some sort,” says director Janet Mitchko, “and ultimately the light and dark sides of our nature must find a healthy way to co-exist. This play reminds us that no one is, or can be, entirely good or evil. Human beings are complex and we must make peace with all aspects of ourselves, especially the parts that make us uncomfortable.” Returning to The Public Theatre to portray the tortured soul of Dr. Jekyll will be New York actor Peter Crosby, last seen as Father Flynn in TPT’s acclaimed production of Doubt. Co-starring as his primary alter ego will be actor Peter Simon Hilton, recently returned from the national tour of the Broadway
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Delta Dental Plan of Maine collaborated with the Maine Dental Association (MDA) to attract dental students to the MDA’s annual convention at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, by contributing $6,500 to a fund that provided a $200 stipend to each student to help with travel and lodging costs. This is just one of the ways that the Maine Dental Association and Delta Dental Plan of Maine are each addressing the future shortage of Maine dentists. Forty-one students traveled from dental schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, California, and Canada to explore employment opportunities in Maine, more than double the students who attended last year’s MDA convention for the same purpose. Shannon Mills, DDS, FAGD, FICD, Northeast Delta Dental’s vice president of professional
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relations, said of the gift, “We are thrilled to partner with the MDA to attract future dentists to learn about Maine by showing them how much this northern New England state has to offer.” Doing business as Northeast Delta Dental, Delta Dental is headquartered in Concord, New Hampshire, with
a sales office in Saco. Northeast Delta Dental tailors dental programs to the needs of organizations of all sizes and individuals without access to employer-sponsored dental insurance. Visit Northeast Delta Dental online at www.nedelta. com. n
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drama with healthy doses of comedy, God Touches tells the improbable story of a seraphic angel (St. Pierre) in unrequited love with his workplace partner, who strives with her to bring an earthly couple together—while their own unseen guardians (Harris and Tianna Bonenfant from Hallowell) plot to make love mates out of them. L-A Arts is the play’s producing sponsor and tickets can be ordered online at laarts.org, or by calling 782-7228 during business hours. The renovated Franco-American Heritage Center features comfortable cushioned seats for over 400 with no obstructed views to the stage. Its elevated seating arrangement can be viewed online at: francoamericanheritage. org. n
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play Frost/Nixon. Other cast members include Sheila Stasack, James Sears, Ken Glickfeld and Sandra Blaney. “It’s a great cast,” says Mitchko, “and we’re going to have a wicked good time in rehearsals.” Composer Paul Caron will be creating the music which will underscore much of the production. “Paul did such a wonderful job when he worked on Dracula with us”, says Mitchko, “we thought this project would be a great fit. It’s a spooky set (designed by Jennifer Madigan) loaded with alleys and fog and shadows and all sorts of things to make your goose-bumps rise. The music, lights, and sound effects are going to be very important elements.” Lighting designer Bart Garvey is looking forward to the challenge of sending shivers up your spine. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre, Oct 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25. A free postshow discussion featuring the cast and director will follow the Oct 18th matinee. Performance times are Thurs. at 7pm, Fri. and Sat. at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Adults $18, Sr/Stu $16, Group Rate (10+) $15. For tickets call The Public Theatre Box Office at 782-3200. For more information visit www.thepublictheatre.org. n
On November 19th a play written by Maine author Paul Baribault and directed by Richard Martin, artistic director at the Franco-American Heritage Center, will have its world premiere at the Franco Center in Lewiston. Dennis St. Pierre, the Equity lead in last year’s Brunswick production of Les Miserables at the Maine State Music Theater, plays the main character in a role written specifically for Mr. St. Pierre. Appearing with St. Pierre is British Equity’s Andrew Harris, executive director of L/A Arts and an actor from Portland Stage and member of the Maine Arts Commission, along with other actors from the L-A area and other Maine communities. Written as a serious
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Page 16
October 2009
Berry Receives September Mayoral VIBE Award Central Maine Medical Center's Wellness Center was a flurry of applause and flashing cameras yesterday afternoon as volunteer John Berry was surprised with the September Mayoral VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire By Example). Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., statMayor Laurent Gilbert & John Berry ed: "Thank you for volunteering area residents received lunch for two from your time to make sure supportive, profes- City Side Grill on Park counseling was avail- sional assistance from Street, Lewiston. able to Little Canada local counselors. In Nominations for furesidents following a addition, you are also ture award recipients recent devastating fire. applauded for volun- may be made online at In the midst of much teering at the CMMC www.ci.lewiston.me.us emotion and grief, you Wellness Center." or via nomination took the initiative to A very humble Ber- forms that are located 'reach out' on behalf of ry accepted the award at municipal service others, and due to your along with a VIBE la- windows. n active compassion, pel pin and a donated
Find out if you are eligible for lower cost healthcare or medications.
Central Maine Business NEWS www.centralmainetoday.com
First Mountain Easement The Mahoosuc Land Trust has received a conservation easement on 126 acres of undeveloped woodland off North Road in Shelburne. The easement is the gift of Larry Ely and Ginger Lawson of Falmouth, Maine and Shelburne, New Hampshire. The purpose of the easement is to protect wildlife habitat and an important wildlife corridor between the White Mountain National Forest to the south and the Mahoosuc Mountain region to the north. The land may not be subdivided or developed. The easement was the result of four years of discussions between Ely and Lawson, the Conservation Fund, and the Mahoosuc Land Trust. A conservation easement is an agreement between the land trust and a family or individual that limits the use of the land. Conservation easements are flexible, permanent,
offices, often for short or last-minute assignments. His idea? Instead of picking up typing work and doing it in his own office, he’d start sending his two employees on temporary assignments to wherevkelly, from page 14
a program of
Mountain (elevation 1685 ft.). The property is a documented travel corridor for bears and other species moving between the White Mountains and the wild lands to the north. The Mahoosuc Land Trust thanks Larry Ely and Ginger Lawson for their generous gift of this conservation easement. The Land Trust also thanks Nancy Bell of the Conservation Fund for her tireless energy working on the Shelburne Conservation project. The Mahoosuc Land Trust is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a community land trust encouraging public interest in conservation in central Oxford County, Maine and eastern Coos County, N.H., supporting a balance of growth and preservation and emphasizing sustainable and traditional land uses. For more information visit www.mahoosuc.org or call 207-824-3806. n
er they were needed. From Russ’s small office in Detroit, that idea quickly caught on.With a qualified staff ready at a moment’s notice, Russ saved his customers time and money. Thus, the modern staffing industry was born. n
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agreements that enable the donor to continue to own, live on and farm, or cut timber on their land. The conditions of the easement remain on the land permanently. The donation of the easement will help provide part of the funding match for a community effort to protect the Philbrook Farm Inn in Shelburne. It is the oldest continually-owned family inn in the United States. The Conservation Fund successfully applied for funding from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program to purchase another conservation easement on approximately 700 acres of woodland owned by the inn. The First Mountain easement will qualify as part of the local funding match for the Philbrook Farm Inn easement purchase. The First Mountain Property includes Joe’s Ledges and the summit and south slopes of First
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