Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.

Maine DEP has announced new grant awards for municipal stream crossings

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photo: Maine DEP

Maine DEP’s Municipal Stream Crossing Grant Program provides grants that match local funding for the upgrade of culverts at stream crossings on municipal roads. Projects funded through this program will benefit public infrastructure and safety by replacing failing culverts that are at risk of complete washout or collapse; reduce flooding and increase resiliency with the installation or larger, higher capacity and longer-lived crossings, benefit fish and wildlife by opening and reconnecting stream habitat fragmented by undersized and impassable culverts, and represent a cost-effective and efficient investment based on planning, detail, and local matching funds committed to the project.

Funding for this round of grants includes $3 million from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, with additional awards being made from previously-returned grant funds. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received 45 applications to review with a total over $6.5 million dollars in funding requests. Thirty-two stream crossing projects funded this round will result in new or improved upstream fish passage to 60 miles of stream habitat, and result in less flooding and improved resilience of local transportation infrastructure.

Maine DEP is pleased to announce funds for the following projects in the central Maine area:

Fairfield, Green Road, $150,000; Mercer, Pond Road, $150,000; Whitefield, South Hunts Meadow Road, $146,000.

New Dimensions FCU awarded grant for ending hunger campaign

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From left to right, Diane Bourgoin, New Dimensions FCU CEO Ryan Poulin, Sharon Storti, and Jen Burke (MECUL). (contributed photo)

Elan, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, continuing the commitment to partners and their communities, has selected 25 new credit union partners to designate a charity in their community to receive a $15,000 donation on the credit union’s behalf, as part of the 2023 Elan Charitable Giving Program. The program has now donated over $1 million since it began in 2022.

“Over the last year we’ve heard and seen firsthand how our charitable giving program is making an impact,” said John Owens, Elan Credit Card General Manager, “These nonprofits are doing incredible work for community members and it’s an honor for us to be able to support them.”

The 2023 Elan charitable giving credit union partners and selected beneficiaries includes New Dimensions Federal Credit Union (Maine Credit Union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger), in Waterville.

In 2023, Elan plans to organize in-person volunteer events. This will provide the opportunity for Elan team members to work alongside credit union partners in their communities.

To learn more about each organization, credit union, and the impact Elan is making in communities through its charitable giving initiative visit www.elancharitablegiving.com.

LETTERS: AARP wants to hear from you

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To the editor:

Do you ever get the feeling that no one’s really listening to you? Well, that’s about to change.

As we move into this new year of 2023, AARP Maine wants to hear what you have to say about things like housing, heating and health. These, and a host of other issues and ideas, which are of import to all Mainers age 50+, are the things which are important to us.

With that in mind, beginning the evening of Monday, February 20th, and continuing for the next six (6) weeks, AARP Maine volunteers and staff will be hosting a Virtual Listening Tour. Conducted over Zoom, our virtual session “stops” range from Maine’s Southern Coast to its Northern Tip. We invite you to visit our website to find when we will be visiting your area, and to register to participate.

As we collectively engage in clarifying the questions and concerns we face, and crafting creative solutions on behalf of ourselves and those we care about, we want to add your voice; and to do that we must first hear and listen to what you have to say.

Come join us; let’s talk, let’s listen.

Carl M. Toney, P.A.
Executive Council Volunteer
AARP Maine

KVYSO a hidden gem in central Maine

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Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp conducts the orchestra rehearsal. (photo courtesy of Stephanie Taylor)

by Eric W. Austin

“I think of it as a hidden gem in central Maine,” says board president Stephanie Taylor, about the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras (KVYSO), an independent nonprofit formed in 2018 as an outgrowth of the Pineland Suzuki School of music, in Manchester. The initiative was an effort to bring the string musicians of the Suzuki School together with local students of wind, brass and percussion instruments for a full orchestral experience.

Stephanie Taylor

Taylor, a professor of Computer Science, at Colby College, in Waterville, and mother to one former and one current student member of the orchestra, serves as both the president of the board and the group’s webmaster.

“I’m the president of the board,” she says, “which basically just means I’m an involved parent.”

The orchestra consists of two ensembles, the Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra for intermediate students, and the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony for advanced students. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to audition, with placement determined by skill level. KVYSO is especially looking for percussion, brass, and wind instrumentalists.

The group works hard to avoid conflicts with other activities in which the students may be involved, such as sports or other musical groups. They hold two ten-week seasons each year, culminating with a public concert. Their off-season is January and February, when the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra is active, so that students can participate in both groups if they wish. Frequently, KVYSO schedules trips such as the one planned for New York City in April.

Tuition for participation in the Intermediate Orchestra is $100 per semester, and $165 per semester for the Advanced Orchestra. Financial aid is also available for parents who wish to apply.

The Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras are currently holding auditions for their spring season, and holds rolling auditions throughout the year. Students can schedule an audition appointment by filling out the form on their website and emailing it to Betsy Kobayashi, Education Director, at info@kvyso.org.

The orchestras are conducted by Jinwook Park, the orchestra conductor at Colby College, and Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp. Keller is an inductee of both the Maine Music Education Association Hall of Fame and the National Music Hall of Fame for Music Educators. Of Jinwook Park, Taylor says, “He is incredible musically and the students absolutely love him. He’s a very nice guy that pushes them to do really amazing stuff.”

The Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra’s next concert is scheduled for Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m., with the location to be determined. Watch The Town Line’s Calendar of Events for updates or visit the Schedule and Concert Information page on their website at kvyso.org.

Sheepscot Valley Health Center welcomes physician assistant, Brooke Perez

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Brooke Perez

This February, staff at Sheepscot Valley Health Center, are welcoming Brooke Perez, Physician Assistant, to the team.

Brooke earned her master’s degree in Physician Assisting from Trevecca Nazarene University of Tennessee. Previously, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine from the Eastern Nazarene College of Massachusetts. Brooke draws from a solid background in rural medicine and urgent care, along with experience in local inpatient facilities.

Brooke shares, “I am thrilled to transition into family practice, and to have the opportunity to blend my existing knowledge of orthopedics and inpatient medicine to provide high-quality healthcare for the whole family. Collaborating with my patients to help them reach their health goals is very important to me. I am excited to contribute to a healthier community here in Central Maine”.

Brooke joins physicians Ann Schwink and Kathryn Wistar; physician assistants Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; and psychiatric nurse practitioner Nancy Glover. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.

Residents of Coopers Mills and Whitefield – and nearby towns – have enjoyed quality care at the Sheepscot Valley Health Center since its founding in 1980.

Sheepscot Valley Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of 12 Federally-Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Friday, February 10, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

L.D. 313, S.P. 134

An Act to Ensure Consistency in Retirement Plans for Certain Law Enforcement Officers. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 314, S.P. 135

An Act to Establish the Permanent Commission on the Status of Housing in Maine. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 331, S.P. 152

Resolve, to Name a Bridge in the Town of Canaan After Staff Sergeant Richard Gerald Salsbury. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 332, S.P. 153

An Act to Amend the State’s Election Laws. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 336, H.P. 210

An Act Regarding State Recognition of Native American Tribes. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 340, H.P. 214

An Act Regarding the Purpose and Responsibilities of the State Regulatory System for Public Utilities. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 341, H.P. 215

An Act to Amend the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law to Encourage Housing Construction. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 342, H.P. 216

An Act to Streamline Licensing by Matching Federal Licensing Requirements for Occupations Licensed Federally. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 347, H.P. 221

An Act Regarding In-court Appearance Requirements for Persons Authorized to Serve Eviction Notices and the Process for Serving a Writ of Possession. (Presented by Representative CYRWAY of Albion)

L.D. 353, S.P. 160

An Act Concerning Substance Use Disorder, Treatment, Recovery, Prevention and Education. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 354, S.P. 161

An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding the Use of Engineers on Public Works Projects over $100,000. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 355, S.P. 162

An Act to Refocus the Purpose and Duties of the Cannabis Advisory Commission. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 356, S.P. 163

An Act to Invest in Construction Industry Workforce Development. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 366, S.P. 173

An Act to Promote Workforce Development. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 367, S.P. 174

An Act to Authorize General Fund Bond Issues to Improve Highways, Bridges and Nonhighway Modes of Transportation. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 376, H.P. 227

An Act to Repeal the Law Regarding the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 389, H.P. 240

An Act to Improve Rural Transportation and Access to Mental Health Care and Physical Health Care. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 410, S.P. 191

An Act Regarding the Nuisance of Cannabis Plants and Smoke in Residential Areas. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 415, S.P. 196

An Act to Allow Nonalcoholic Sparkling Cider to Be Sold in Maine. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 422, H.P. 255

An Act to Eliminate the Requirement That Municipalities Provide Public Notice in Newspapers. (Presented by Representative NEWMAN of Belgrade)

L.D. 430, H.P. 263

An Act to Provide Translation Services for Hospital Patients. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 432, H.P. 265

An Act to Clarify MaineCare Program Requirements Regarding Certain High-risk Health Care Providers. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 442, H.P. 275

An Act Regarding Renewable Energy Projects. (Presented by Representative BRADSTREET of Vassalboro)

L.D. 462, H.P. 279

An Act to Assist Persons Experiencing Homelessness in Areas of High Rent by Seeking a Waiver from the Federal Government. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 463, H.P. 280

Resolve, to Ensure Continued MaineCare Coverage for Persons Formerly in Foster Care Until They Attain 27 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 472, H.P. 289

An Act to Support Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Projects. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 480, H.P. 297

An Act to Clarify Laws Regarding the Placement of Signs on Public Ways. (Presented by Representative NEWMAN of Belgrade)

L.D. 485, H.P. 302

Resolve, to Amend the Rules Regarding Athletic Director Qualifications. (Presented by Representative NEWMAN of Belgrade)

L.D. 507, S.P. 224

An Act to Improve Outcomes for Youth Transitioning from State Care by Reducing Barriers to Maintaining Health Care Coverage. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 509, S.P. 226

An Act to Amend the Net Energy Billing Laws to Require Net Energy Billing Credits to be Nonlapsing. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 510, S.P. 227

An Act to Protect the Public Health by Allowing the Appointment of Associate Health Officers. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 522, H.P. 327

An Act to Require That Motor Vehicles Be Clear of Snow When Operated on Public Ways. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 528, H.P. 333

An Act to Improve Road Safety for Waste and Recycling Collection Employees. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 529, H.P. 334

An Act to Remove the Annual Filing Requirement in the Property Tax Stabilization Laws. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 530, H.P. 335

An Act to Facilitate the Installation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Hospitals, Law Enforcement Facilities and Fire Departments. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 531, H.P. 336

An Act to Add Gray Squirrels to the Species List for the Open Training Season for Hunting Dogs. (Presented by Representative BRADSTREET of Vassalboro)

L.D. 554, H.P. 359

An Act to Continue the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program. (Presented by Representative SHAGOURY of Hallowell)

L.D. 568, S.P. 239

An Act to Provide Funding for the Fund to Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutrition Incentives. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.

Pine Tree Amendment citizens continue to advocate for protected rights

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A multi-generational team of Mainers is campaigning for an amendment that would enshrine environmental rights in the Maine Constitution’s Declaration of Rights. The Pine Tree Amendment (PTA) is a proposed amendment to the Maine State Constitution that would secure the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all people in Maine, including future generations. This amendment would create a robust legal pathway for protecting Maine’s ecosystems.

On Friday, January 27, at a virtual lunch and learn event, Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) announced the Pine Tree Amendment is again on their list of environmental priorities for this legislative session. The EPC is a partnership of 37 environmental, conservation, and public health organizations that “works together to identify important legislation and votes to determine their Common Agenda for each legislative session.” The EPC’s decision to include the Pine Tree Amendment among their legislative priorities for the second time suggests that this issue is important to Mainers and that the PTA has the capacity to make a significant impact in protecting Maine’s environment.

“The Pine Tree Amendment will encourage sustainable and forward-thinking development, industry, and business growth. It will also incentivize government officials to make decisions that will accomplish economic and business objectives while also protecting water, air, soils, food, forests, wetlands, climate, and other natural resources,” said Representative Maggie O’Neil, the House sponsor for the bill. “Our environment is critical to sustaining healthy, safe, and successful lives and economies, and Maine’s constitution should be reflective of that fact.”

In the 2022 legislative session, a bipartisan PTA bill (LD 489), with strong community-based grassroots support, and the endorsement of the Environmental Priorities Coalition and many Maine businesses, received strong support in the Senate but fell short of a two-thirds majority in the House. The Pine Tree Amendment will require a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers to be placed on the ballot in November as a statewide referendum.

“All people in Maine deserve the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, and they deserve it now,” said Cole Cochrane, the Legislative Director for Maine Youth Action, a youth-led organization advocating for environmental justice in Maine. “This is truly the bare minimum in terms of what people in Maine should have for rights, and yet these rights are not stated or protected by Maine’s Constitution. The Pine Tree Amendment would change that, ensuring that these constitutionally protected rights are upheld by Maine state and local governments.”

Individuals and groups interested in learning more or assisting with the campaign can visit www.pinetreeamendment.org or contact pinetreeamendment@gmail.com.

Training virtual assistants to work from home in Maine

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One-of-a-kind training program piloted by Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College has created and launched a one-of-a-kind training program for Virtual Assistants. An up-and-coming profession in the new world of remote work, virtual assistants support businesses and companies in marketing, administrative, and management tasks.

“Our goal is to train 45 virtual assistants here in Maine,” says Joe Musumeci, director of workforce training at Kennebec Valley Community College. “We hope to help fill hiring vacancies that many organizations are feeling, while also giving workers in rural areas a marketable skill and the ability to work remotely successfully.”

The training is part of the Remote Work for ME program through the Maine Community College System, which is also offering other occupational programs in jobs that can be done remotely. In addition to these occupational programs, Deputy Executive Director of Workforce Training and Remote Working Joshua Howe has created self-guided training around topics such as working in a remote environment and leading a team of remote workers.

“It’s anticipated that 30% of positions will continue to be remote even as we return to the office. Programs such as KVCC’s Virtual Assistant program allows Mainers access to good-paying jobs while balancing work and home more efficiently, and Maine employers get access to a much-needed workforce across Maine,” says Howe.

Through the Virtual Assistant Training program, trainees will receive a certificate in either project management or digital marketing. Trainees also gain experience in using a selection of modern web- based tools, communication techniques, and accessing business resources throughout Maine.

Each cohort of trainees is led through the 5-month training program by Monique Bouchard, who meets weekly with the group to provide support and expertise. Bouchard’s experiences as an entrepreneur, business mentor, and marketing communications consultant have given her an insider’s understanding of the skills needed to help support Maine’s business community.

“Programs like this are a triple win — providing opportunities for Mainers to learn and utilize needed, up-to-date skills that can not only support Maine’s startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and increase Maine’s overall economic potential,” says Bouchard.

Towards the end of the program, the virtual assistants will be tasked with completing a marketing or management project with a Maine-based business or start-up.

“We have opened an application to connect our virtual assistants to any local businesses with a project they would like completed,” says Musumeci. “We would love to help facilitate these connections and see it as a win-win for both the businesses and for the Mainers diving into work in this new field.”

Businesses and organizations can request help from a virtual assistant in KVCC’s training program at kvcc.me.edu/workforce.

PHOTO: New chamber board members

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The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce new board members. From left to right, Jordan Rowan, Kristian Suttie, Gary Poulin, Molly Woodward and Jamie Plourde. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: SMASH proudly presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (SMASH) proudly presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, February 2 & 3 at 6:30pm and February 4 at 2pm. It will be performed at Cumston Hall in Monmouth, Maine.  Tickets are available at the door or online here. For more information, email smashmaine@jimdofree.com.
Adults – $8, Seniors – $6, Family – $28.
We would love to see you there!
About SMASH: Since it began in 1993, the mission for SMASH has been to show God’s love and grace through the performance of plays by William Shakespeare. Pastor Sam has often said that he would stop doing SMASH if the purpose of sharing the Gospel through SMASH proved ineffective. Involvement in SMASH has helped many homeschooled students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually while learning about Shakespeare from a Christian perspective. Some have taken an English literature course credit for full participation.