Dirigo Labs announces selection as AWS activate provider

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photo credit: Dirigo Labs

Dirigo Labs, Maine’s newest accelerator program, has been designated as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Provider, allowing Dirigo Labs-based startups and entrepreneurs to access exclusive benefits to help accelerate growth as they build their respective businesses. The accelerator, launching its first cohort in March, will host appro­ximately 10 Maine-based startups representing a range of industries including biotechnology and information technology.

Startups affiliated with Dirigo Labs who are building or about to start building web-based programs on AWS may apply for the AWS Activate Portfolio and receive free AWS credits, technical support, training, resources, and more. Inclusion in the Activate program differentiates the Dirigo Labs accelerator as an important solution to the maturation of startups building and scaling their companies on AWS.

“Being designated as an AWS Activate Provider will allow Dirigo Labs participating founders access to an exclusive toolset to help them succeed at every stage of their development,” states Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “We welcome all cohort members to take full advantage of these incredible benefits.”

Dirigo Labs will offer a 12-week curriculum for seed-stage entrepreneurs scaling their startups. Topics will include product development, fundraising strategies, revenue modeling, and pitch refinement. Utilizing regional assets to encourage job creation and retention while improving access to capital for startups, Dirigo Labs is building an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and showcases central Maine as a destination for business development and success.

“Joining an impressive portfolio of AWS Activate Program companies, including Coinbase and Toast, Dirigo Labs will provide opportunities and services to startups in our accelerator that they wouldn’t have had access to before, such as AWS Cloud credits, AWS business support, and access to the Activate console to help their business prosper,” elaborates Central Maine Growth Council Development Coordinator Sabrina Jandreau. “We look forward to working with our startups to utilize these opportunities while supporting rural business development for years to come.”

Startups and potential mentors interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs and submitting an application can visit www.dirigolabs.org.

Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.

Hedrich inducted into National Association of Conservation District’s Hall of Distinction

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Mark Hedrich

Both the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Board of Supervisors and staff, and the Maine Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Executive Committee have announced that Mark Hedrich, of Agricola Farms, in Union, has been accepted by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for entry to their Hall of Distinction in 2022.

Mark’s service and contributions span local, state, and national conservation. His volunteer leadership in chairing the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District for multiple decades—36 continuous years of service—has impacted the local area through identifying and addressing natural resource priorities, highlighting and  assisting with resource concerns unique to the region, as well as supporting education and outreach to inform local landowners of services available, funding opportunities, and issues important to landowners of all levels; from recent landowners to beginning farmers to diverse operation property owners/managers.

When not farming in Union, or assisting Knox-Lincoln SWCD or MACD, Mark can be found at Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry as the nutrient management specialist where he assists producers with nutrient management planning, solar pasture endeavors, irrigation, and compost management statewide.

In addition, Mark’s knowledge of farm operations, resources, permitting requirements, and soil health provide important input and recommendations for creating and updating informational resources – published documents, brochures, and Best Management Practice guides – provides the agricultural community with vital material statewide.

As an expert in carcass composting, Mark has assisted in helping the agricultural community on a national level, as well. He is a recognized USDA Compost Subject Matter Expert. As such, Mark was deployed in 2018 to North Carolina to assist poultry operations recover after Hurricane Florence where he worked directly with growers to supervise poultry losses (broilers) through composting. Mark’s expertise and willingness to deploy is important during these types of catastrophic events to ensure sustainability and safety on site during devasting animal loss.

A member of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts Executive Committee, Mark makes recommendations and offers guidance to advance the profile and public awareness of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. With long-range awareness to conservation methods, common sense approach decision making, and skills that provide extensive assistance, Mark Hedrich more than deserves the recognition of the National Association of Conservation Districts Hall of Distinction.

For more information about NACD and the Hall of Distinction, please see: https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/nacd-history/hall-of-distinction/. For more information, please call Julie at 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Colby students for mutual aid created

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Lorimer Chapel at Colby College.

This GoFundMe was created to support an ongoing fund by Colby College students for mutual aid. The organizers are students passionate about building a community within the Colby student body and alumni network where they can support the students most impacted by COVID-19 and Colby’s reopening. The fund is specifically benefiting students of color, first-gen low-income students, and queer and trans students. All donations will go directly to students for specific needs such as flights, groceries, and text-books

“As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the United States, marginalized communities are impacted the most. With Colby’s reopening, we must ensure these students have the support and abilities to return to Colby or choose to do remote learning without a significant financial burden.” says the fundraiser organizers.

Contact info can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/colbymutualaid/

https://www.facebook.com/colbymutualaid/

To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/z4lq/2022-colby-mutual-aid.

CENTRAL ME: Check before giving to Ukraine relief efforts

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News reports of Russia’s attack on Ukraine may encourage concerned individuals to reach out and help victims affected by the conflict.

Before giving, go to BBB’s Give.org for tips on how to best help Ukraine relief activities. Among other things, it notes that not all relief organizations will be able to provide timely assistance unless they already have a presence in Ukraine. For additional advice as well as a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet all 20 BBB Charity Standards) raising funds to help, visit tips for donating to Ukraine relief. List is provided below. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun, concerns grow about current and potential emergency needs of the Ukraine people. Generous donors want to help by supporting charities that are raising funds for assistance. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips for donors to consider along with a list of BBB Accredited Charities that have announced Ukraine-related activities or plans on their websites.

We certainly encourage generosity to help the people in Ukraine.

The following nationally-soliciting charities are BBB Accredited (i.e., they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability). Their respective websites indicate they are either currently raising funds for assistance efforts in Ukraine or preparing for needs that could arise if conflict results in population displacement.

O’Rourke promoted to commercial loan officer at New Dimensions FCU

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Kyle O’Rourke

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union has announced its new Commercial Loan Officer, Kyle O’Rourke, who has years of lending experience as a Commercial Loan Underwriter and Mortgage Loan Officer.

Directors and the lending staff are excited to have O’Rourke join their team as his experience and wealth of knowledge will be valuable as he settles into his position. His goal is to help as many small business members as he can. He states, “I am truly excited to be working with local business members and being an integral part of their growth. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am looking forward to diving in. Over my time here at NDFCU this organization has shown me what it means to take care of our members and I am proud to be part of the team.” O’Rourke enjoys the beach and sitting outside by a campfire in the summer and fall months. O’Rourke resides in Waterville with his dog, Molly.

Ryan Poulin, CEO, states, “I am excited to promote Kyle to the Commercial Loan Officer position at New Dimensions.  His passion, experience, and dedication make him the right fit for our business members.”

Rep. Perkins announces local projects in Maine DOT work plan

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State Representative Mike Perkins R-(Oakland) is pleased to announce that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) Work Plan for Calendar Years 2022, 2023 and 2024 is available. The estimated value of work in the plan totals more than 2,316 individual work items with a total value of $3.17 billion. This represents a substantial increase from last year due to anticipated federal funding.

The MDOT Work Plan for House District #77 includes projects in Oakland and Sidney. They include:

• Drainage Maintenance on Route 11 in Oakland,
• Highway Paving on Middle Road in Oakland,
• Bridge and Structural Maintenance on the Town Farm Brook Bridge (Route 104) in Sidney, and
• Highway Paving on Middle Road in Sidney.

“I am pleased to see several projects scheduled for out area over the next three years and throughout Maine,” said Rep. Perkins. “I wish that additional federal dollars would allow DOT to do more. Unfortunately, the federal money will mostly offset the runaway inflation we are experiencing, not go toward the chronic underfunding of our roads and bridges. I understand that, like the rest of us, DOT is trying to do more with less.”

The full work plan, searchable by municipality, is available at the Maine Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/workplan/search/.

Celebrate Earth Day with free trees for kids!

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Plant a tree and help the Earth! The Waterville Public Library (WPL) is celebrating Earth Day this spring by participating in the 13th Annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program, whose aim is to provide free trees to kids every Earth Day! To get one, parents can fill out the online registration form.

The tree (6-12 inches in size) will be delivered during Earth Week (April 22-30) to the library where it can be picked up. Planting instructions and species information will be emailed a few days prior to the trees arriving.

To register, visit the Waterville Public Library’s Dedicated Parent Registration page on the Neighborhood Forest website, https://bit.ly/3sNcpe1 or find the Waterville Public Library in the drop-down menu on the school search page on https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/school-search/

For questions or directions to the Waterville Public Library, visit www.watervillelibrary.org, email librarian@watervillelibrary.org, call 207.872.5433, or stop by the Library.

Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has reached over 100,000 families and planted over 50,000 (mostly urban and residential) trees through the hands of children and parents across North America. We endorse this project and are excited to be participating in this wonderful program that teaches kids stewardship through the magic and wonder of planting and watching trees grow.

For more information about the Neighborhood Forest program: www.neighborhoodforest.org.

Waterville Creates announces Youth Art Month Exhibition and launch of Youth Arts Access Fund

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Waterville Creates, a nonprofit supporting and promoting high-quality, accessible arts and cultural programs in central Maine, is excited to host the 8th Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibition at Ticonic Gallery and Railroad Square Cinema from March 1-31, 2022. Established in 1961, YAM is a national program designed to celebrate visual art education for grades K – 12 with a goal to increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through active participation in exhibitions, workshops, and other creative ventures. This year’s YAM theme is “Art Connects Us.”

This year’s YAM exhibition will include the work of aspiring youth artists from 19 participating schools.

In conjunction with YAM, Waterville Creates announces the launch of the Youth Arts Access Fund (YAAF). Established under the belief that all youth, regardless of income, ability, or background, should have access to outstanding arts programming and arts education opportunities, YAAF is designed to support free admission for youth ages 18 and under to the full range of programming.

For more information on YAM, please visit the website. Ticonic Gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Friday from noon – 5 p.m. Railroad Square Cinema Lobby is free and open to the public Monday-Sunday from 2 – 9 p.m. All gallery visitors are required to wear masks.

More information about the Youth Arts Access Fund, including a link to donate to the fund, can be found on the Waterville Creates website.

YAM 2022 participating schools: Albert S. Hall School, Bloomfield Elementary School, Canaan Elementary School, Carrabec High School, George J. Mitchell School, Madison Elementary School, Madison Junior High School, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Maine Arts Academy, Messalonskee High School, Messalonskee Middle School, Mount Merici Academy, North Elementary School, Skowhegan High School, Warsaw Middle School, Waterville Alternative High School, Waterville High School, Winslow High School, Winslow Junior High School.

Trout stocking sale underway; Pre-order deadline is May 6

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) is once again sponsoring an annual trout stocking sale for your home or farm pond. We offer two sizes, 4 – 6-inch rainbow trout and 7 – 9-inch brook trout, as well as oxygen bags that hold up to 20 – 30 fish. Minimum order is $50.

To order, you must have a current stocking permit from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W). Permit applications must be on file with KLSWCD before May 19. Please allow two weeks for IF&W to process your application. Permit applications and trout order forms are available on the KLSWCD website at http://www.knox-lincoln.org/trout-sale or contact us to receive one by mail.

Trout sale pre-order deadline is May 6, 2022, with pick-up at noon on May 20, at the District Office, located at 893 West St., (Rte. 90), in Rockport.

For more information, visit: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/trout-sale, call 596-2040, or email info@knox-lincoln.org.

Turner couple raising money to bring Ukraine orphans to Maine

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Chelsea and Andrew Davies have been hosting twin orphan boys from Ukraine for the last two years during the summertime. The couple, who lives in Turner, grew concerned over the last few weeks as they learned more about Russia’s threats to invade Ukraine. Chelsea created a GoFundMe account to help with efforts to reunite them with the boys who become like family.

To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/gfm/bring-our-boys-home-safely.