Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Tariffs to dramatically increase energy burden on Maine families

by Lucy Hochschartner
Maine Conservation Voters’ Climate and Clean Energy Director

In the early hours of the morning, President Trump enacted 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, with 10 percent tariffs on Canadian energy imports. These tariffs are poised to have a devastating effect on Maine families who are already struggling to keep up with rising energy costs. Half of Maine families rely on oil for heating, and 80 percent of Maine’s heating fuel and gasoline is imported from Canada. Regionally, the New England grid operator anticipates $66 million in import duties to import Canadian electricity that will have to be passed on to customers. These tariffs will affect all energy costs, from heating to electricity to gasoline at the pump.

President Trump’s tariffs are going to hurt us. Whether it is you who is impacted, your family, your neighbors, or your friends – these tariffs will increase energy costs dramatically at a time when we must do the opposite. It is time for all of us to take care of each other, regardless of whether we voted for the same person or share the same views. The only way forward is to lean on each other, and into the future of a clean, Maine-made energy system.”

In the long term, Maine can look to Maine-made renewables like onshore wind, offshore wind, and solar to avoid this kind of dependency on volatile global fossil fuel markets. In the meantime, customers should look to local Community Action Agencies, their town’s general assistance program, or their utility company for help if they are struggling to pay. Mainers can get connected to local assistance programs now by calling 2-1-1.

PHOTOS: SAD #18 students busy with school projects

China Primary School: 2024 Maine Stem Film Challenge Winners: Second grader, Syar, from Ms. Kimmie’s class and his brother, Shya, from Mrs. Dunn’s kindergarten class recently participated in the 2024 Maine Stem Film Challenge held by the University of Southern Maine. They submitted a film on the topic of ecology – focusing on amphibians and won first place in the K-3 division!

China Middle School: Gifted and Talented Students Delve into Space Studies: Gifted and Talented students at both China and Messalonskee Middle schools participated in a space mission with the Bangor Challenger Learning Center. Both schools created a live 3D space timeline posted in their buildings. Students then learned how to use Canva to “digitize” their timeline and create a video. Some students used AI tools in and out of Canva to do voice overs. Mrs. Paquette and Ms. Fish teamed up for this technology piece.

Williams Elementary School: Challenger Learning Center of Maine: In an exciting educational initiative, Mrs. Pullen’s and Mr. Polley’s fifth graders teamed up with the Challenger Learning Center of Maine to delve into the mysteries of Mars and its moons. Through interactive simulations and expert guidance, students explored the unique characteristics of Mars’ moons. During their discussions, students connected to the science standard about Earth’s revolution and recognized that there is a critical window of landing opportunities on Mars, which is influenced by its orbit around the Sun.

Messalonskee Middle School: Seventh Grade Social Studies Colonization Simulation: Ms. Michaud’s social studies classes on Team Boothbay have been role playing life in Colonial America. Students have been journaling and acting out as though they are traders, explorers, governors, teachers, healers, blacksmiths, and Native Americans in class to gain first-hand experiences at life in the New World during the 1600-1700s. Students have enjoyed this engaging unit and exceeded expectations in their roles as colony members!

Bar Harbor Bank accepting applications from seniors for 2025 career & technical education scholarship

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is currently accepting applications for the Bank’s 2025 Career & Technical Education Scholar­ship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to income-eligible high school seniors who attend a technical career program as part of their high school curriculum and are planning to attend a college or technical school in the academic year immediately following graduation.

Students must reside in counties in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont where the Bank has a branch location. Applicants selected to receive a 2025 scholarship will be eligible to apply for an additional $1,000 scholarship in 2026 to be used for their second year of college or technical school.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Career & Technical Education Scholarship is May 1, 2025. Interested students can visit www.barharbor.bank/scholarships for more information about eligibility and to download the application.

EVENTS: 16 Counties for Courage: Neighbors for Common Ground

People in Maine’s 16 counties are rallying to find common ground and push back on the actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE, Saturday, March 1, 2:30 – 4 p.m., starting with a march from the Margaret Chase Smith Memorial Bridge, in Skowhegan, and ending at the Miller’s table parking lot.

Come march and gather to hear unifying speakers talk about how proposed laws, like the Save Act, might impact you and your neighbors. They welcome Mainers of all political persuasions to demand that our representatives and government officials restore, checks and balances, the established rule of law, equity for all under the law, and privacy and security of our information.

No child should be priced out of playing sports

by Hanna Skandera

Participating in youth sports has long been a cornerstone of the American experience — or at least it used to be. Fewer American kids are playing sports, and shifting trends are leaving countless kids on the sidelines.

The importance of reversing this trend cannot be overstated. Youth sports are not just games; they are a critical component of childhood development. Simply put, the well-being of our nation hinges, in part, on our investments in youth sports today.

The cost of participating in sports has become increasingly prohibitive. The rise of digital entertainment has captivated kids’ attention, drawing them away from physical activities. These declining participation rates threaten young Americans’ mental and physical health. Anxiety and depression in kids, which can be alleviated by exercise, are on the rise.

Youth sports are becoming steadily more privatized: Today, “pay-to-play” youth sports is a $30-to $40 billion dollar industry. American families spend an average of almost $900 annually per child to participate in organized sports.

The growing socio-economic gap in sports participation is glaring. Today, while more than two in three kids from wealthier families are playing sports, only about one in three from the poorest families get the same opportunity.

Sports teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and resilience – traits that are essential both on and off the field. For many kids from challenging family situations, sports offer a sense of belonging and purpose and put them on the path to a more stable future.

Participation in sports has been linked to better academic performance, higher self-esteem, and a greater likelihood of college attendance. In fact, studies show that 66% of students who earn all A’s play organized sports compared to just 24% of students with mostly D’s and F’s.

Kids who play sports have higher lifetime earnings. They have vastly lower rates of depression, obesity, and other serious health conditions. The benefits are so stark that Americans would be a collective $57 billion richer each year, thanks to reduced healthcare spending and increased productivity, if the youth sports participation rate increased by just about ten percentage points, according to one recent study.

Investing in youth sports is a matter of public health — and national pride. The athletes who will represent us in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2034 Salt Lake City Olympics are today’s young hopefuls in recreational leagues and school teams.

Without a robust pipeline of young talent, not only will our health suffer – but our ability to compete at the highest levels will be compromised.

Nonprofit organizations have a unique opportunity to cultivate that pipeline. My organization, the Daniels Fund, recently teamed up with the Aspen Institute to launch the first-ever Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day. With over $3.7 million raised through overwhelming support from philanthropists and community members, this campaign demonstrates the deep belief in the importance of making sports accessible to all children.

As a society, we’ll need to make big investments to ensure that every child has a chance to experience the benefits of sports. By doing so, we will build a healthier, more resilient generation of Americans.

Hanna Skandera is president and CEO of the Daniels Fund (danielsfund.org) and is a former track and field athlete and coach. This piece originally ran in Salon.

University of Maine at Augusta honors (Fall 2024)

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Provost Joseph Szakas announces the Fall 2024 full-time president’s list and the Fall 2024 full-time dean’s list.

Fall 2024 Full Time President’s List

Kennebec County:

Yasmeen Al-Hoshan, Waterville; Aysha Al-Qudah, Litchfield; Ruqayah Alzirej, Augusta; Kaleb Ames, Hallowell; Tristan Anderson, South China; Fatima Babar, Farmingdale; Emma Berto, Augusta; Alana Braley, Winthrop; Nicole Brann, Manchester; Gabriel Brents, West Gardiner; Morgan Britto, Augusta; Abigail Bucknam, Augusta; Veronica Burgett, Winslow; Tylor Cannon, Augusta; Jason Carlson, Hallowell; Addison Carter, Pittston; Nolan Cartwright, Augusta; Trinity Chrissman, Chelsea; Sarah Cook-Wheeler, Augusta; Emmylee Crocker, Augusta; Elizabeth Crommett, Hallowell; Hannah Daigneault, Winslow; Jantsa Dansranbavuu, Augusta; Gabe Denbow, Oakland; Caitlyn Denico, Vassalboro; Bri Dowling, Chelsea; Bella Dunn, Winthrop; John Ellis, Hallowell; Erika Engstrom, Augusta; Abbie Fielding, Augusta; Sage Fortin, Augusta; Morgan Fortin, Vassalboro; Jemima George, Hallowell; Spencer Gibson, Oakland; Zoe Gottlieb, Mount Vernon; Destiney Graham, Hallowell; Megan Grenier, Sidney; Selina Grivois, Clinton; Luna Grosborne, Hallowell; Faustine Hakizimana, Hallowell; Jacob Hanscom, South China; Nikita Hart, Waterville; Natasha Heath, Winthrop; Noah Hickman, Hallowell; Landen Huff, Hallowell; Christopher Jamison, Randolph; Bobby Johnson, Manchester; Caleb Kalel, Hallowell; Osra Kharoti, Augusta; Sydney King, Belgrade; Geoffrey King, Gardiner; Luke Kramer, Belgrade; Lexi Kramer, Sidney; Meadow Laflamme, Vassalboro; Emma Le Teuff, Hallowell; Devyn Lee, Hallowell; Jason Linneken, Augusta; Jordan Linscott, Windsor; Marie Lough, Wayne; Eamon MacDonald, Hallowell; Maleah Manson, Gardiner; Emma McCutcheon, Augusta; Collin McGuire, Manchester; Michael McLaughlin, Belgrade; Grace Meikle, Waterville; Izabella Milbury, Augusta; Isaac Misner-Elias, Benton; Isabella Moody, Augusta; Alejandra Moya, Augusta; Lynsey Nava, Oakland; John Nawfel, Hallowell; Ben Ouellette, Winthrop; Ezra Padgett, Windsor; Madison Paradis, Winthrop; Annaliese Patterson, Hallowell; Jade Philip, Farmingdale; Sara Qamar, Augusta; Jed Rampulla, Gardiner; Joe Reithofer, Randolph; Sara Rice, Hallowell; Mackenzie Roberts, Clinton; Zach Rollins, Hallowell; Lindsay Romanica, Augusta; Sierra Samowitz-Bellows, Augusta; Kassidy Sienko, Gardiner; Brittany St Amand, Pittston; Josh Stover, Augusta; Jaqui Swanson, Benton; Colby Taylor, Oakland; Sammy Thornton, Hallowell; Tyson Tibbetts, Augusta; Melissa Weymouth, Augusta; Vanessa Wharton, Augusta; Allen White, Winslow; Jess Wiggin, Benton; Kat Wood, Oakland; David Young, Augusta; Pelle Ziervogel, Hallowell.

Lincoln County:

Kat Aitken, Whitefield; Kayden Ames, Southport; Aleesha Boyer, Dresden; Fantaysha Gross, Wiscasset; Kayla Guenard, Whitefield; Mya Hall, Waldoboro; Anna Harrigan, Waldoboro; Kayla Hodgkins, Whitefield; Samantha Lewis, Dresden; Maggie Marseglia, Dresden; Joanna Montgomery, Waldoboro; Blake Morrison, Somerville; Lexi Stephens, Waldoboro; Daniel Vannah, Waldoboro.

Somerset County:

Sharyn Atwater, Skowhegan; Alonna Battis, Fairfield; Austin Bois, Fairfield; Rita Collins, Skowhegan; Skyla Dean, Pittsfield; Jasminne Drouin, Fairfield; Kirsty Green, Hartland; Alison Griffeth, Madison; Alaina Hall, Fairfield; Makayla Hayden, Madison; Alicen Higgins, Fairfield; Kassandra Lewis, Fairfield; Victoria Lewis, Fairfield; Haleigh Mclain, Fairfield; Lexi Moran, Fairfield; Breanna Sherburne, Fairfield; Abbie Stevens, Detroit; Payson Washburn, Skowhegan; Amanda Welch, Cornville; Mara Wilbur, Cambridge.

Waldo County:

Gabby Allen, Palermo; Brenna Audet, Palermo; Laura Seaton, Searsport.

Fall 2024 Full-Time Dean’s List

Kennebec County:

Ihsan Abdalnabi, Hallowell; Camille Arkas, Randolph; Lacey Arp, Windsor; Elsbeth Bates, Litchfield; Alivia Bennett, Augusta; Tristan Bieling, Augusta; Cash Bizier, Oakland; Holly Blackwood, Augusta; Lia Brann, Oakland; Aiden Breau, Winthrop; Benjamin Brown, Hallowell; Savannah Brown, West Gardiner; Jade Brusoe, Augusta; Joseph Burk, Windsor; Brandon Carter, Randolph; Michael Chalmers, Fayette; Miranda Charest, Manchester; Drew Cherkis, Winslow; Alex Clark, Readfield; Eric Collins, Gardiner; Nathan Corey, Waterville; Lillian Cox, Hallowell; Lynn Danforth, Gardiner; Jevon Daniels, Chelsea; Julia Davidson, Oakland; Haley Dehahn, North Monmouth; Ben DeMerchant, Waterville; Owen Henry Dickey, Augusta; Gail Dietz-Sola, Augusta; Haley Dionne, Winthrop; Ian Dowling, Chelsea; Paige Dudley, Sidney; Victoria Evans, Winslow; Alec Flotten, Hallowell; Jasmine Fox, Winslow; Gabriel Froude, Hallowell; Matthew Gallant, Augusta; Phoenix Gatlin, Waterville; Jacob Genest, Winslow; Kevin Glazier, Augusta; Kara Greene, Waterville; Karissa Heath, Pittston; Levi Hooper, Augusta; Dalton Hughey, Winslow; Janeille Isaacs, Hallowell; Kaylee Jones, Manchester; Sequora Kelley, Augusta; Bashar Khalaf, Augusta; Abbigail Kolreg, Oakland; Lauren L’Heureux, Augusta; Laney Ladner, South Gardiner; Travis Letourneau, Winslow; Tyler Lewandowski, North Monmouth; Blair MacDonald, Hallowell; Rachelle Marable, Windsor; Jessie Mayberry, Chelsea; Sarah Melden, Readfield; Samantha Merrill, Augusta; Amy Michaud, Manchester; Peyton Morris, Augusta; Branden Murray, Oakland; Amber Nethers, Waterville; Karysta Nickless, Belgrade; Anna Norris, South China; Aidan Norton, Hallowell; Melissa Norwood, Manchester; Sullivan O’Keeffe, Waterville; Andrea Patrick, Hallowell; Emily Pellerin, Oakland; Sabrina Poulin, Augusta; CortneyLeah Real, Pittston; Mikayla Rioux, Winslow; Liam Robson, Gardiner; Patrick Rodgers, Randolph; Taylor Rodriguez, Winslow; Katelyn Rollins, Pittston; Dayton Schlosberg, Augusta; Kaite Sechrist, Manchester; Olivia Servidio, Hallowell; Raphael Seveleder, Hallowell; Kevon Sharples, Sidney; Raquel Shaw, Hallowell; Gabrielle Sienko, Sidney; Jovan Sisovic, Augusta; Atticus Sookma, Augusta; Cameron Souther, Gardiner; Kiana Spaulding, Hallowell; Alyssa Steiner, Sidney; Tarah Strother, Manchester; Kaitlyn Theberge, Farmingdale; Amelia Theriault, Manchester; Liz Thibeault, Hallowell; Anthony Tompkins, Waterville; Terri-Jean Wilkinson, Waterville; Chloe Wilson, Winthrop; Gabe Withee, Augusta; Erica Wright, Benton; Dylan Yakimchick, Waterville.

Lincoln County:

Ammie Aitken, Whitefield; Stacey Carr, Jefferson; Rohan Glendinning, South Bristol; Krystal Hisler, Whitefield; Arthur Krenzel, Wiscasset; Jessica Lando, Jefferson; Allison Mank, Nobleboro; Madalyn Mercer, Nobleboro; Dylan Orr, Wiscasset; Brady Parsons, Bristol; Nathalie Paulino, Edgecomb; Draco Peaslee, Boothbay Harbor; Jasmine Rego, Alna; Jade Rego, Newcastle; Kristin Rivas, Wiscasset; Hannah Roberts, Boothbay; Jessica Severson, Waldoboro; Brooke Thayer, Whitefield.

Somerset County:

Katelynn Babine, Ripley; Jessika Bateman, Ripley; Rosadee Bouley, Fairfield; Meaddoe Brown, Fairfield; Ashley Getchell, Norridgewock; Cade Goodell, Canaan; Alysha Hassele, Canaan; Olivia Hatch, Cornville; Molly Hay, Athens; Katelyn Holt, New Portland; Jade Hurley, Mercer; Tasha Jencks-Ayres, Madison; Angela Jenson, Hartland; Emma Junkins, New Portland; Mya Kelsea, Skowhegan; Abigail Linkletter, Athens; Arabel Linkletter, Athens; Kloe McEachirn, Palmyra; Savanna Michaud, Cornville; Megan Muller, Saint Albans; Isabelle Picard, Pittsfield; Maize Post, Madison; Brianna Poulin, Norridgewock; Josh Smith, Cornville; Doug Souza, Pittsfield; Ethan Staples, Skowhegan; Alivia Ward, Pittsfield; Parker White, Norridgewock.

Winter greetings from SymmeTree Arborist

Gosh it feels nice to have a protective and insulative layer of snow on the ground. We hope you have been staying safe and warm during these winter months.

This time of year, cozied up by our woodstoves or taking long walks through the woods, we begin to remember the cold season of trees and the transformations they, too, experience. Soon the Maples will run their sap. It’s this coming time of winter: cold nights and warming days, we’ll begin to prune our orchard trees. It’s nice to have some sun and warmth for this annual task, which takes place before winter ceases.

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving our Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Please reach out to schedule a free estimate, or be in touch if Galen has pruned your trees before and they are in need of another haircut this winter. We’ll put you on the schedule!

Benefits of Fruit Tree Pruning According to FEDCO:

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving the Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Once your fruit tree begins to bear you will want to prune annually.

Most pruning should be done in late winter or early spring.

Good pruning brings sunlight to all parts of your tree. Maximum sunlight encourages more and higher-quality fruit. Sunlight also encourages fruit buds to form for next year’s crop.

A well-pruned tree will produce larger fruit and will tend toward more annual bearing.

Good pruning discourages fungal diseases and promotes greater spray penetration.

There’s an old saying that a bird should be able to fly through your fruit tree.

You can call or text us at: 207-458-7283 or respond to this email: office@symmetreearborists.me.

EVENTS: Shakespearean Homeschoolers to present “The Merry Wives of Windsor” this weekend

Micah Wolf left, and Mary Herman. (photo by Aurie Maxwell)

by Abigail Maxwell

This year the Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (S.M.A.S.H.) is performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. This uproarious comedy revolves around Sir John Falstaff (played by Isla Granholm) in his hopes to woo, and win the money of, Mistress Ford (played by Micah Wolf) and Mistress Page (played by Mary Herman), the aforementioned wives of Windsor. Disgusted with his advances and completely aware that he is trying the same trick on them both, the two wives resolve to make him pay by Mistress Ford leading him on only to humiliate him.

Woven in the midst of that, Mistress Page’s daughter Anne Page (played by Rachel Maxwell) is being courted by three men, one of whom her father approves, one of whom her mother approves, and the one she truly loves. Each party involved has their own scheme and all plan around each other, trying to get the outcome they want. While a theme of revenge drives the plot, it is all harmless in the end.

The larger than life characters will have you laughing the entire play, from the smallest servant boy to the background characters who never speak.

This is something you will only get here. Theatre is about shared experience. When you go to the movies you are watching a film in a space with others but you are watching in isolation. When the actors are living the story right in front of you there is a connection that you can feel, between the actors on stage, between the individual and collective audience members, and between the actors and the audience. However, when watching this play there is more shared experience for me that makes my review a biased one. I was part of S.M.A.S.H. for six years, up until I left for college. I have younger siblings still in the program. Cumston Hall is a precious space for me, which holds memories that shaped who I’ve become. When you go and watch this play, you are not only in for a hilarious and wonderful experience but you’re supporting and witnessing the moments that are crafting the next generation.

There is much I could tell you about the power of theatre to train and educate people of all ages the invaluable skills of clear communication (yes, even in Shakespeare. Believe it or not), how to operate in a high stress environment, the importance and awareness of how you carry yourself, and how to work well with others. But I won’t bore you with the intricacies of my B.A. in Theatre Arts.

Instead, I will ask you to come see what 36 young kids between the ages of 6 – 18 are capable of and you can judge for yourself the skills which they have learned.

There are two performances left 6:30 p.m., on February 14, and 2 p.m., on February 15, at Cumston Hall: 796 Main Street, in Monmouth. Tickets can be bought online (smashmaine.jimdofree.com) or at the door.

AARP Maine Vital Voices survey highlights needs and concerns of older Maine residents

In an ongoing effort to better understand the needs and attitudes of older residents in the state, in 2024 AARP Maine conducted a Vital Voices survey with 708 Maine residents aged 45 and older. Conducted tri-annually, the survey data highlights older Mainers’ interests and concerns, assesses awareness on select topics, and signals advocacy and outreach priorities for the state office. The 2024 Vital Voices survey included issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and housing.

“AARP Maine is dedicated to improving the lives of Mainers aged 50 and older, as well as their families,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “Through state-specific surveys such as Vital Voices, we gain valuable insights into the needs and desires of older adults in Maine. Our research bolsters our efforts to advocate for fair utility rates, seek support for Maine’s family caregivers and provide resources on health and retirement security.”

Results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey include the following:

Caregiving is a pressing issue for Maine adults 45-plus according to the survey:

Seventy percent are currently providing care to a loved one or have done so in the past.

Eighty-seven percent say it is extremely or very important to be able to stay in their own home as they get older.

Twenty-seven percent say that it is extremely or very likely that they will provide care on an unpaid basis to an adult loved one in the future.

Eighty-five percent of current or past caregivers said that they spend their own money on transportation, medical devices, direct care or home modifications, to help care for a loved one.

“Maine is home to 166,000 family caregivers, which is 12 percent of the state’s total population,” explains Bonam. “With the average caregiver spending over $7,000 out-of-pocket each year to care for a loved one, we know that this issue is of paramount importance in the state with the oldest population.”

Earlier this month, AARP Maine announced its 2025 Legislative Priorities, noting that Maine lawmakers have an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact for Maine’s family caregivers by codifying Maine’s Respite for ME program. Launched in the fall of 2022 and funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Act, the Respite for ME pilot program provided eligible family caregivers with grants that enabled caregivers to access services such as respite care, assistive technology and other resources. AARP Maine calls on our lawmakers to work together to reinstate the Respite for ME program since the pilot program ended in the fall of 2024.

Utility costs are a concern for older Mainers:

Eighty-one percent say that an increase in electricity bills would be a problem.

Only 20 percent (one in five) Maine residents say their elected officials are doing enough to keep electricity affordable.

Sixty-seven percent have seen their electricity bill go up in the past 12 months.

“High utility rates, coupled with rising housing, food, and medicine expenses, force many vulnerable, older adults to make tough choices,” said Bonam. “Mainers need more consumer protections, and AARP Maine is committed to ensuring that all Mainers have access to fair and reasonable electric rates. Any discussion of rate changes must be transparent and allow for public engagement.”

AARP Maine will continue working to address current laws that cause undue burdens to electricity customers. Any costs, particularly those covering government subsidies which are transferred to ratepayers, should be re-evaluated and restructured in a fair and reasonable manner.

Financial security in retirement is on the minds of survey respondents:

Eighty-one percent believe having enough income or savings to retire is extremely or very important.

Eighty-nine percent say having adequate Social Security benefits is extremely or very important.

Ninety-one percent feel that having financial security throughout their lives is extremely or very important.

“We know that Mainers 50-plus continue to experience financial strain whether they are working or already retired,” said Bonam. “It is critical that both elected and appointed leaders work to address these important issues that affect Mainers 50-plus and their families.”

To read the complete results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey, click here for the chartbook and overview.

“AARP’s research highlights older Mainers’ voices at a moment when they need to be heard,” said Bonam. “AARP is listening, and we’ll use these findings to inform our work and help older Mainers and their families access important tools, resources and engagement opportunities as they age.”

To learn more about AARP and our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on social media @aarpmaine.

To review complete results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey, click here.

Methodology

The Vital Voices survey of 708 Maine residents age 45 and older was conducted between July 17, 2024 and July 28, 2024. All data have been weighted by age, gender, and race/ethnicity according to 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates. Survey results have a 3.7 percent margin of error.

SNHU announces Fall 2024 president’s list

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2024 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Ascher ter Kuile, of Vassalboro, Rebecca Cherish, Blake Laweryson, of North Anson, River Garling, of Madison, Zachary Eggen, of LIBERTY, Allison Nickerson, of Fairfield, Jacob Colson, of Albion, Sierra Winson, of Winslow, Andre Coachman, of Waterville, Joseph Slater of Winslow, Duncan Sawyer, of Waterville, Oase Erkamp, of Waterville, Trevor Lovely, of Winslow, Andrew Cronk, of China, Jennifer Anastasio, of Jefferson, Jaimie Thomas, of Sidney, Krista Neal, of Augusta, Ivette Hernandez Cortez, of Augusta, Krista Knight, of Augusta, Kristopher Mank, of Augusta, and Jamison Bragdon, of Augusta.